Re-signing Maddux could become tricky

Greg Maddux won his 16th Gold Glove award Friday and needs one more to break a tie with Jim Kaat and Brooks Robinson for the most at any position. But the probability of Maddux pursuing the record for fielding excellence and adding to his 333 victories as a member of the Dodgers is less likely than it appeared a month ago.

Maddux, 40, said several times in September that he wanted to return for a 22nd season, and wanted to do so with the Dodgers, with whom he was 6-3 after being acquired July 31 in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

He was invigorated by the blend of Dodgers veterans and young talent, and enjoyed the laid-back leadership of Manager Grady Little. The positive feelings were mutual -- in addition to pitching well, Maddux was invaluable as a mentor to starters Derek Lowe and Chad Billingsley, among others.

Re-signing Maddux appeared to be something General Manager Ned Colletti could do quickly.

But after three days of handicapping the free-agent market, the Dodgers have tempered their optimism because they need a front-line starting pitcher, a power hitter and bullpen help.

Maddux is no longer considered a front-of-the-rotation starter because he tires after about 75 pitches. Still, he logged 210 innings while going 15-14 last season. He is expected to seek a two-year deal and isn’t expected to accept much of a pay cut from the $8 million he averaged the last three seasons.

The Dodgers want to make a strong push for left-hander Barry Zito, clearly the best starting pitcher among free agents, and also sign a power hitter such as Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee or Aramis Ramirez. That’s going to take a lot of money. Would there be enough left for Maddux?

The need for a top starter is strong. Among veterans, the Dodgers can count on only Lowe and Brad Penny. Billingsley and Hong-Chi Kuo were solid as rookies. Left-hander Mark Hendrickson provides insurance and right-hander Brett Tomko might return to the rotation after spending the second half of the 2005 season in the bullpen. Top prospect Scott Elbert is not expected to compete for a starting berth in spring training.

Colletti has not spoken with Maddux’s agent, Scott Boras, since the end of the season, but a meeting is planned for next week. Boras also represents Zito and closer Eric Gagne.

As expected, the Dodgers paid Gagne a $1-million buyout, declining to pick up his $12-million option. Colletti is interested in re-signing Gagne, but at a small fraction of the $10 million he made last season. Back and elbow problems limited Gagne to 16 appearances the last two seasons.

*

steve.henson@latimes.com