Sports Columnists

By jeff

November 21, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Eloquently said, and I couldn’t agree more, so long as the price is right.

By Ellen

November 21, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

Great article and I agree 100%. It’s time for Glav to finally come home.

By cly

November 21, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

No way should the Braves bring Glavine back. You don’t win the World Series without “flame throwers”..he’s 41..Schults, you’re wrong again!!

By Glen

November 21, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Glavine needs to win his 300th game and finish his career in a Brave’s uniform, even if that means stretching the budget a bit.

By James

November 21, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Glavine solidifies the starting rotation, provides veteran leadership, and a winning attitude to the clubhouse. If the price is right, bring him back!

By ILL-logical

November 21, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Nice try Dave but this Schuerholz switch-sign Glavine to keep the fan focus off of his A.Jones fiasco-is DOA. Try reading your “column” and see if there is any logic there;didn’t think so.

By Tomahawkin

November 21, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

R U Kidding…He’ll be back wit the Mutts, or another team…I have mad love 4 Tommy, but I think he’ll go elsewhere, I don’t think he’s gonna take 6-7 million to come back to the “A”. I see him taking on Mussina’s kind of salary 9-11 million per year, especially with the way teams have overpayed for talent so far in this offseason…

By High Pockets

November 21, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this

Jeff, The less sarcastic you are, the more I enjoy your column and you couldn’t be more right about Glavine—-it would be great for the Braves and great for him and his family. Come home Tommy. John pay him the same $8M you’re paying Smoltz and give him his no trade Let’s all enjoy the run-up to 300 wins and another division title!

By One Big Problem

November 21, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

One big problem with your argument, the braves do not need more lefties. They’d have to clear someone to put Glavine back in the rotation.

It is sweet and all, and it would be nice to see Glav get his 300th with Atlanta, but as we’ve seen the past couple years, this Atlanta baseball team is all business.

By braveheart

November 21, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

tell glavine that if he wants to come back, to take a hometown discount. show some loyalty to the braves and stop the loyalty to the union. not holding my breath on that. smoltz on the other hand turned down an extra $20 million from the yanks a few years ago to stay with the braves.

By brent

November 21, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Let him die at 297. Screw the selfish bastard.

By Bob Tilden

November 21, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Replace “Baby” with “Tommy”—

Baby come back, you can blame it all on me. I was wrong, and I just cant live without you. All day long, wearing a mask of false bravado. Trying to keep up a smile that hides a tear. But as the sun goes down, I get that empty feeling again. How I wish to God that you were here. Baby come back, any kind of fool could see. There was something in everything about you.

By craig sargent

November 21, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

the braves dont need Glavine. he turned his back on the fans for more money and never lived up to his end of the bargain for the Mets. let him stay where he is.

By McGuyrt

November 21, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

NO! Anyone that the Braves were that good to for som many years, and then offer him 10 million a year for three years, plus a lifetime job in the front office, shows his disloyality and money obsession by leaving, doesn’t need to come back. Spend the money better some other way.

By Allen

November 21, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Let him sit on the unemployment line with the union bosses from Hapeville and (soon) Doraville.

By Serfino

November 21, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Yeah, and while they’re at it, bring back Maddux and Jeff Blauser and Mark Lemke and Dave Justice and pull Terry Pendleton from the bench. Then all of us old fogies can relish days gone by.

While we lose. But, it will be fun. The modern-day Old Timers Game.

By krath

November 21, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve looked at what’s out there and if the Braves pony up six or seven mil to go with Glavine’s 4 mil of “walk away money” from the Mets…. they will have the best option that is out there that their money can provide them.

Glavie ain’t no “flame thrower” but last time I checked, the Braves didn’t even make it to the playoffs, much less the World Series! I’m not aware of any affordable “flame throwers” on the open market.

Glavine isn’t a long term solution…. he’s a bridge to the future. He could be a huge influence on Chuck James especially. JS should give the guy a one year “no trade” clause because he isn’t committing long term to a guy who will be around for another 3-5 years.

I think its a “win-win” for both parties. But I just know someone will screw it up.

By greg

November 21, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

GLAVINE NEVER LOOKED RIGHT IN THAT MET UNIFORM, BRING HIM HOME AND THROW THE PARTY WHEN HE FINALLY RETIRES.

