Greg Maddux: A Return to Atlanta?

The Cubs are out of it, period. There at the point where a fire sale could be looming. Greg Maddux who won his first 5 games of the season would have been a great asset for the Cubs to trade, but all that happened in April. Maddux then went on a losing skid before picking up a win against the Reds earlier this week. In his losses, Maddux hasn't pitched all that bad, a couple of rough innings, but for the most part he's kept his composure.

Will he be traded by the July deadline? I think so. Will he return to the Braves? There is that chance, but in reality it's slimmer than I hope for. Maddux is in his final year of the 3 year deal signed back in 2004. He's currently making $9M. In order for a trade to happen the Cubs would more than likely have to pickup some of the salary, especially in a deal with the Braves.

Trade Candidates:

1) John Thomson -Thomson's $4.75M would counter the $9M from Maddux, leaving $4.25M. Say the Cubs pickup $2-$2.25M. That will leave Atlanta with roughly $2M to ride out the season with MadDog. Also, Thomson is a free agent at the end of the season.

2)Horacio Ramirez -If he can stay healthy, the Braves should deal him. I would prefer to have him around, but his injuries have become to much of a liability. HoRam makes about $3M? Not sure on the exact number.

3)Prospects/Bench Players -My only two candidates would really be Ramirez and Thomson but some combo of prospect/bench player could also work out if the circumstances fall into place.

For me a 1-2-3 punch of Hudson/Smoltz/Maddux in the playoffs would be a dose of nasty.