Chop Chick

By Bo

November 18, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chop Chick- I don’t want him back at any price and agree we need to start our own TG again with young arms. The money could help solve other problems…etc.

By andrew g

November 19, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

Everyone talks about getting a young ace and that’s all fine and good. Yes, that should be the priority that could anchor our rotation for the future but that’s easier said than done. Teams generally don’t give up promising pitchers and if the Braves go after someone like that the price would be high. Why overpay for someone like Gil Meche or Jeff Suppan/Weaver when you can get Glavine for 1-2 years at a good price. People forget he won 15 games last year and was great in the post-season. Would you rather have a Glavine type for 8-million or a John Thomson type for 6-million? I think we all know the answer.

By Abner

November 19, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this

Chop Chick,

Don’t quite understand your aversion to Glavine. It seems that Schuerholz is trying to incorporate a bland of veteran teachers and young prospects. Glavine could serve, along with Smoltz, as mentor for the young starters, especially Chuck James. Wickman seems to be ideally suited for the role in the bullpen. James is often referred to by the voices of the Braves as a Tom Glavine type pitcher. Who better, therefore, to help him develop than Tom Glavine?

By West Coaster

November 19, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Glavine would be a valuable investment in the next plausible Tom Terrific, Chuck James. An intelligent, well spoken hall of fame tutor is an invaluable training tool for a young pitcher with a similar pitching style.

Atlanta was spoiled with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball history over several seasons. Finding and developing young aces into constant veteran aces is more chance than finances. Look at how many excellent young pitcher and established aces are really only aces for two, three or maybe four seasons.

I want Glavine with his 15 wins a season, tremendous institutional knowledge and guaranteed fan entertainment back in Atlanta. And what a party it would be when he wins his 300th game.

Thanks for the memories Tommy. Lets make a few more, please.

By Lew

November 19, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

The one thing Braves’ fans seem not to realize is that we had three HOF pitchers together for more than ten years. This has never before happened in all of ML history. What do you seriously think the chances of this ever happening again are?

By Chop Chick

November 19, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I have nothing at all against Glav. And where did this “Let’s overpay Meche or Suppan” idea come from? Not from me. I said that as a Braves fan, I’d like to see the team spend its available cash to find and develop Grade-A prime aces in our FARM system. What I don’t want is another quick fix that gets us either a first-round playoffs series loss or, as in the case of the ‘06 season, nothing. Here’s something I’m not opposed to: Seeing No. 47 back in uniform as the Braves’ pitching coach one day.

I’m ready to be patient if we can cultivate the young talent in the minors that will carry the day for us when Glav is enjoying a well-deserved MLB retirement and writing his HOF induction speech. I’m for investing our $8 million in future earnings - maybe a couple of young top prospects - instead of the one-and-done postseasons we’re used to. Glav’s greatness didn’t lead the Mets to the WS this year. But our former No. 1 prospect, Adam Wainwright, part of the trade for quick-fix flop J.D. Drew? He had a little something to do with STL winning it all. I’m ready to invest in the long haul, not the short-term. That’s just me. I don’t manage the Tomahawks’ checkbook, so y’all shouldn’t worry.

And just because Smoltz and Chuck James don’t necessarily have similar pitching styles doesn’t mean Smoltzie isn’t a fine in-house tutor for the kid. Who in all of MLB pitches like The Master - Greg Maddux? Try telling anyone that even a power pitcher gunning it up to near 100 mph can’t learn a thing or two from Mad Dog, Mr. 80-Something MPH.

Listen, if Glav opts to return, I’ll cheer for him. I just wish we’d spend our cash with more of an eye to the future Braves arms. Because until we get a private, non-corporate owner, it appears our WS prospects are slim since we continue having to either “do more with less” or try to patch up holes in our lineup, etc., without feeling like we have an owner who, in the midst of a real playoff race, would say “Let’s go get that guy.” JS can try selling the “Oh, but we put ourselves on a budget” bit but I’m not buying. A sports exec who DOESN’T want money to spend? Uh-huh. Right.

By andrew g

November 19, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

Ok, so what’s your plan for developing these future aces in the farm system?The most possible way that’s going to happen is by making trades that make the team worse for 2007, unless it’s a trade that involves Tim Hudson. I agree with you that we shouldn’t make one-sided trades in an effort to make this year’s team slightly better like we did when we traded Drew… I feel pretty positive that we’re going to get Glavine and then trade Hudson to someone like the Rangers or the Orioles. That way, we’d get a pitcher who has been better than Hudson the two years he’s been here (and get rid of his huge contract) and would most likely get prospects in return for Hudson. That way, you’d get your wish because we’d be developing young arms. How does that sound to you?

