Is Greg Maddux a possibility?

If you had asked me just a week or two ago if the Phillies had any shot of getting Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres, my answer would have been 'no chance in hell.'

But in an article on MLB.com by Mark Bowman, Maddux has hinted that retirement after the 2008 season is 'a strong possibility.'

Maddux made no secret that he would likely approve a trade to the Braves, if Atlanta came calling, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers, because of the proximity to San Diego.

But the Braves and Dodgers are both unlikely suitors, as the Braves are committed to developing new pitchers and not looking to buy at the deadline, and the Dodgers are already loaded with pitching.

In terms of Maddux's former team, the Chicago Cubs, the addition of Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin in a recent trade all but ended any interest they may have had in him. Cross off the Milwaukee Brewers, with their recent addition of C.C. Sabathia, as well.

So, Maddux has a bit of a dilemma on his hand.

As best as I can figure, there would only really be three potential suitors for the Las Vegas native; the Phillies, the Cardinals, and the Yankees.

Maddux has not been shy about the fact that he's very picky about where he wants to pitch. It has as much to do with convenience for him and his family, and how he likes the area, and the lifestyle of where he's going to pitch.

Maddux is also reported to be a very laid back, 'West Coast' type of guy, which made him a perfect fit for places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta (perhaps the most laid back fans on the East Coast).

That's certainly not the vibe of Philadelphia or New York.

All that considered, though, we're talking about a two month rental for a guy who's likely to retire, and a chance for him to possibly take one last stab at a World Series.

Maddux has no ties to Philadelphia, St. Louis, or New York. His family and friend ties on the West Coast, and in Atlanta, would be far away from either of those destinations.

I'd still say it's most likely that Maddux stays in San Diego and finishes out the season there. But, it has to be a tantalizing proposition to take that one last shot, if he really is considering retirement.

In terms of sizing up his chances, Philadelphia may give Maddux his best shot. He'd have a powerful offense behind him, and the inside track to the playoffs, whereas the Yankees and Cardinals both have a dogfight on their hands in both their divisions.


Maddux is 3-8 with a 3.90 ERA in 20 starts this season. He's thrown 120 innings, striking out just 59, but also only walking just 24.

If there's an alarming trend for a team that may be interested in his services, it's that in 11 starts at Petco Park in San Diego, he has a 2.51 ERA. In nine starts on the road, his ERA is 5.71.