By Matt

November 21, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Schuerholz,

I’m a life-long Braves fan and I believe in two things — Loyalty and Integrity. Tom Glavine brings both. He is good for the team, good for the community of Atlanta, and, this would be the right thing for the Glavine family. So do the right thing.

If you look at it simply from a team standpoint. Bringing Glavine back would allow McDowell to focus more on the bullpen where the attention is needed. Chuck James is the next Tom Glavine — with similar styles and form. Tom can be his mentor. Davies and other young pitchers could be brought up and molded by Glavine and Smoltz. Keep Huddy here and hope he does something. Trade Horatio and possibly one or two of our other pitchers for a bat — a young bat. We have some future great, young bats in the line up and things will only get better.

Do the right thing — make this a priority!

Thanks, Matt

By Mandy

November 21, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Could not have been said any better.

By Local Yokel

November 21, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this

“Braveheart, bravefart, you are a first class putz!” Glavine was low-balled and toyed with by the Braves. He was willing to take less to stay here. The biggest reason the Braves won the 1995 World Series was because Glavine won game 2 and then pitched a 1 hit shutout for 8 innings against the Cleveland Indians in the deciding 6th game. I say bring back Glavine back and bring back a true winner to the Braves!

By jonathan

November 21, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

first yokel that was 95…Glavine left the Braves for more money and wanted to leave, do not re-sign him and do him a favor when he walked on us. Second, reguarding Glav’s record last year he had a decent year I’ll give him that at most, but he was also pitching for the best offensive team in the National League. Glavine is done and if he wants 300 or to retire in Atl…should have thought about that when he was greedy and wanted the $$$check he knew the braves couldn’t come off on.

By Tim Taylor

November 21, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

Well Said Matt..ditto

By Ronald Fowler

November 21, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t want Glavine back! I don’t want Glavine to win another game in his life! He walked out on the Braves and basically said “screw you” to the fans by going to the Mets. Glavine does not deserve to be a Brave again!

By william

November 21, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine’s presence alone would improve the Braves - much less the 15 wins he would bring next season. If it were my decision, he would be in a Braves uniform next year and in a managerial capacity after that. He is a class act on and off the field.

By Anthony T. Mastandrea

November 21, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Who needs this ultra-liberal, pro-union, “candy-a*,” six inning pitcher? He’s a selfish, ego-centric, wimp of an athlete. He personifies all that is wrong with baseball today. The only pitcher on the Braves with any guts, and a throw back to the “good old days” is John Smoltz. Go work for the union - or Hillary Clinton!!

By kg

November 21, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

MLB is a business and bringing back Glavine should be a business decision. This means leaving the emotions out of the equation. That said, it make sense to bring Glavine back and trading H. Ramirez. If the Braves fall out of contention then trade Hampton. His huge contract won’t look so huge with all the current free agent contracts.

By fnreitsma

November 21, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

if you love something, set it free… if it comes back, its….well, broke.

By mj

November 21, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

I certainly am one of the fans that had didn’t respect Glavine for not being loyal to the Braves when they had been to him for many years. I was also one that enjoyed when the Braves kicked his butt the first two years he was with the Mets. However, I hope that he and the Braves see that he should finish his career in ATL and gets that 300 win here. Time heals, lets get the deal done and enjoy he and Smoltz in there last years. Maybe there will even be some of that 95’ magic in the air!

By atlboiler

November 21, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

funny stuff…i seem to remember every sportswriter in town, in print and on the radio riding glavine for abandoning the braves and taking pleasure in watching him get knocked around like bobby dews throwing BP when the braves faced him…..

NOW?, you want him back?, its not about the money?, if its not about the money…..offer glavine the league minimum and see how that money BS line floats…..

Unless glavine is willing to come on in the seventh inning, i dont want him…

By John the Handsome

November 21, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Never bring him back. He is too old, takes too much time begging for strikes and is an AH to boot.

By Sane Jane

November 21, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t know you you get loyalty & integrity from a millionaire who jumped to a hated rival for a few extra million.

I’m not fired up either way. But I’m not crazy about the thought of shipping out some talented young arms (even crazy Horacio) just to make room for one year of an aging, crafty lefty.

