Yesterday, new Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers was forthright in asserting that he’d like to bring Greg Maddux on board as the pitching coach for his new team, but the current special assistant to Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry says he’s staying with the Cubs.
Greg Maddux will be back with the Cubs in 2011 in the same capacity as an assistant to general manager Jim Hendry and be involved in scouting, coaching and player evaluation.
New D-backs general manager Kevin Towers told USA Today he’d like to hire the four-time Cy Young winner as Arizona’s next bench coach or pitching coach. Hendry said Thursday he spent part of the last two days with Maddux at Fitch Park in Mesa, Ariz., where he’s helping with the instructional league.
“Greg’s intent is to stay with the Cubs for 2011 and do exactly what he’s doing now,” Hendry said.
The two have had numerous conversations since Cubs manager Lou Piniella left, including discussions about Maddux joining the big league staff.
“[Towers’ comments] didn’t bother me because I knew what Greg was going to do,” Hendry said. “I don’t blame anybody for wanting Greg Maddux.” cubs.com.
Obviously down the road, Maddux is likely to get the itch to put a uniform back on and do something in the dugout. And whenever that day comes, he’ll probably have his choice of opportunities as one of the best baseball minds in the game. Until then, however, it’s good to know he’s in the Cubs’ organization.