Bobby Cox wants Maddux as spring training instructor

[Kingdom]

This is just the first step to the inevitable scenario that Greg Maddux becomes either a team's pitching coach, bench coach, or manager. It should not surprise anyone.


ATLANTA -- Manager Bobby Cox and Greg Maddux have mutual interest in Maddux serving as an instructor for the Atlanta Braves in spring training next year.

"We've talked to him about that," Cox said Saturday, one day after Maddux had his No. 31 retired by the Braves. Maddux also was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame on Friday.
After the induction ceremony, Maddux said he was enjoying his first year away from the game. He said he didn't miss baseball as much as he expected, and that he has filled the void by spending more time with his family.
Maddux also said he enjoyed serving as a guest instructor for the San Diego Padres in spring training this year in Arizona, near his Las Vegas home.
"I was glad I had the chance to do it. I enjoyed doing it," Maddux said.
When asked how he would respond if asked about a similar opportunity to work with Cox, Maddux said, "I would 100 percent think about it. I would absolutely think about it."
Cox said he would welcome Maddux in any role "for as long as he wants to do it."
Cox said he realizes it may be easier for Maddux to make the short trip to Arizona than the longer flight to the Braves' spring training site in Kissimmee, Fla., when his children are in school in Las Vegas.
Maddux said he wants to allow one full season to pass so he can better evaluate his desire to return to the game as a coach.
"If anybody loves the game more than Maddux, I'd like to meet him," Cox said.
Maddux and his 12-year-old son, Chase, each threw out the first pitch before the Braves' game against the New York Mets on Friday night. Maddux's 15-year-old daughter, Paige, also attended the game.
Maddux has been watching his son's baseball games. Cox said Maddux also said he has enjoyed playing golf regularly with his son.
"I'm enjoying it right now," Maddux said of his retirement. "I really, kind of surprisingly, don't miss it as much as I thought I would, which is a good thing. I'm enjoying being home.
"I think I still consider myself a baseball player and it's still the offseason. I guess I've got to get over that. I'm enjoying going to my kids' games."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

[ljshorty89]

Well, who wouldn't want Greg Maddux as a spring training instructor for their pitchers?

[General]

Bring the Mad Dog back home.

[realmofotalk]

Is Leo Mazzone not available?

[DravenX]

I woud love to have maddux as a coach in some way. I was hoping he might be a coach one day for the Braves.

[ljshorty89]

He's pretty much been experiencing being a coach for the past couple seasons. I think he'd be a good pitching coach, or instructor or something. Good for the Braves to honor their past. Just like I'd love to see Mike Piazza come back as an instructor for the Mets...but I'm not sure what kind of role he'd take....