When Greg Maddux was a free agent with the Cubs after winning his first Cy Young Award, the Cubs didn’t offer him a contract (if I am remembering correctly). Cub fans were livid. The Yankees offered a huge amount, but Maddux took less money to sign with the Braves. Then at the end of his career the Braves didn’t offer Maddux a contract when his previous contract ran out. Maddux signed back with the Cubs, then bounced around to the Padres and Dodgers.
In his last season someone told Maddux in August that he’d walked 999 batters in his career. For the next two months Maddux did not walk a single batter, so finish with less than 1000 walks. Maddux has one of the lowest walk rates in MLB history.
Both the Braves and Cubs retired Maddux’ number 31. Not many players have their number retired by two teams. Hank Aaron’s number 44 was retired by the Braves and Brewers. The Cubs also retired 31 for Ferguson Jenkins as well.
Fried: other teams will pay almost double what the Braves will offer. Plus Fried is from Southern California like Freddie. Padres also have a lot of money to throw around, as do the Angels. You’d wish he’d find him a Georgia girl who would convince him to stay. Fried is a Hawks season ticket holder. Guess that won’t count for much. During the offseason and when interviewed Fried always says the right thing, not making demands in the press and threatening to leave. But he probably will. We shall see.
The good thing is that the Braves don’t burden themselves with huge contracts like the Mets and Yankees do. The Braves GM knows he might've made a mistake with Ozuna and doesn’t want that to happen again. Still Ozuna is ranked as one of the top 100 players in MLB. A year ago the Mets signed three older players to huge contracts, and two hurt (the third was traded). This year the Mets signed another injury-riddled player to big bucks. They’ll never learn.
The Braves signed several young players to long term contracts, all at below market value. They traded for oft injured Chris Sale, but the Red Sox are paying most of his salary.
If I were a player the team city location would be a big part of the decision making process. Both Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens were from Texas, and eventually signed with teams in their home state. Freddie Freeman wanted to play near family in Southern California. Matt Olson was happy to sign long term with his hometown Braves. Same with Michael Harris.
Back when I scored W and M’s baseball games I would make note of some of that exact same stuff. Great to look back at those scorebooks, which I of course still have. When W played basketball I would sit at the table and keep the book for the team. The coach loved my work, because I would note rebounds and assists as well as points. Also missed shots. Man I’d rather keep score any day than run the clock and scoreboard. Too much pressure!
GIL HODGES [SABR Bio] was the first player to lead the majors in sacrifice flies in the first year it became a recognized stat. He still holds the record more than a half century later, with 19 in 1954. Andre Dawson came closest in 1983 when he had 18 for the Expos. The Sacrifice Fly has a motley history. Gil’s cumulative time in the majors before leaving for military service was three plate appearances while playing third base. His first Game was 3-1/2 years before his 2nd. Hodges won the Gold Glove in the first year it was awarded, in 1957.
Shivonne went swimming.
Augusta National is opening a new entertainment venue outside their gates. A weekly pass costs $17,000.00.
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