WASHINGTON — When the Nationals officially announce Dusty Baker as their manager later Thursday, he’ll be saved at least one question from reporters at Thursday morning’s news conference: The team has announced that respected veteran pitching coach Mike Maddux will join Baker’s staff.
The #Nats have agreed to terms with Mike Maddux as pitching coach. The terms were agreed upon on Tuesday evening, November 3.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) November 4, 2015
Maddux, 54, held the same duties with the Texas Rangers the last seven seasons and with the Milwaukee Brewers for six before that. Maddux has agreed to a two-year deal, as first reported by Jeff Wilson of the Fort-Worth Telegram.
Source: Ex-#Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux agrees to 2-year deal with Nationals. To be introduced Thursday with new manager Dusty Baker
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) November 4, 2015
Maddux, the older brother of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, spent parts of 15 seasons in the majors, ending with a 39-37 record, with a 4.05 ERA for nine teams, including the Montreal Expos, now the Nationals. By taking over the Nationals’ pitching staff, Maddux will likely quell some fears about Baker’s reputation for ruining younger pitchers.
Maddux replaces Steve McCatty, who was pitching coach from 2009 until he was fired last month along with manager Matt Williams and the other coaches.