By bobrobert

November 21, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t care the price. Bring Tom home. He should win #300 in a Braves uniform. It made me sick that Niekro and Maddux both won # 300 in a different uni. Don’t make the same mistake with Glavine.

By rw

November 21, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Even though there may have been bad blood in the departure of Glavine, I feel that the wounds have healed, and that both sides would like to see the coming back together of this relationship. Bringing him back to the team, if only for a year or two, would bring back the emotional spirit and fan support this team has needed. Remember Atlanta, the winning pitcher of our one and only World Championship. He deserves an opportunity to retire in an Atlanta Braves uniform.

By phil

November 21, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Find somebody to take Hamptons contract and give us money to do some dealing. Bring back Maddux and Glavine to teach the young pitchers. Make trade for Manny we need a big bat.

By Bravenforcer

November 21, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Fine Bring Tommy back… BUT he best not SUCK!

By RTL

November 21, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

You people ae idiots! Bring Glavine back? Someone who showed so little loyalty to the braves and is on the obvious down side of his stent in baseball.

For the money we can do MUCH better…

By Derek

November 21, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

.

I work for Delta Air Lines …

I can barely afford food and gas …

I stopped going to Braves Games after the last Tom Glavin led Strike against Pro Baseball …

It’s hard to respect these multi-multi-millionaires who play a child’s game …

.

By MAC

November 21, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

You can’t go home again.

Good riddance, have a nice season elsewhere. Besides, the union wouldn’t want you to come back for less money. And you are a union man.

By David

November 21, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

You hang out at that Starbucks and the bagel place next door, too (in the strip mall they screwed up so you can’t turn left out of it anymore?).

Damn, there goes the neighborhood.

Well, if I see you I’ll be sure to say hello and to let you in on the worst kept secret in the city: you’re just not funny. What’s funny is watching you try to be funny. I see the ol’ joke bus leaving the station, but you’re not on it. Instead you’re the guy running beside the bus, banging on the window and insisting you have a ticket.

By Grenjeep

November 21, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

Glavine wanted the bucks and a team he could get his 300th win with……1 out of 2 is not bad…..let him stay in NY or go elsewhere. Hid loyality is to money

By HOKIE !

November 21, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

All of the talk about Glavine tends to make you forget the real problem for the Braves is age. Bobby is too old, James too young. So why add more problems to a franchise that’s not going anywhere.

By burt

November 21, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

bring tommy back. tommy wants to win 300 as a brave. the braves needs for tommy to win 300 for the braves. tommy has much to offer the braves after his playing days are over.

By David B

November 21, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Glavine’s been home for the last couple of years, with the highest bidder. He burned his bridge.

By Hotrod

November 21, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

Bring him back. It would put people in the seats. He has always been a good brave even though I didnt always agree with his players union stuff.He is a good guy for Atlanta the town. I can see him being a pitching coach down the road.

By AJ

November 21, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine back to ATL = Bad idea

By Patrick

November 21, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Great article Jeff.

I just hope and wish JS will take stock in what you wrote.

By Bear

November 21, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

He’s probably the best thing that could happen to Chuck James, who has been described by the mutiple voices of the Braves as a “Glavine type” pitcher. Who could be a better mentor than the real thing? James has terrific potential to develop into the type of pitcher Glavine is. What’s better than one Glavine? Two Glavines! Jeff, you and John need to hurry up and get that contract put together. Don’t miss out on this!

By Gen Neyland

November 21, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

He helped bring a championship to Atlanta and for that, I’m grateful. To bring him back at this stage of his career would depend on some variables, money being one of them. Glavine not only has quietly closed in on 300, he really has done it with class. When he left ATL, don’t some of you have to wonder if he knew Leo was leaving at some point, so he also went shopping for his best deal? Me, I say, ‘“That’s the Big Show”…

By Patrick

November 21, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

I must be the first to admit that when I saw that Tom Glavine had gone to the Mets..I was p**. I felt hurt, I felt betrayed. Then I thought about it..if I could elsewhere and ge more money to do the same job? I would leave regardless of who brought me to the dance. Corporate America does it everyday. To the highest bidder..the only way up is move up where the money is. Glavine is human and has as much right to earn as much as he could. The Braves tried to low ball him..he was worth the money ask the Mets. So now he wants to come back for perhaps less..let him..let him be back in the clubhouse and stick it to those chumps up north. If you all haven’t noticed the Phillies and Mets are all gaining strength..we have always fought that offensive strength with solid pitching. Solid pitching is spelled SMOLTZ AND GLAVINE. Glavine should come back and regardless of what these posts may say..let him win and all will be forgotten. Thats how BRAVES fans are.

