This Artist Doesn't Paint by Numbers

For openers, Greg Maddux gave the Dodgers the shirt off his back.

Now it's time for Brad Penny to do the same for Greg Maddux.

Were you watching Thursday night? A dark and soggy game that belonged above some ancient fireplace in an expensive frame?

The Great American Pitcher in the Great American Ball Park?

With apologies to James Joyce, Maddux's Dodgers debut in Cincinnati was a portrait of an artist as an old man, the colors still vivid, the brush strokes still clear, the efficiency chilling.

Six innings, no hits, only one batter faced over the minimum, only four balls hit in the air, only two plays that even tested Dodgers fielders, a 3-0 victory that appeared effortless.

Maddux was so good, only God hit him. He wasn't taken out by Grady Little, he was taken out because the sky was falling, his night interrupted by rain.

Yes, the Dodgers did the right thing by removing him from the game after the 46-minute delay. The 40-year-old was brought here for a two-month pennant race, not a two-hour sound bite.

Maddux didn't complain. Maddux never complains. As greetings go, the night was about Maddux locking the Dodgers in a heartfelt, 1 1/2 -hour embrace.

And now it's time for Brad Penny, on behalf of his teammates and organization, to hug Maddux back.

You may have noticed Maddux took the mound in his brand-new Dodgers uniform adorned with No. 36.

It's a fine number. It was Casey Stengel's Dodgers number. It was Don Newcombe's Dodgers number.

But it is not Maddux's number. It has never been Maddux's number. Throughout his career, Maddux has worn No. 31.

Yep, that's Penny's number.

And, no, Penny has yet to give it to him.

No big deal, you say? A Hall of Fame deal, history says.

It's common that when a certified future Hall of Famer changes teams, his new team gives him the number that has accompanied his career.

It's a sign of simple respect. It's a sign of common sense.

The thinking being, you don't redecorate greatness.

There are 4,542 2/3 innings, 3,133 strikeouts, 327 wins in that number.

Not that any of this is more important than Brad Penny being in that number, but, well, come on.

Penny, and his 67 career victories.

As far as anybody can remember, Thursday was the first time in 21 years that Maddux has not worn No. 31.

"Tradition is a time-honored thing in baseball," said Scott Boras, Maddux's agent. "But apparently for some players, that's been forgotten."