Dodgers start Bulldog at their own risk

In his first start with the Dodgers last night (his second stint with the team), Greg Maddux gave up seven earned runs on nine hits and one walk with four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings at hitter's haven Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. We all know what a great pitcher the four-time Cy Young winner used to be, but the fact is he's a huge risk every time he steps on most Major League mounds.

Last season, when Maddux pitched for the Padres, he carried a 3.59 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in San Diego's PETCO Park, one of the most favorable pitcher's parks in the Majors. Outside of PETCO, he posted a 4.65 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.

This season, Maddux tallied a 2.62 ERA and a staggering 0.98 WHIP in 14 starts at PETCO. When you throw in the starts he has made at NL West ballparks Dodger Stadium and the Giants' AT&T Park, Maddux a.k.a. The Bulldog, has a 2.42 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP in 104 innings. And what is it everywhere else? How about a 7.69 ERA and a 1.89 WHIP in 55 innings.

It's evident that Maddux is an excellent pitcher when he throws at the home parks of the Padres, Dodgers and Giants, but a liability everywhere else. So wouldn't it make sense for the Dodgers to start him only at those parks? Sure, if winning is in their best interest. But, of course, spot starting Maddux for particular parks won't happen.

For one thing, there is the potential that he could lose his confidence, as, at the end of the day, Maddux is an athlete and many athletes don't appreciate the mind games that would come with suggesting he just couldn't pitch at certain parks. Secondly, spotting Maddux for only three ballparks would throw a wrench into the workings of the starting rotation. Certain pitchers might have to move up or down days to convenience Maddux. Also worth noting is possibly compromising Maddux's pitching rhythm. Knowing that he is to throw every fifth start is probably comforting, phsycologically and physically, for Maddux.

Still, I can't help but think how much more effective of a role Maddux could play for the Dodgers if he were to start only in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.