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02/18/2004 1:53 AM ET
Report: Maddux signs with Cubs
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By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com |
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| Greg Maddux is the only pitcher in Major League history to win at least 15 games in 16 consecutive seasons. (John Bazemore/AP)
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MESA, Ariz. -- Pitchers and catchers report to the Cubs' Spring Training camp today at Fitch Park. And Greg Maddux might just be there.
The Associated Press reported late Tuesday night that the four-time Cy Young winner agreed with the Cubs on a two-year deal with a vesting option for a third year that could bring the total value of the contract to $24 million. Maddux would earn $7.5 million in each of the first two years of the deal, and the third year would be added if he were to meet certain performance goals in 2005.
The team has yet to confirm any signing, but GM Jim Hendry is to meet with the media at 11:30 a.m. CT to address the issue.
According to The AP, the deal is pending a physical, but Maddux, who turns 38 in April, is expected to report today with the rest of the Cubs pitchers and catchers.
The right-hander was the Cubs' second-round pick in the 1984 draft and won his first Cy Young award in Chicago in 1992 when he went 20-11 with a 2.18 ERA.
Greg Maddux
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The Cubs made their original offer to Maddux on Jan. 13, believed to be around $10 million for two years, and raised it over the weekend.
Maddux enters the season 11 wins shy of 300. He is the only pitcher in Major League history to win at least 15 games in 16 consecutive seasons. He is perfectly suited to Wrigley Field's thick grass.
Maddux would fit into a solid rotation. Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Matt Clement and Carlos Zambrano all return, each coming off seasons in which they each totaled 200-plus innings.
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Kerry Wood
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Wood was the Major League strikeout leader and Prior ranked second. This will be Prior's third big-league season, and he seems to get better each year. The young right-hander finished third in the National League Cy Young voting in 2003 after going 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in his sophomore season.
When pitchers report Wednesday, it'll be a chance for new faces LaTroy Hawkins and Kent Mercker to get to know their way around Fitch Park. The two veteran relievers join a bullpen that also boasts closer Joe Borowski, left-hander Mike Remlinger and right-hander Kyle Farnsworth.
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