By matt

November 21, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

i’m pretty sure i heard soon after glavine went to the mets that it was more his agent’s doing this glavine’s. apparently, clifton didn’t return phone calls from JS and was so intent on getting more money that he didn’t even give the braves a chance. now glavine wants to come back to the place he should’ve never left; i think he realized that before the 2006 season, and that’s why he said it would be either new york or atlanta.

glavine is going to be a brave again, and i can’t wait to see the press conference when he is putting on his old jersey.

By C from Marietta

November 21, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

As a Brave fan for life. I say what a Christmas present to have Tom Glavine pitching for the Braves in 2007!

By Tampaparrotthead

November 21, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

Well… good writing Schultzie and I agree that bringing Glavine back is right for a lot of reasons and if this situation is about everything but money, he’ll be back in Atlanta before Santa makes the big drop… and in my opinion, a nice drop it would be.

All the same, if my memory is correct, didn’t Glavine leave for the Mets for what basically figured out to be a million bucks a year over the three years? If that was the case, I can’t believe that a player who claimed dedication to an organization and had already made more money than Fort Knox can protect, would leave for the Mets of all teams, for a measly 3 million bucks. To me and you it would mean everything… comfortable living forever, more money than we’ve ever seen or hope to see and an early retirement that we can only dream about. But to someone who had already made a king’s ransom, it was peanuts.

But, with all that said… it is time for Glavine to come back and for all of us to put all of that behind us and welcome him home.

By Longtime fan

November 21, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

I agree with Matt, especially when Schultz’s blog was right above the announcement that ticket prices are going up next year. Fans appreciate loyalty, integrity, and sometimes just seeing a team get it right.

Glavine needs to win 300 and retire in a Braves uniform…..with Smoltz beside him. That’s enough to cover the cost of a ticket for true fans of the Braves and of baseball.

By Lemke Fan

November 21, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Even if Glavine did come back there would be many fans who would dislike him for how he screwed us over. For that reason I say screw Glavine.

By Alex

November 21, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

No, don’t get caught up in the fact that “oh wouldn’t it be nice to have Glavine win his 300th game in a Braves uniform” thought.

Trade for bullpen help, leadoff man and save money so you can at least make an offer to A. Jones at 16-17mil. per year. Having A.Jones on the team is more important than making a deal to sign “Benedict Glavine”.

No matter what, he will always be a traitor for going to the hated NY Mets!

By Union man

November 21, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

Bring tommy back he was a great union leader and looked out for his fellow union players.they should of never let the scabs keep playing after the strike was over. bye the way STFU about unions if you have never belong to one.just like anything in life some are better than others—>(unions)

By SFGiantsFan

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

It really doesn’t matter.

The JEWS in charge will decide who plays where, and what they do.

If you morons haven’t figured out that all the other sports are as fixed as “professional wrestling” then it’s your own fault, and you deserve what you get.

By Bring them all back

November 22, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

The Braves should bring Glavine back. In some ways, he never should have left. While this is in the air, is Maddux still on the market? Reunite them all. Those three guys (Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux) in their “declines” are better than anything the Braves now have. They all should retire Braves.

By Joe

November 22, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Hell no. He had to leave Atlanta for more money because he was part of the players union. Fans in Atlanta will not forget that….I hope they are not that stupid to let him come back. I wouldn’t care if he paid them!!!!

By Sherry L.

November 22, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

I say bring him back and hurry it up!! A lot of you must not know the whole story about him leaving Atlanta - how they low balled him, and only almost matched the Mets at the last minute. I think he made the right decision, even though I hated seeing him leave. I think he deserves to come back to win his 300 and retire in a Braves uniform. I agree that his presence on the team will be a morale booster for the rest of the players. We’re rooting for ya Glavine!! See ya in 2007!!

