ARLINGTON, TEXAS (AP) - Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux was given permission to interview for managerial openings with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, though any talking will have to wait until he recovers from a bout with laryngitis.
Maddux indicated Thursday that he expects to meet with both teams next week, depending on his recovery time.
“I’m humbled to find how highly some other organizations feel about me,” Maddux wrote. “It’s come upon our family and me quickly. Just last week we were in the World Series and managing another club was not on the game plan.”
During a conference call with Rangers reporters, Maddux responded to questions by typing answers that were then sent to those on the call.
Texas general manager Jon Daniels said the Cubs and Red Sox both requested to interview Maddux, who has been in Texas for three seasons.
Before joining the Rangers and helping them reach the last two World Series, Maddux was Milwaukee’s pitching coach for six seasons.
“Mike is in a key role for us and has had a prominent hand in our success the past few years,” Daniels wrote in an email. “But this is a unique opportunity to discuss a coveted position with two storied franchises, and we believe in allowing our people to pursue opportunities that they’re interested in. It reflects well both on Mike and our organization that he’s under consideration.”
New Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein fired manager Mike Quade on Wednesday. Terry Francona left the Red Sox after Boston’s huge collapse in September.
“Unbelievable to hear those two teams have interest,” Maddux said. “Both storied franchises, full of tradition.”
Maddux said his introductory contact with those teams has been through text messaging, and that the laryngitis “puts a little delay on everything.”
While he has the chance to interview for two managerial openings, Maddux said he’s happy as the Rangers’ pitching coach. He likes working with manager Ron Washington and the rest of the staff.
The Rangers had an American League-high 5.37 ERA in 2008, the year before Maddux arrived. They have improved each year since, including a 3.79 ERA this season that was their lowest since 1983. Texas has been to the World Series in back-to-back seasons after never having won a postseason series before then.
“Pitching and defense are considered the foundation of a winning team,” Maddux said. “The better you pitch and catch, the better chance of winning. With that being said, I guess being a pitching coach is a level away from managing.”
Maddux is the older brother of four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux.
In 15 major league seasons, Mike Maddux pitched for Philadelphia (1986-89), the Los Angeles Dodgers (1990, 1999), San Diego (1991-92), the New York Mets (1993-94), Pittsburgh (1995), Boston (1995-96), Seattle (1997), Montreal (1998-99) and Houston (2000).
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