Post by Fish Troll on Nov 7, 2008 12:38:34 GMT -5
Agent: Maddux intends to retire
Future Hall of Famer 'rather definitive' about decision
By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com
DANA POINT, Calif. -- Dodgers right-hander Greg Maddux intends to retire from Major League Baseball, his agent, Scott Boras, said on Tuesday as the first official day of the General Managers Meetings began to wind down.
If it comes to pass, Maddux will go out with 355 career regular-season victories, one more than Roger Clemens, who hasn't officially retired but didn't pitch this past season as he dealt with various legal issues regarding his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"I talked to Greg at the end of the season, and he said at this point, his intentions are not to play next year," Boras told a group of writers gathered around him.
Boras was then asked if Maddux could change his mind before Spring Training opens in about 15 weeks.
"I don't know," Boras said. "I think he was rather definitive about his statement, and my belief from his point of view is that he will retire."
Maddux, 42, would finish his 23-year career with a 355-227 record and a 3.16 ERA, as compared to Clemens, who was 354-184 with a 3.12 ERA in 24 seasons. Maddux was 11-14 in 35 postseason games, including 30 starts, for the Braves, Cubs and Dodgers.
Unlike Clemens, who relied on a blistering fastball and later in his career a nasty splitter, Maddux worked the plate with offspeed pitches to offset a fastball that had much movement but little heat, especially during the past few seasons.
Maddux was best known for his 11 seasons from 1993-2003, pitching for the Braves and teaming with fellow ace starters Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. Smoltz had right shoulder surgery this past season, and Glavine recently had left elbow surgery. Both could be at the end of their careers, although neither has publicly said what he intends to do next season.
Hot Stove
If all three retire this offseason, they could be together again as part of the Hall of Fame class of 2014.
Maddux last pitched in Southern California, joining the Dodgers from the Cubs for the stretch run in 2006 before signing as a free agent with the Padres in '07. The Padres exercised their option and retained Maddux for 2008, but at the Trade Deadline, they asked him if he would move again and traded him back to the Dodgers.
Maddux was 8-13 with a 4.22 ERA for the two teams in a combined 33 starts this season. He was 2-4 with the Dodgers in seven starts after the trade and worked exclusively out of the bullpen in two postseason rounds. He made three appearances against the Cubs and the Phillies, allowing no runs on four hits in four innings.
Future Hall of Famer 'rather definitive' about decision
By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com
DANA POINT, Calif. -- Dodgers right-hander Greg Maddux intends to retire from Major League Baseball, his agent, Scott Boras, said on Tuesday as the first official day of the General Managers Meetings began to wind down.
If it comes to pass, Maddux will go out with 355 career regular-season victories, one more than Roger Clemens, who hasn't officially retired but didn't pitch this past season as he dealt with various legal issues regarding his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"I talked to Greg at the end of the season, and he said at this point, his intentions are not to play next year," Boras told a group of writers gathered around him.
Boras was then asked if Maddux could change his mind before Spring Training opens in about 15 weeks.
"I don't know," Boras said. "I think he was rather definitive about his statement, and my belief from his point of view is that he will retire."
Maddux, 42, would finish his 23-year career with a 355-227 record and a 3.16 ERA, as compared to Clemens, who was 354-184 with a 3.12 ERA in 24 seasons. Maddux was 11-14 in 35 postseason games, including 30 starts, for the Braves, Cubs and Dodgers.
Unlike Clemens, who relied on a blistering fastball and later in his career a nasty splitter, Maddux worked the plate with offspeed pitches to offset a fastball that had much movement but little heat, especially during the past few seasons.
Maddux was best known for his 11 seasons from 1993-2003, pitching for the Braves and teaming with fellow ace starters Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. Smoltz had right shoulder surgery this past season, and Glavine recently had left elbow surgery. Both could be at the end of their careers, although neither has publicly said what he intends to do next season.
Hot Stove
If all three retire this offseason, they could be together again as part of the Hall of Fame class of 2014.
Maddux last pitched in Southern California, joining the Dodgers from the Cubs for the stretch run in 2006 before signing as a free agent with the Padres in '07. The Padres exercised their option and retained Maddux for 2008, but at the Trade Deadline, they asked him if he would move again and traded him back to the Dodgers.
Maddux was 8-13 with a 4.22 ERA for the two teams in a combined 33 starts this season. He was 2-4 with the Dodgers in seven starts after the trade and worked exclusively out of the bullpen in two postseason rounds. He made three appearances against the Cubs and the Phillies, allowing no runs on four hits in four innings.
All 3 getting inducted to the HOF would be nice.