By BobbyThompson

November 22, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

The guy’s a whore. You people are actually sympathetic for a guy worth 100s of millions of dollars, who leaves at the drop of a hat, to a hated rival, for what amounts to pocket change. He doesn’t give a CRAP about you or me. I was at the stadium when he won game 6 vs Indians and I cheered my a* off. When he left I said, that whore, screw him, and I still say that. To him, baseball is just business. Nothing more. Guys like Ty Cobb and Whitey Ford and Spahn would slap his face.

By No Way

November 22, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

Tom, the Atlanta door hit you in the _ _ _ when you left for New York. Sorry, that door only opens one-way so go away.

By Seunghan Nam

November 22, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

If he wants to be braves, let him be. Give him a fair and respectful contract. At first, the way I heard was like “I really want to be a met, but my family doesn’t want that”. If this is the intention, don’t give him a contract. I don’t want anyone who really wants to be a met. I want braves player who really wants to be a brave, not because I have this some other situation.

Now I don’t hear this much, in fact, not at all. So I think he’s getting serious. But Schuloltz should makes sure if he wants to be a brave.

By KC

November 22, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

I have been rather cold to the idea of brining Glavine back, but the following statement by DOB has helped me warm to the idea

“Keep in mind, this is a guy who, since making significant changes his pitching style at midseason 2005, has fashioned a 20-11 record and 3.26 ERA in his past 42 regular-season starts.”

Okay, ya got me there. Sounds good. Offer Glavine a one year 8-9 million dollar deal. If he accepts it GREAT! We get another proven starter, and the Mets lose one in the process.

If he rejects it… don’t sweat it. I don’t share Jeff Shultz’s pessimism about this rotation as it’s currently configured.

Smoltz isn’t the ace because his arm didn’t fall off… he’s the ace because he finished in the top 7 in the NL in Wins, ERA, and K’s.

Hudson had a lousy season, but history tells us he’s likely to bounce back. The same thing happened (an elite pitcher having a lousy season in the middle of his prime for no apparent reason) to guys like Roger Clemens, John Smoltz, Mike Mussina and numerous others over the past 25 years. In each case, they bounced right back the following season. I’m not betting my car title on his having a good season next year… just saying that I think it’s more likely than not.

As for Mike Hampton… Statistically, there is a 10% of a pitcher showing any ill effects whatsoever from Tommy John surgery 18 months after the fact. 18 months is (doctors tell us) the actually full recovery time it takes to get back 100% after TJ surgery, though most pitchers return after only 12. Hampton will reach the 18 month mark in March. He’ll no doubt have a little rust to shake off, but he’ll be fine.

Chuck James is young, but so what??? He gets people out. Besides, he’s our 4th or 5th starter! Who the hell cares how young he is?

HoRam is injury prone. Agreed. But before we give up on him, let’s keep in mind that he did make 34 starts just last year. Let’s not pencil him in as every bit as regular a visitor to the DL as Kerry Wood just yet. Besides, James is more than capable of holding down the #4 spot in this rotation. If Ramirez goes down, you just have to find a fill-in 5th starter for a little while. Davies and Cormier both figure to be pitching at Richmond… ready to step in if needed. Replacing a 5th starter is not like replacing your ace.

So in short, I do in fact hope we get Glavine. But to answer your question, Jeff Shultz, yes I am still confident in this rotation… even if we don’t get Glavine back.

By Dave knockahomer

November 22, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

don’t want him…the turncoat don’t need him…the turncoat!

to leave the Braves was one thing, but to leave for the METS????????

Good Lord, don’t say he has loyalty and integrity unless you are talking about his pocketbook.

By Mark

November 22, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

Sign Glavine and trade Hudson ? How about sign Glavine , keep Hudson and win the whole damn enchilada. Smoltz , Hampton , Glavine , Hudson and James for a rotation ? Three lefty’s to boot with Davies and Ramirez for depth. Now thats a pitching staff to win it all with.

By Dave

November 22, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

Jeez, you Glavine, union, Jew haters are really something. Take your venom somewhere else and give the rest of us a break.

