I hate to admit it, but I'm actually sad that Greg Maddux didn't win the Gold Glove this year as the best fielding pitcher in the National League.
I don't like the Atlanta Braves, but the reason the team is in the playoffs every year is Maddux.
In short, Maddux has been the consistent performer for the Braves and, until this year, had won 13 straight Gold Gloves. Teammate Mike Hampton took the award this year.
Maddux not winning the award signals the end of this era's star pitchers. Roger Clemens is done. Tom Glavine is struggling with the Mets, as are Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in Arizona.
Boston's Pedro Martinez still seems to be dominating, but his time is running short.
There are plenty of young stars like the A's Barry Zito and Arizona's Brandon Webb to take over, but five years from now we won't be able to watch the Big Unit square off against Maddux.
Just take note of this moment in baseball and make sure you catch each of these stars before they are gone.
