Greg Maddux started his MLB career with the Chicago Cubs and many thought in the twilight of his career, he was going to retire with the Cubs.  Guess not.  The Cubs sent Maddux out west to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who sent back SS Cesar Izturis.  Maddux needed to waive a no-trade clause and gladly did because it would help the Cubs future.  Whether or not the trade helps the Cubs, is something that is yet to be determined.  But how will it affect Maddux and the Dodgers?

Maddux takes his Hall of Fame pedigree to a team in last place in the N.L. West, but we are talking about the N.L. West here and the Dodgers are only five games back from first.  Getting Maddux, his experience, and winning attitude could help boost the Dodgers upward.  The trade could also help young Dodgers pitchers, such as Chad Billingsley, as Maddux would be able to dispense the inordinate amount of wisdom that he owns.

With the opportunity to play in the postseason, especially with the Dodgers acquisition of SS Julio Lugo, Maddux could get the chance to shine once again as he did for over a decade with the Atlanta Braves.  The Dodgers offense is good enough to get them to the postseason, especially if 2B Jeff Kent and 1B Nomar Garciaparra can get and stay healthy.  Their pitching staff is solid with Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, and Aaron Sele being excellent veterans at the front of the rotation.  The addition of Maddux should help.

It was hard to see Maddux regress in the past year and a half of his tenure with the Cubs and to see his streak of 17 straight seasons with at least 15 or more wins snapped last year.  I almost refuse to believe that Maddux is 40 years old as I witnessed that great run of his during the 1990’s.  Maybe I’m just getting old, but I’m rooting for Maddux to find his youth again with the Dodgers.  And if there’s any town that can make you feel young again, it’s Los Angeles.