CHICAGO – What amounted to a “no comment” by Greg Maddux has become a major story here.
When the 42-year-old pitcher was asked Monday if this is his last visit to Wrigley Field, he responded, “Could be, who knows?”
Which led to media speculation that this could be Maddux's last season, just as there was speculation last week that Maddux might prefer to be with a winning team later in the season if the Padres don't improve.
“I don't have any control over the future, so I can't really look into it . . . who knows?” Maddux said yesterday.
As for the Padres . . .
“Everyone thinks you have to win to enjoy it,” Maddux said. “Winning makes you enjoy it more. I love playing in San Diego. It's the perfect situation for me . . . an hour from home. I've been trying to get here since 1992.
“Am I thinking about what happens in July or August or next year? I'm worried about Thursday (when he is to start against the Cubs).”
Maddux has remained mum on his future plans, even with the Padres front office.
But pitching coach Darren Balsley believes Maddux has many more wins in him.
“I think his future is open-ended,” Balsley said. “I think he can pitch and win as long as he wants to. His command and movement are a great recipe to get hitters out.
“It's hard to put into words how mentally tough he is. His baseball IQ is off the charts. And his coordination as an athlete . . . . He's not just a great pitcher, he's a great baseball player.”
Maddux started his major league career with the Cubs in 1986, when he was 20. About the only insight he has offered about his future is a coy laugh at the mention of 400 wins.
“I enjoy playing this game,” said Maddux, who has 350 victories. “I want to keep pitching good enough to have a job. If you're not pitching good they're going to fire you. The longer you play the more you enjoy it . . . and the more you know how to enjoy it.”
Padres history
Edgar Gonzalez got his first major league start last night, at third base.
With Adrian Gonzalez at first, it marked the first time brothers had started in the Padres infield in the same game.
The last time brothers started in the same game in the majors was on Sept. 27, 1998, when Cincinnati had an infield of Barry Larkin (short) and Stephen Larkin (first), and Bret Boone (second) and Aaron Boone (third).
Last night did not go exactly the way the Gonzalezes hoped. Edgar failed to field the first ball hit his way, resulting in an unearned run.
Miscellany
Mark Prior is flying to Birmingham, Ala., today with copies of an MRI exam taken Monday for a consultation with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Tony Clark arrived during last night's game after missing Monday's game following his grandmother's death in Omaha, Neb.
Bill Center: (619) 293-1851; bill.center@uniontrib.com