By Rip

November 19, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

(Andrew g)Man, I’m glad you’re not GM for the Braves. Glav had one good year out of the last five. Yes,lets run sign him up. hell I’d rather have Mad Dog, Lead-off hitter or better relief pitchers….Don’t bet the season on Wickman being great all season?

By Ellen

November 19, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

2005: 11-14, 3.60 ERA, 212.1 IP 2006: 15-7, 3.82 ERA, 198.0 IP

2003 and 2004 were un-Glavine like years, however, his numbers then were still better than most of the Braves pitching staff.

Bottom line is Glavine will probably only pitch 2 more years. If he can maintain the consistency he’s had for the past 2, the Braves would be crazy to not at least try to get him back. I’m all for trying to support the talent in the minors as well, but there are some position players that could be dealt for young pitching talent. Stablize the starting pitching now or else the Braves will bomb just like they did this year.

By andrew g

November 19, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

One good year over the last five??? Look at the stats. Over the last four seasons with the Mets Glavine has had an average ERA of 3.87 and a 48 wins. I also want to add that the only team the Mets ever had that was good was last year’s team. His first three yeras there the offense and defense behind him were solid at best. What are you talking about with your remark about Wickman? He had 45 saves in 2005 and was unhittable with the Braves.

By Carroll

November 19, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

CC: could not agree more….glad to see you have a more savvy baseball mind than our friend, DOB. Pitching, pitching, pitching. They should trade whatever they can for young pitching (including AJ, Huddy, Giles, Chipper if possible, LaRoche…basically anyone not named McCann or Francouer).

Further, I think they should commit every year in the draft to using the first 10-15 picks on power pitching exclusively. You can NEVER have too much pitching but if you have some to spare you can trade it for established position players. Besides, as far as position players go, there is plenty of talent to be found in the later rounds such as Marcus Giles, Mike Piazza and so forth.

By Rip

November 19, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Andrew g… Yes he had 48 wins also 48 lost in 4yrs. Plus gave up record 75 hrs in 4yrs. Some people just don’t want better. Kolb had 60 saves in 2yrs before coming to Braves and What happen? Danny Baez had 96 saves in last 3yrs before coming to Braves and what happens? Baez never had a chance with Braves only one bad game and sick so he”s gone. What I’m saying is you better have Insurance on Wickman but I love the Man. On days Glav is to pitch I will sell my season ticket.

By Mitch

November 20, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

Ive been a Braves fan for over 20 years, and I definitely want Glavine back. I mean, I know we cant spend 15 mil a year on him, nor does he warrant it, but, for say, 6 to 8 mil a year, why not? The guy won 15 games last year, which would have been second on our staff. He is always consistent. Why would we not want a 15 game winner on our team? Had he been with us in 2006, maybe we would have won the NL East. His 15 wins would have been second on our staff behind John Smoltz. Also, with a rotation of Smoltz, Glav, Hampton, James, and a decent five starter, even if Hudson is traded, youre talking about a pretty good starting five. I say, give Glav up to 8 mil a year, for up to two years. It would help us, weaken the Mets, and maybe, if all other parts are healthy, bring us another division. I see no reason not to, if the price is no more than 8 mil.

   Mitch

By Ellen

November 20, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

On days Glav is to pitch I will sell my season ticket.

Great! Let me know, because I’m sure I am one of many potential buyers. Who wouldn’t want to see a future HOF pitch? If you’re a true Braves fan, you support EVERY Brave, whoever that may be.

By andrew g

November 20, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Selling your season ticket when one of the greatest pitchers of the last 15 years is closing in on win number 300 makes absolutely no sense at all.

By Chop Chick

November 20, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Thanks, but I’m not at all any more baseball-savvy than the waycool DOB. He’s a pro who knows the baseball beat inside and out. I’m just a fan with opinions. Like all of you. It’s fun to hash them out in a fan forum.

By Jeff

November 20, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

The day in 2002 when Glavine left broke my heart.I for one would be really happy if he came home to win 300. Seeing him win number 300 in a Mets uniform would break my heart and make ill. I also think he could serve as a tutor for the young pitchers on the staff. He could also help a veteran like Hudson return to form.

By Dawgone!

November 20, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick! Where in the heck have you been? I know 06 made you sick but you pulled a Houdini on us.

