Guest alkeiper Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Saw Greg Maddux "pitch" against the Phillies last night, where he got hammered yet again. So far he's 0-3, 14 2/3 IP, 6 BB, 14 Ks, and 6 HRs. That home run number is frightening, considering he only gave up 14 all of last season. Is Maddux struggling, injured, or is he just getting old? Oh yeah, go Phils! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mik at Cornell Report post Posted April 10, 2003 I don't know...I watched the game in which the Marlins jacked him for about 10 runs. Everything was up in the strike zone, and one pitch, he honestly missed his mark by a damn foot. The Braves announcers showed clips from the Phillies game and everything was up and off the mark then too. Not quite sure what the reason is, but for a guy who relies on control...if he doesn't have his pinpoint control...he's nothing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted April 10, 2003 I'm betting it's just Rust...He shouldn't worry...He'll be at 18-21 wins come October anyways... Likely feeling pressure of no Glavine or Millwood Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cartman Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Old Age. I would be IMPRESSED and SHOCKED if he got close to 17 wins this year. Face it, the Braves have run out of time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Face it, the Braves have run out of time. Last year they were pretty bad until May and ended up winning the division again so I wouldn't say they've run out of time just yet. Maddux is just going through a slump- nothing more nothing less. I'm not concerned yet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Maybe it can be attributed to the fact that he's not getting the foot-and-a-half outside strike... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest swan Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Age and time are no longer on his side. You can't throw that hard that long and not have your arm go. Nolan Ryan was just inhuman. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DrTom Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Since when has Maddux ever thrown hard? Hell, his fastball's topped out around 87 mph for most of his career. He's always relied on location, control, and changing speeds to get people out. The problem is, the backup ball that he throws isn't called a strike as often as it used to be. There's also the problem that hitters have gotten used to it, both from years of watching Maddux throw it and from seeing other guys throw the same type of pitch. They can lay off it when it's outside, and hammer it when it gets too much of the plate. It also looks like Maddux isn't hitting his spots very well, which is death for someone like him. If you can't throw the ball past people with velocity, you have to do it with misdirection and guile. If you can't do either, you have a big problem. I think he'll right himself with respect to his location and control, but this will not be a banner season for him. Look for around 13 wins and an ERA close to the league average. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted April 10, 2003 It's a contract year for Maddux so I assume he will shape up real soon. I'm worried about this injury to Paul Byrd- without him the rotation could be in real trouble Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest swan Report post Posted April 10, 2003 Since when has Maddux ever thrown hard? Hell, his fastball's topped out around 87 mph for most of his career. He's always relied on location, control, and changing speeds to get people out. That's not what I mean. He went balls out everytime he threw. Gave 100% Maybe the Cubs will be willing to resign him now, LOL! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mad Dog Report post Posted April 10, 2003 The Braves have taken 50 games to really get going the last few seasons. A few seasons ago it took them I think over 60 games to get above .500 and they still easily made the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted April 11, 2003 Whn you play with the Expos, Mets, Marlins and Phills...You don't need much to win the divison... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted April 11, 2003 Perhaps. But when you lose two of your 3 best pitchers to your division rivals, and one of them signs Jim Thome, the competition tends to heat up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted April 11, 2003 Most of his pitches are hanging... Maybe he's trying a different technique, or trying to find his schtick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Redhawk Report post Posted April 11, 2003 It's a contract year for Maddux so I assume he will shape up real soon. I'm thinking this might be a retirement year for Maddux. It seems to me like he's been around forever, but I'll admit I don't follow baseball that closely. How old is he? He's done everything he could -- he got his World Series ring, he's won a handful of Cy Youngs -- and depending on how old he is he might not get the fat contract that Glavine did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted April 11, 2003 He's not THAT old- He's been around since 1987 I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bravesfan Report post Posted April 11, 2003 Maddux is only 36 years old; he's pitched in the big leagues since 1986. (The ; seperates two different links.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted April 11, 2003 Greg Maddux's Stats baseball-reference.com. If you've never checked it out, its a must see for baseball fans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted April 11, 2003 Since when has Maddux ever thrown hard? Hell, his fastball's topped out around 87 mph for most of his career. He's always relied on location, control, and changing speeds to get people out. Actually Tom, Maddux threw it harder than most people thought. He was usually around 92 mph on his fastball. He either lost is location, or isn't getting the spots he once did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