By Zebbie 911

November 22, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

I read that so many of you think Tommy left for money….your memory seems to be whacked. Go read Schuerholz’s Manifesto and try to recall, that the Braves were trying to cut payroll, and Tommys pitching during the playoffs of that year were sub par. The Braves kept lowballing Tommy. He felt that he was not wanted, and the Braves didnt come to the plate with a offer that was even halfway of what a franchise player deserved. He then listend to somebody who respected what he had to offer, and that was willing to pay him very well for it. The Braves wasted time all offseason just hoping he would go elsewhere and take the blaime off the franchise for Tommy not playing with the Braves. It worked! and you so called Braves fans just remember what you wanted to.

Dont point the finger at Tommy, its was not his fault. It was sell out Turner that caused the payroll crunch. They later dug deep for Hudson, why didnt Tommy get Huddy money?

Did Tommy not turn down much bigger offers before, to stay with the Braves. Show some respect.. sheeesh. He spent the best years of his life with the Braves when he could have made crazy cash!

I hope he comes back home, it makes since, and it would make the Braves pitching staff once agian almost elite. Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson, Hampton…..Niiiiicee. Trade for a leadoff hitter, and a arm or two for bullpen and the Braves shut down NL east agian.

By Ole Man Bourbon

November 22, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

You’re all idiots, case closed

By Tator Tot

November 22, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Maybe he can play QB for the Falcons!

By Vikingsouth

November 22, 2006 03:35 AM | Link to this

Sure the Braves should welcome Glavine back. i don’t think he really wanted to leave in the first place. Where else are you going to find such a steady, reliable LH pitcher for the same money? Of course they should give him a no-trade clause. As was mentioned, the odds the Braves would need to trade him are remote. Glavine won’t win 20, but he may win 15. Unlike the rest of the starters (Smoltz excluded), you know what you’re getting. The Braves have many question marks. Will Hampton and Ramirez ever recover? Is Davies going to pan out? Can they get rid of Hudson, or will he ever be effective? At least with Glavine, the Braves would have a source of stability. Besides, it’d be nice to see him in a Braves uniform, just for old time’s sake.

By Nikki

November 22, 2006 05:24 AM | Link to this

I would love to see Glavine back in a braves uniform. He never should have been allowed to leave. He and Smolzie are the faces of the franchise.

By Bruce Brown

November 22, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this

NO WAY, I’D RATHER BE IN THE OLD STADIUM WATCHING mURPHY, HORNER & THE REST & IN THE CELLAR THAN TO HAVE THAT MONEY HUNGRY CHUMP BACK HERE. I’LL TELL YOU HOW I REALLY FEEL LATER. B-BRO.

By Dave

November 22, 2006 05:55 AM | Link to this

Glavine is a gutless wonder. He has no passion or fire for anything other than enriching himself. The Mets didn’t win anything with him, and they weren’t going to, and they knew it, and that’s why they let him go. The Braves won in ‘95 despite him, not because of him. Spend the money on a younger and more emotional player.

By Steve

November 22, 2006 06:14 AM | Link to this

I did not attend one game last for the first time since 1966. If they sign the whoring glavine, I’ll never attend another game.

By Cityofdecatur

November 22, 2006 06:17 AM | Link to this

If he takes less money to play here HE WOULDN’T BE TOM GLAVINE. But we could play welcome back Koter theme when he comes to bat. 15 wins and alls forgiven. Maybe.

By Kathy

November 22, 2006 06:18 AM | Link to this

Tom Glavine is the personification of a totally focused athlete and a great person - good husband, good father, clean-cut and on top of all that - he can actually still pitch! Wonder of wonders - a pitcher that gets through 6-7 innings before creating an impossible situation. Now, let’s see: hum, a pitcher that will set-up a reliever to win = good; a pticher that keeps his cool and doesn’t confront the fans, the umps, the other team but is professional all the way = good. So: good + good = get my 2nd all-time favorite pitcher back in my team’s uniform. Of course John Schmoltz is the very, very best - he is a loyal, wonderful, compassionate and dedicated BRAVE - thanks to John, Tom, and I adore Andruw - let’s roll BRAVES!!