Tom G at 8 a year and minus a J. Thompson is pretty much a wash. Matters little to me. He just did what all pro athletes do. Go where the money is…

By Jimbo

November 21, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

The Mets offer to Glavine is 2 years 11million a year total 22million plus the 3 million he got buy out=25million. Do you believe he will give that up to return to Braves for 7 million? I don’t but if he does he’s crazy..the money plus the Mets are signing all the better player while the Braves wait for the rejects.

By Chop Chick

November 21, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Well, Dawgone!, I had a massive project to work on at summer’s end here at the AJC so that took up lots of time I’d have otherwise spent blogging. Missed y’all, though. Amazing, isn’t it, how the Cubs just forked out all that cash for Soriano when their pitching is higgledy-piggledy, having traded Maddux and found Prior/Wood to be injury-prone? Live by the bat, die by the sketchy starters, I guess. Time will tell.

By Ryder

November 21, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

I will have no problems with Glavine coming back if he chose to do so. The Braves team as we know it will be completely different within 2 years as the Jones will probably both be gone, Smoltz and Glavine might retire, and JS/ Bobby Cox might be gone as well. What better way to finish out this run of success than to have the old gang together one last time? Feel good vibes notwithstanding, Hampton coming back and a (hopefully) rebound year from Hudson and this starting four will match any rotation in the game.

By TennesseePaul

November 21, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

It’s simple and already done. Chuck James!

By Land-Man

November 21, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Francouer should stop delivering turkeys and learn how to take a g******* ball.

By Andy

November 22, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

I would love for Galvine to be back—as far as smotlz teaching James a thing or two, that would be great. Remember when Jason Marquis used to try and pitch like Mad dog and Maddox keep telling him “if I had your stuff I would not pitch like I do.” I think Smotlz will of course help James. I think Galvine would do a better job. With the price of the talent these days—man o man would it be great to have him, because the braves are not gonna be able to afford any other solid veteran. How much is Thompson gonna get 10 million. Makes the contract the Yanks gave wright and zambrano a bargin. It is really crazy.

By roan st

November 23, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Our farm system has never produced that many great pitching arms, that is a big misnomer in the schuerholz era. Cox was general manager when we traded for smoltz, who was developed by the tigers organization. Maddux was signed as a free agent and already had won a cy young award. Glavine was already in the organization when schuerholz arrived in Atlanta. Outside of the brief, but brilliant career of steve avery, exactly who have the braves developed during shuerholz tenure. The fact that we haven’t had a good young pitcher in years makes me wonder how brilliant shuerholz is when it comes to drafting talent. Don’t get me wrong, I know the guy is probably one of the best dealmakers ever, but the lack of young pitching talent is curious when your talking about a guy who gets credit for being one of the best at his profession. Look at all those young studs in Minnesota- liriano, santana, and that young closer they have. Why haven’t we had a great prospect in so long?

If we can get glavine back at a decent price then he will do nothing but help this franchise. That would give us a trio of good left handed pitchers. If hampton can regain his form and james builds on his superb rookie campaign then look out. Guess what team in the national league struggled mightly against left handed pitching last year? The Mets. Bring tommy back if he won’t break the bank.

By tokyobrave

November 26, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Based on today’s measurement of pitching success - promoted by agents I’m sure - is 15 wins, 6 innings/game and an ERA below 4.00. I guess one could also look at how many games the team had a Chance to win even though the starter came out. By all these measures, Tom Glavine is on top of his game still. Sign him today.

By braves fan

November 27, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

I agree with your premise Chop Chick, that the Braves need to get back to developing young pitching talent. However, you’ve yet to explain how spending $8 million for one season for Tom Glavine to get his 300th win in a Braves’ uniform prevents the Braves from developing the aforementioned “Tom Tomorrows”? It doesn’t. In fact, bringing Glavine in could allow the Braves to trade guys like Kyle Davies and Horacio Ramirez, which might return a prospect, who might turn out to be one of those “Tom Tomorrows”. Keeping Davies and Horacio does nothing to improve the Braves chances of returning to a dominating pitching staff. Plus Glavine can be a great mentor to lefties like Chuck James or Macay McBride, pitchers with similar stuff. I see no negatives to bringing Tom Terrific back, at least none that prevents the finding of Tom Tomorrows.

By Zebbie 911

November 28, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this

Its really sad how much pitching talent the Braves have traded away in the Cox/JS tenor. But it was needed to keep the run going.

But as Roan pointed out, our best talent we did not grow or draft. We traded for it! We traded dearly for it every time. But, its the nature of the business. Its that same business that kept the Braves from paying Tommy, the same money Hudson got.

