Maddux is not even in the top 10 pitching coaches, IMHO.
His reputation has been established on the backs of:
a. the big spending Daniels acquiring both elite pitching and position players via free agency,
b. owners providing ridiculous amounts of money to buy him the pitching he needs (free agent Darvish) or to acquire via trades (Hamels and Gallardo)...you know, the Yankee way
c. ownership money and commitment to spend heavily in the Latin market - the Rangers have been traditionally strong here,
d. ownership money to retain wanted Rangers free agents.
e. team playing in the super soft AL West. They play each team in the Central and East 6-7 games/yr. while playing West opponents 20-21 times/yr.
Maddux had the entire candy store within arms reach courtesy of Daniels and the ownership group. He was given the Golden Goose.
Now, he inherits an even better set-up with the Nationals who significantly underperformed under the previous manager (Williams). He's got it made in the shade.
Boomer Sooner