By Amanda

November 22, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this

I think it would be good for the Braves to bring back Glavine. He would bring a stability to the team and help with the young pitchers coming up from the minor leagues. Also, he wants to finish his career in Atlanta. I hope the Braves listen and bring him back. Atlanta would definitely benefit by bringing him back to Atlanta.

By drixie

November 22, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this

Glavine will go into the Hall as a Brave. BRING HIM BACK!

By Doc

November 22, 2006 07:06 AM | Link to this

Bring him back! Make the salary performance driven.

By GaNative

November 22, 2006 07:10 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe how so many of you have turned your backs on Glavine. Baseball is a business, it’s his job. How many of you would not leave your current employer to make millions more than you’re currently making?

By GaNative

November 22, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this

I take it that most of you all in here that talk about “loyalty” has never changed jobs in your career, huh?

By Blaney

November 22, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this

Aaron went off in a pigue. So did Glavine. When it’s over, it’s over. The future is now, not 10 years ago. Keep it moving.

By Kevin

November 22, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this

Glavine back No way he said wants More money so he be happy…..So Yankees will sign Tom (traitor) Glavine for 3 years 46 million dollars….sorry shultz No Tom…But we do offer a Liver

By scott

November 22, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this

bring him back. we need him back to help

By russell smith

November 22, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

hey no matter what the braves do, stop placing paragraphs of writing in between parentheses. its boring and it certainly doesnt validate what ever point you are trying to make. try using the whole english language to make your point, not parentheses. not to mention, you have no knowledge of baseball. they should fire you, whoever you are.

By Ace

November 22, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Having Tom baqck can only help! And the Braves need all that they can get!

By ut96

November 22, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

I don’t want that traitor back! How many more millions of dollars did the guy need? He turned his back on Braves fans and signed with the enemy.

By UT96

November 22, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

Kathy, Good Husband? He cheated on his first wife- that would make him a philanderer, not to mention a dispicable human being.

By beef

November 22, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this

love the idea of Tom coming back.. we have two young pitchers in the system that would benefit, James and local boy Will Startup!!

By Terry

November 22, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

Good point GaNative, Who should his loyalty be with Family (financial) or employer? The Mets deal was all about money,I think he will make the right decision and come home to his family.BRING HIM HOME

By H_Charles

November 22, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

100% spot on. One thing you didn’t mention are ticket sales. People will go see Glavine pitch, in droves. Particlularly as he approaches 300. With no sure thing that the Braves will be competitive, this is a great move for the Braves. Bring him back home.

By nancyboy

November 22, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

bring glavine back already. he was such an instrumental piece to our repeated choke jobs year after year in the playoffs. last year was horrible. i would rather keep going to the playoffs every year so that we can choke and look listless as the other team wins the series at the Ted. Tell Tommy though that since he would not take the hometown discountlast time that he is going to have to take an ever bigger discount this time to demonstratehis loyalty. maybe then we will be able to afford to keep Druw.

I have no idea why I am hating on how much $$$$ these guys make. I mean the Braves raised ticket prices yet again this year after that horrible year last year and they keep reducing payroll. Does Braves management understand that this is actually a big market and that there is no excuse for them not to have a bigger payroll?

After 15 years of success, they should have been rolling in the dough. But they are not. Most likely because they have huge problems with understanding how to market themselves. I do not want to get the racial issue going BUT if you had a team with a huge potential african american fan base why do you seem so hellbent on not having african american stars on the team. They once had mcgriff, gant, TP, deion, justice, grissom, michael tucker. Now they do not have any and they have not seemed to have any for a while. They keep bringing back jordan but he has long since passed his heyday. People will get mad and say it does not matter and they are partially right because it is not a big deal and no I am not black. bt just look at the popularity of Tiger Woods and what he has done for that sport. I just think that maybe a black star or two in what is considered the American black mecca may perhaps put 5000 extra African American fans in the seats every game and thus they would be able to afford a bigger payroll. but maybe i am just stupid. or maybe i am a user trying to exploit black players for the bigger gain for the team. i do not know. i just see a business not being run the right way. do you ot think that dontrelle and carl crawford would put a hell of alot of fans, both black and white, into the stands and cause more people to listen on the radio, watch on tv and blog their fingers off on the AJC?

i also understand that the overall % of blacks in MLB has gradually declined and is now more in line with the overall population % rates. how could i forget. terrence moore will not allow us. so i do understand that black stars are not as prevalent in the MLB as they once were BUT i think in this market more of an effort should be made to secure a few black stars

there are also other problems with the way they reach out or more accurtely do not reach out to the yankee transplants, the good ole boys and rednecks, the plain old middle class white people, and the latino population. They have a huge market here with a smorgasboard of different people of class, race, culture, and money. they need to find a better way to take advantage of their potential fan base. Alright, that’s enough.

