Maddux interested in instructing
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 a 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, threw out ceremonial first pitches before the Braves’ game 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.”
Sheffield feels better
Gary Sheffield says his sore right hamstring feels better and should not keep him out of the New York Mets’ lineup very long. He did not start Saturday’s game against Atlanta. Manager Jerry Manuel said Sheffield might be used as a pinch-hitter.
Sheffield left Friday night’s game with cramping in the hamstring.
Jeremy Reed replaced Sheffield in left field Friday night and started Saturday.
This story was originally published July 19, 2009 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Maddux interested in instructing."