Anyways…

If Tommy got 2 mill for ending the contract with the Muts.. If the Braves place up 8.. he gets effectivly 10 Mill for 1 years work. Thats close to what his contract was to be with the Mets this year if he chose his option. Not bad, he wins, we win. JS just has to wave the trade clawz bit.

So what are you getting? Past aside.. HOF’er for 8 Mill. Thats cheap cheap cheap cheap at these days rates. He is also more reliable then almost all of the players we have at under 35 years old. I can not stress a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton going into 07 with awesome younger talent in the 5th spot. No long term contract equals flexability. It also buys time to bring some of the futures into the big show slowly, not like the last 2 years. Simply throwing Rookies to the sharks.

If you dont like Tommy, then whatever.. but dont hit a gift horse in the mouth. The Braves staff as of the last 2 years has been lackluster to say the least. Wake up, and let the past be past.

Besides, most people forget there is 2 sides of every story. Im betting most of you Tommy haters never even botherd to hear his case.

By quatco

November 28, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Take Tom back PLEASE!!!!!!

A Met Fan

By Jimbo

November 29, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Zebbie-He wins we win you said. Well the last 4 years he won48 games and lost 48 games=nobody wins. You can have the 41 year old bum, who once said the fans didn’t pay his salary.

By Wayne

November 29, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

I personally think everyone is giving up on Davies WAY too soon. He had a heckuva injury to overcome, and is still young. Glavine sucked his first year, by the way. As for Tommy G, get him if he will sign for 8mil, then get whatever you can for Hudson in the way of young talent.

The kid I am intrigued by is Kelly Johnson! He might be the answer at either LF or 2B???

By Kay

November 30, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Tom needs to go back to the Mets. We dont need him. We need an ACE. If we are to spend money to up our pitching then spend it wisely. Not on a over the hill pitcher who will not get 15 wins this year. Hitters are figured him out and it will take another year for Glavine to settle back into Turner Field. Go with younger and fresher I say.

By Magman

December 1, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

I read blogs a lot,but I seldom make an entry. With that said I have to weigh in on this one. If the Braves can sign Glavine at the numbers that have been thrown around,7 to 8 million, he would be a bargain(can’t believe I wrote that). He would be a good third or forth starter for this year and probably another one or two more years as well. He would have to take a lot less money to come here. You also talk about developing another Tom Glavine, well we already have him in Chuck James. I don’t think you can count in dollars the benefit he would reap in having Glavine to mentor him for a couple of years. In the end we have to leave it to JS, I have a lot of confidence that he will do what is best for the Braves.

By T

December 1, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

I KNEW IT! TG was selfish three years ago and hasn’t changed a bit. He played the Braves then and he played them again… And didn’t care about the fans then and still doesn’t.

All you Glavine lovers out there should feel really stupid right about now. Ha-ha-ha-ha!

By T

December 1, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, and one more thing:

Everyone that blogs about Glavine taking a “home town discount” or taking 6-7 million to come back…

Paaaaalease! He was using the Braves to get more money (either from the Braves or Mets). Imagine that?

Bye-bye Tommy!

By Billy (TBFNB)

December 1, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who cant post on DOB’s blog?

By stew

December 1, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone think Hampton will be back and pitching like he did before he got hurt. Hampton and Thomson have had their day. It’s time to move forward. I thought when Devine came back he looked impressive. I have to think that Davies is going to show us more next year. Eventually, Smoltz will retire. Next year should be devoted to developing young pitching in the rotation. The Mets can and should be beat next year. They got no rotation. However, if whoever owns the Braves doesn’t increase the payroll by 20 million, we’ll only be playing with half a deck. The Mets bought a division title last year (they keep signing 15-20 million dollar players and most of them don’t pan out). Andruw is the most important player on our team and he can’t be replaced. He is our defense.

By Wayne

December 2, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this

Stew: In case you are still reading tonight…As for Hampton, most elbow jobs require 18 months for full recovery, and most return to their former capabilities. Hampton was really tossing it well before the elbow took a dive on him. I can see him as a 15 game winner, after getting the rust off.

To Tommy G. Go back to NY, and I DON’T want to hear any more whining about wishing you didn’t have to move your kids back and forth, because YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO. You chose to!! We all make choices in life, so I hope you are man enough to live with yours without suffering us through your whining about being torn. You weren’t torn 4 years ago, and you aren’t now. You are just in it for the $$$.

I can’t wait until he pitches next time at Turner Field. It will be interesting!