I'm not a great fan of the Braves, but I am a fan of Greg Maddux. Three starts and he has been TORCHED in all three. Can he pull it back together and become the masterful pitcher he once was, or did he decide to extend his career too long? Is he hurt? Regardless, he has been an exceptional pitcher for a long time, if his run is over, at least he still has a great golf game.
I think the problem here is the fact that Maddux has never gone through a slump. How many pitchers have never had three abominibal starts in a row like this? If he's still getting beaten up for a few more weeks, then maybe it's a concern. If I'm the Braves, I'm already worried because the rest of my pitching staff is garbage.
I think he started slowly last year, but not this slowly. I guess I'm just wondering if the being hurt off and on last year is still affecting him. Maddux has always relied on good movement, good pitch location and craftiness to win games anyway. If he has lost his movement, then he's probably very hittable. I hope his problem is just mental, I've enjoyed his career.
Originally posted by TheCowI wonder if he's got some injury he's not telling anyone?
Either that or what Tomboy said. That's probably the reason Glavine's off to a rocky start, too.
Compared to Maddux, Glavine's been a superstar. He got rocked in his Mets debut, but he's pitched well in his two susequent starts; the bullpen blew his lead for him the other night, but he left the game with a 3-0 lead IIRC.
Wish I knew what to make of Maddux. I'm not quite ready to stick a fork in him, but I'm not choosing him for my ESPN league team anytime soon either.
Although Maddux's stats were good last year, he averaged less than 6 innings per start and did not have a single complete game. Might not mean anything, but it raises a red flag.
The following post expresses the opinions of a raving Jerichoholic. He is biased, opinionated and bitter. You have been warned.
I think it's time for Maddux to hang 'em up. If he doesn't turn it around by the end of May at the latest, I think the Braves'll have to do something with him, maybe put him in the bullpen.
The preceding post expressed the opinions of a raving Jerichoholic. He was biased, opinionated and bitter. You were warned.
"America may have some problems, but it's our home. Our team. And if you don't wanna root for your team...then you should get the hell out of the stadium. Go America." --Stan Marsh, South Park
Geez, I just realized it's been 10 years since my one and only time seeing Maddux pitch.
Picture it: Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta, 1993. Turner Field was a big mound o' dirt at this point. I'm on weekend leave from active duty at Fort Gordon (Augusta, GA), and end up sitting next to some sergeant from Ft. Gordon and his wife, making pleasant conversation while Tomahawk Chopping (TM).
Maddux pitches a beauty, David Justice lifts one to right center (which from the high seats in right looked REALLY wierd), and the Braves beat the Padres 2-1.
Ironically, that sergeant turned out to be one of my platoon's instructors as we progressed further in our communications training course. He claimed (in front of the platoon, natch) that the pleasant conversation was really me just "hitting on his wife." Man, did I catch hell for that one.
10 years ago...(sigh)
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy. . . THE THRILL NWA-ACW Home Video Technical Director...& A2NWO 4 Life!
Similar somewhat to the Thrill, I remeber about 10 years ago or so, getting to meet Maddux and get his autograph. I was in line, and about 5-6 people away from meeting Greg, and my shoe was untied. I bent down to tie it and my Mom goes, "Hurry up Mike, we're almost to Maddux!" Now, Greg saw this and heard this, and when I got up to meet him, he extended his hand forward and asked me "Hey Mike, how are you doing?" Hell of a nice guy, but to be 9-10ish, and have THE ace of the Braves and future hall of famer call this here HUGE Braves mark by my name. WOW, unforgetable memory. I can always look at the framed autograph and smile and remember him knowing my name. I also remeber when the Braves first got him from the Cubs and I doubted if he would be good, and of course he kicked their asses! Ahhh the good old days of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery.... Schuerholz's 4 aces.
Rorschach: "None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me."
Curt and Randy are doing almost as bad, and in all three of their cases run support isn't helping either. It could be something major, or it could be just a slow start aggravated by the rest of the teams trying to get their hits in while they can.