Reading Between The Chalk Lines

Just what is Barry Rozner trying to say?

Greg Maddux isn’t going to throw 6 innings of no-hit ball every time out, because he's not always going to have the kind of movement on the ball he had Thursday night at Cincinnati in his first start for Los Angeles.

That was vintage 1995 breaking stuff with 11 groundball outs and only two balls hit decent in a hitter's ballpark.

But the difference is there were three plays made on the left side of the infield that the Cubs don't make, and each play saves pitches, makes for quicker innings, gets him off the field where he can rest, and keeps him in rhythm.

Maddux also got excellent relief after the rain delay ended his night, and his new manager is smart enough to know when to pull him.

The old-timer also made two excellent plays on defense, put down a perfect bunt, and was instantly in sync with a catcher he’d probably never met before, which should also give you some insight into the Cubs.

It was only one game, but you could tell Maddux was having fun playing in a professional atmosphere again.

I hope Rozner doesn't go to the Cubs' pressbox soon. I think a phone might ring with one Dusty Baker and one Michael Barrett on the other end.