Report: Maddux next on the Yankee list

[WebHamster]

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees, who finalized a blockbuster trade for Alex Rodriguez on Monday, are reportedly closing in on another future Hall of Fame player.

WABC-TV in New York cited a source as saying free agent pitcher Greg Maddux will sign with the Yankees later this week.

However, during a conference call earlier on Monday to discuss the Rodriguez deal, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the club is not interested in the veteran righthander.

"We are not involved with Greg Maddux," Cashman said during the call.

Maddux, who spent the previous 11 seasons with Atlanta, is the top free agent pitcher still on the market. He has reportedly been courted by San Francisco, Los Angeles and the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs reportedly made a two-year contract offer to the four-time Cy Young Award winner last week. Maddux began his career with Chicago before joining Atlanta as a free agent before the 1993 season.

The Yankees also tried to land Maddux as a free agent that off-season before he signed with the Braves.

Terms of a possible deal with New York were not reported on Monday, but a number of published reports in Chicago said the Cubs offered Maddux a deal in the range of $13 million to $15 million.

Last season, Maddux had a 16-11 mark and a 3.96 earned run average for the Braves.

In December 2002, the Braves offered Maddux arbitration and he got a one-year, $14.75 million contract. This time around, the Braves weren't willing to spend that kind of money for his services and Maddux is likely to take a hefty pay cut.

A second round draft choice in 1984 by the Cubs, Maddux will turn 38 in April. He will begin the 2004 season 11 wins shy of 300 for his career and has a lifetime mark of 289-163 with a 2.89 ERA.

Should he sign with New York, Maddux could become the second pitcher in as many years to earn his 300th win in Yankee pinstripes. Roger Clemens reached the coveted mark last June at Yankee Stadium against St. Louis.

[NY Yankees Fan 2004]

I am so glad he isn't on the Yankees. Who would want a 38 year old? I can't believe the cubs would spend that much money on him.

[YankeeRebel]

that is the worst thing ive ever read. Roger Clemens was 40 last year and still dominated.....Nolan ryan pitched into his late 40's...need i say more?

[DK]

Well, Maddux has been short of dominant in CHC so far. Maybe he's losing his touch.

I personally like Maddux. I hope he turns out well in CHC.

[Absolutely Adequate]

Like the Yankees needed another aging righty anyway.