Jays should go after Greg Maddux

[Mudd Stuffin]

Just heard on TSN that Maddux isn't attracting the kind of coin that he thinks he should (I agree). Said he is considering going to the Cubs for $6-7M per year.

I say go for it. Once this year is over, there's no more Carlos & his 19M per season. Bite the bullet for this year and you could have 1.Hallady & 1A. Maddux for the next 3 years.

 

[Ranger68]

I think Maddux has had it - just too many key indicators ballooning last year - HR, ERA - not enough CG, IP/start or K/IP. When pitchers get older, the key stat to watch is the number of strikeouts/inning - when that falls off too much, they just can't be effective anymore - as was evidenced by the whopping jump in his HR numbers. Don't get me wrong - it wasn't a _terrible_ year, but it wasn't great, and the trend-line for a pitcher of that age is heading right where you expect it would.

Now, on the other hand, both players and pitchers of his calibre can very often play effectively _well_ past their prime years. ... But, for a team with a somewhat limited payroll, it would be too much of a gamble to give him more than a year - just too many red flags ...

 

[pistol]

maddox

I agree with Ranger 68. The Brave, who have dumped a ton of payroll haven't shown much interest. You have to ask yourself why?
Ricchardi seems to have plan. Going with the kids and acquiring younger cheaper players. If one player goig to put us over the top, by all means, but with money spent by the Yanks and Bosox, we are not in that position.

 

[MuffinMuncher]

The Braves didnt show much interest at his asking price, which at the time was $10-$15 million per season depending on the source. His agent (Scott Boros I think) has him convinced that he can get that kind of per season salary, but the lack of interest in the market once the Braves refused arbitration indicates otherwise.

I agree with the prior analysis, and Maddux would be advised to take anything north of $5 million and play for a guaranteed winner who has the offense to protect his diminishing dominance.

 

[Goober Mcfly]

P.S. Teach them a lesson and boycott the play-offs if no agreement has been reached by april.

*cough*

A lot of these guys/girls are Leafs fans. They may have no choice in the matter....


</below the belt>

 

[aptenodytes]

I'm hoping that the Cubs get Maddux. If that happens, there's a chance (dunno how good) that the Tabbies (that's Tigers to the uninitiated) might just get Pudge Rodriguez. With a new SS and 2d baseman, they'll be much stronger up the middle.

 

[Bush League]

I agree with Ranger68. His numbers were way off last season. I wonder how much can be contributed to the Questec system. Maddux is a pitcher that likes to paint the corners. If he doesn't get those calls, he doesn't have much else. For the right money though, he would add to a rapidly improving pitching line up. So much has been said about the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles, but the Jays have quietly built a decent bullpen.

BL