Notebook: Maddux takes Cy Young career to San Diego
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Greg Maddux and the San Diego Padres have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $16.5 million that, with incentives, could be worth as much as $20 million if Maddux pitches at least 180 innings for the Padres this summer, CBS SportsLine.com has learned.
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| Maddux doesn't have to trot far to find a new gig. (Getty Images) |
Escalating incentive clauses lock the four-time Cy Young winner in at $8 million for 2008 if he pitches at least 160 innings in '07, $9 million if he works 170 innings in '07 and $10 million if he crosses the 180 innings-pitched threshold.
Though Maddux doesn't pitch nearly as deeply into games as he once did, his presence will help solidify the Padres' rotation both in terms of talent and support. Not only will Maddux join Jake Peavy, Chris Young and Clay Hensley in the rotation, but the Padres view the legend as a mentor who will help the young pitchers mature and learn.
Maddux, who will turn 41 on April 14, went 15-14 with a 4.20 ERA last season while splitting time between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.
He owns a home in Southern California and wanted to finish his career there. The Dodgers were talking with Maddux's agent, Scott Boras, as well but appeared to drop out of the bidding by early Tuesday. Ned Colletti, Los Angeles general manager, indicated at midday Tuesday that the two sides were far apart.
By Tuesday evening, the Padres had all but officially wrapped up the deal.
In other developments at Disney:
• Oakland moved closer to signing Mike Piazza to serve as the Athletics' designated hitter. Texas was still involved, according to one source with knowledge of the negotiations, but Piazza could sign with the Athletics as early as Wednesday or Thursday.
• Seattle has jumped in heavy on free-agent pitcher Barry Zito, joining the New York Mets and Texas, among others, as serious suitors. Agent Scott Boras said he has scheduled meetings with several clubs regarding Zito, noting that he was up negotiating on a variety of issues until 4 a.m. Tuesday and expected to be up working until 4 a.m. Wednesday as well. "With Zito, a couple of clubs have been very, very aggressive," Boras said. "It's been quick-moving. And a couple of clubs are thinking that the process may be longer than it actually is right now."
• Though many are skeptical that Zito actually will sign with Texas given the fact that the Rangers' Ameriquest Field is so hitter friendly, Boras cautioned against discounting the Rangers. "Players who play in the American League West come to town and see Arlington, and they don't go to Dallas," said Boras, who, with Zito, traveled there to meet with Rangers owner Tom Hicks a couple of weeks ago. "Tom Hicks has a recruiting style that is one of the best. He's very good, and it enlightens players. He shows them parts of Dallas, cosmopolitan parts that you don't think exist in Texas. Players all come away saying, 'I didn't realize Texas could be such cosmopolitan place.'"
• Baltimore, St. Louis and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in on outfielder Luis Gonzalez, apparently in that order. Gonzalez would love to remain in the NL West and sign with the Dodgers, but if he is to do that, the Dodgers are going to have to become more interested than they are now. Maybe they will, now that the Manny Ramirez talks between the Red Sox and Dodgers appear to be history.
• One-time closer extraordinaire Eric Gagne is progressing following surgery to repair nerve damage in his right arm, throwing from flat ground at 45 feet en route toward returning to the mound. Several clubs have contacted agent Scott Boras about Gagne. The primary players for now are the Dodgers, Texas, Boston and Cleveland.
