Greg Maddux may prove to be the best trade deadline move of them all.
I've known Greg for more than 20 years going back to when we played against each other in the minor leagues. It's funny to hear people only talk about how professional he is. The Greg Maddux that I know has always been one of the most fun-loving, off-the-wall people that I've ever met. I only mean this in a good way.
When most teams are as boring as watching the paint dry, Greg will keeps things loose in L.A., as well as provide the Hall of Fame leadership that he is known for. For a player with four Cy Young's, 20 postseason series appearances and 15 Gold Gloves, and all his wins, the one thing I respect the most about Greg is that he has never taken himself too seriously.
When he was traded to L.A., everyone was like, "great, he can teach all these guys how to be like Greg Maddux." Please, there is only one Greg Maddux. And even Greg said, "I'm not here to coach, I'm here to pitch and win ball games for The Dodgers."
For Brad Penny, Derek Lowe and the other pitchers and position players to learn from him, is to have fun. Yes, give yourself every chance to succeed by being ready, but don't be a gloomy jerk like Jeff Kent, the man who has said he doesn't want to have any friends when he leaves baseball. Hey Jeff, I think you have that one covered.
Greg Maddux leads by example, but he also has a heck of a time playing the game too. This should be the best example of one of the greatest players ever to play baseball, being one of the best guys you'll ever meet.
Great job Ned Colletti.
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