1/09/2004 02:40:00 PM by Rob

MADDUX TALKS WITH CUBS STALLED OVER...GOLF?

BY LANCE AMULET, AP SPORTS WRITER

PHOENIX: Cy Young award-winning pitcher Greg Maddux, through his representative, agent Scott Boras, confirmed today that he has in fact had contact with the Chicago Cubs about the possibility of rejoining them for what will certainly be seen as the end of a long, meritorious career. Maddux is looking for an arrangement similar to what the Houston Astros are reportedly promising to future Hall Of Famer Roger Clemens in order to pitch for them.

Reportedly, Maddux would be willing to forego his full market value, which could be as much as $11M annually, in exchange for a number of perks. Many of them, such as ground transportation in Chicago, several in-season flights for his family from their Las Vegas offseason home, and membership in several exclusive Chicago area golf clubs, do not present a problem to Cubs management.

According to Boras, speaking by cell phone from the golf course at Gainey Ranch in suburban Scottsdale, where he was playing a round with his 20-game winning client, the hangup lies in a proposed alternative work schedule for Maddux. "Since (Maddux) would pitch every fifth day, that means that he would only be expected to appear in every other series. Most starting pitchers use that time to chart pitches by other starters, and to engage in film study of their next opponent. However, (Maddux) knows the hitters in the NL better than anyone pitching today. He does not need to be present for every series the Cubs play. Furthermore, he also has a state-of-the-art video viewing studio in his home which would allow him to study other teams' tendencies just in case."

Boras reportedly suggested to Cubs management that Maddux be allowed to go back home to Nevada on the off series, at his own expense, to spend time with his family and take care of family business. Like golf, Boras was asked? "His family likes to golf with him. That qualifies as quality time in the Maddux family," Boras replied.

Cubs management is reported to have initially balked at the suggestion. It has been theorized by many in the media that Maddux would be just as valuable on the days he is in the bullpen as he would be on pitching days, providing leadership and pitching tips to the bevy of young Cub arms, such as Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Matt Clement.

"There will be plenty of time for male bonding," Boras added, "but (Maddux) is at the point in his life where he would like to see his kids grow up. Quite possibly, other teams, certainly on the West Coast, may agree."

Talks are said to be ongoing.

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