Mike Maddux to the Twins?
The Minnesota Twins are still in the midst of their managerial search, and as decided as it may be, nothing official has been announced. However, as a new manager takes over for Ron Gardenhire, the first set of decisions to be made will include filling out the coaching staff. Mike Maddux is a name that should be at the top of the list.
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Should you have forgotten, there were some definite positives in 2014, depsite another 90 loss campaign. The Twins scored more runs than the AL East winning Baltimore Orioles, unfortunately, they also gave up more…a lot more.
Pitching will always be a focal point of every major league ball club. Love him or hate him, Rick Anderson had good times in Minnesota. However, he will not be back this coming season. With the departure of Anderson, a vacancy has been lift in the pitching coach position. Enter Mike Maddux.
Currently the Texas Rangers pitching coach, Maddux has his status somewhat up in the air as Texas has also made a managerial change this offseason after Ron Washington left the team. At the position, there are few better. Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press says it best:
Have a hard time believing #Rangers won't retain Mike Maddux as pitching coach, but if he moves on #MNTwins should do whatever it takes
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) October 22, 2014
Maddux played in the big leagues for 15 years. You may be familiar with his younger brother, four-time Cy Young Award Winner Greg Maddux. He has been a pitching coach for the Brewers as well as the Rangers, and was considered in the running for the Cubs new manager in 2011.
Maddux is one of the brightest pitching minds the game of baseball has likely ever seen. He brings a different style than that of Rick Anderson, and the Twins could benefit from a fresh approach.
As Berardino mentions, it would be hard to fathom that Texas doesn’t bring Maddux back, but if they fail to do the smart thing, the Twins should make them pay. Looking at possible returning coaches to the Twins staff this season, it would appear that Terry Steinbach would be a safe bet.
Expect the coaching staff to be rounded out following the announcement of the next manager of your Minnesota Twins.