Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know it's an "old" thread, but for anyone looking to use google maps (street only) here's the URL I just used:
http://mt.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@145&x=%d&y=%d&zoom=%d

Thanks due to speedmartini for providing a workable base upon which to build.

BTW, does anyone know what the "m@=xxx" chunk is doing? I think it has something to do with layers.