When a team brings a former player back into the fold it is often done as a feel-good, public relations move – especially if that former player was once endeared by fans. I mean really, how are guys in their 60s, 70s and even 80s really going to teach today’s Millennials anything, right? Now this certainly isn’t to say that guys like Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, who might make one or two cameo appearances during spring training and might drop by Dodgers Stadium once in a while, or that the great Don Newcombe, who rarely misses a game at The Ravine, aren’t loved and revered by coaches, players and fans alike, but are they really making an impact on today’s major or minor leaguers?
But when the Dodgers announced last week that they had brought recent Hall of Famer Greg Maddux and 19-year MLB veteran Raul Ibanez on board as Special Assistants to Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and to the entire Baseball Operations Department, they made it perfectly clear that these are not just PR moves to entertain fans.
In a written statement, the Dodgers said that “Maddux and Ibañez will assist in all aspects of baseball operations, including scouting, player development and working with the club’s players, both at the major and minor league levels.” In other words, fans can expect both of these former MLB greats to be ‘hands-on’ with the development of Dodger players on every level.
When you think about it, why would a guy like Maddux, whose time with the Dodgers was but a drop in the bucket in his 23-year Hall of Fame career, and Ibanez, who was never a Dodger at all, choose to join the Dodgers front office under Director of Player Development Gabe Kapler when the former spent most of his career with the Braves and Cubs and the latter with the Mariners and Phillies? This certainly suggests that these are legitimate working appointments rather than just for show.
Even though Ibanez never put up Hall of Fame-caliber numbers during his 19-year MLB career, he was always known as a solid, well-rounded hitter and an outstanding clubhouse presence for his teammates. And while the 43-year-old New York City native had a rather mediocre career triple-slash .272 / .335 / .465, the fact that he played until he was 42 years of age speaks volumes about his commitment and dedication to the game.
As for Maddux, what can you say about the 49-year-old San Angelo, Texas native and longtime Las Vegas resident that hasn’t already been said? In all likelihood, Maddux will probably be the last 300-game winner to enter the sacred halls of Cooperstown and his 355 career wins – eighth-most in MLB history – will most likely never be surpassed.
Didn’t Ibanez’ play for the Yankees?
He had a very good post season with them in 2012. He was Mr. Clutch for them hitting a home run while pinch hitting for A-Rod.
Their presence will have to be felt at the field level and not just at the front office level. Without hands on nothing will be different. I expect that is where they will get the most enjoyment in their work.
Both Maddux and Ibanez will have major roles in player development, and will be a big presence at ST. I think you will learn more about the players if they choose to be tutored by the two of them. What pitcher would not want to be mentored by Maddux? Zach Lee, Jharel Cotton, Ross Stripling, Chris Anderson…All four should be picking Maddux’s brain as to how to pitch rather than throw. How to set up batters each at bat and for the third time in the game. If Zach Lee does not attach himself to the hip of Maddux, he should not be considered a Dodger prospect any longer. I hope he takes advantage.
Ibanez will be invaluable to the Cuban, Dominican, and Venezuelan prospects. He should also be influential to Joc Pederson, if Pederson wants to listen. These are two of the best off season hires the Dodgers have made. Fr players that have the ability, these are two huge tools to be taken advantage of.
AC Dodger Patch said he missed your take on the Dodgers. Why don’t you post at the new place? I think I read that you said that there was name calling. I hope no one called you a name. Everyone over there are not bad, and I thought you said, that you were treated well, and everyone welcomed you, why don’t you come over there and also give your thoughts? You are missed!
MJ, I was treated well, and I do not care if I am called a name. Mark did call me ignorant, and I laughed. My comment about the old site was the bickering. When it goes political, it usually becomes heated, and I tend to lose interest, but I understand when nothing is going on. I do visit Scott’s new site, which I like, and I have commented, and I plan to be more of a presence. Ron has a good baseball site, and I do like the topics.