Atlanta, GA (My Sportsbook) - Four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux has decided to remain with the Atlanta Braves, accepting salary arbitration on Thursday. Maddux had until midnight (et) on Thursday to accept the offer, and his contract for 2003 could be as much as $18 million. He made $13.1 million in 2002. Maddux is still able to negotiate a longer deal with the Braves, who have stockpiled their staff recently. Earlier this week, the Braves obtained Russ Ortiz from the Giants for pitcher Damian Moss and signed free agent Paul Byrd away from the Royals. Atlanta had already added Mike Hampton to its staff, acquiring the lefthander in a November trade with Florida. The righthanded Maddux went 16-6 with a 2.62 ERA over 34 starts last season. Maddux, who has spent the last 10 years of his career with the Braves, has a lifetime mark of 273-152 with a 2.83 ERA over 17 major league seasons. The Braves, who have won 11 straight division titles, may be forced to trade one of their starting pitchers. With Maddux accepting arbitration, Atlanta additionally has a starting staff of Kevin Millwood, Mike Hampton, Jason Marquis, Byrd and Ortiz. |