By small minds

November 22, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

I find it odd that some of the folks who are so outspoken about bringing Glavine back don’t seem to realize that (contrary to what an earler poster said) the door does indeed swing both ways! When Maddux’s contract was up, the Braves wouldn’t even talk to him! They in essence said, “ don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” He signed with the Cubs for what seemed an affordable sum for the Braves had they chose to pursue him.

From all accounts, the Braves did indeed low ball Glavine, only countering the Mets offer in the eleventh hour when Glavine was practically signed, sealed and delivered to the Mets. And what’s up with all this anti-union stuff? You would think that unions were killing this country! Well let me give some of you a clue. Enron, Exxon, Haliburton, corporate America at it’s best! World wide strife, a couple of wacky countries getting ready to go nuclear, gas prices just down from all time highs and sure to return there now that the election is over. So I guess that without unions in this country, we could depend on the humanitarians who run corporate America to treat all employees fairly and put the good of their employees ahead of making an extra three cents on their stock? Oh yeah, that’s exactly how it would be!

The baseball union is an oddity because of the fact that it’s members are millionaires, but most unions represent folks who are just trying to get by and provide for their families. In baseball, it’s a battle of the union millionaires fighting the owner millionaires.

Tell you what, when our government stops serving the medical and pharmaceutical lobby so that working Americans can get affordable healthcare, then perhaps one of the needs for a union will go away. When corporate America starts saying, “our profits are good enough, we’re going to put some of our windfalls toward our employees, we’re going to reward folks for their loyalty and not just throw them away after 20 years because the cost of keeping them is more than hiring some young guy fresh out of school….then maybe the need for a union will go away.

Yeah….when pigs fly!

So to all you union bashing, anti-semite, frustrated morons out there….. who live lives so unsatisfying that you must take your wrath out on unions, because you let some ultra conservative Rush Limbaugh type do your thinking for you…… have fun! In your world HATE is fun!

A pathetic world it is to.

By Eric

November 22, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

In an era that forgets people and MONEY is most important I am liking this idea - Glavine returning.Help me remember who stayed in Atlanta longer and even retired as a Brave that has racked up as many numbers as Glavine and heading to Hall of Fame - THIS IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO & THE BEST TIME. Eric

By Turnin2

November 22, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

AMEN Brother!! Come on JS — pull the trigger on this deal and bring Tommy back home where he belongs!!!
You can’t say you didn’t KNOW this time around that Tommy wants to be a Brave!

By Knock A Homa

November 22, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

Sorry, but let him find another team. First, his tired and old body won’t help the team win. He would’nt be a quick fix, just a has-been that would be taking a roster spot of a youngster who could be gaining valuable experience. His attitude during the strike hasn’t been forgoten. It’s always been about the money with him, if it isn’t let him sign a mimimum contract.

By joe

November 22, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Braves didnt want him 4 years ago now they will take him for less money. Shameful. H e should stay in N.Y. where he has been treated with respect.

By atldan

November 22, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

We all booed him 4 years ago. Now its time to cheer for his return, we owe him that. To Schuerholz, you let Maddux get away for his 300. That photo of him winning that day will forever be etched in our minds in a Cub uniform. Don’t let Glavines 300th be in a Met uniform. These are important images that will reside in Cooperstown that substantiate a franchise.

By Ron

November 22, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

You gotta be kiddin! Glavine should never come back to Atlanta after his role in the strike…How soon people forget! Not withstanding that, he’s a “has been” and the magnificent Braves don’t need to be burdened with someone who needs attention all the time, therefore distracted from keeping their eye on the sparrow - Another Pennant.

By BigJohn

November 22, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Glavine wasn’t offered a good contract by the Braves when he left. He did what he thought was best for his family. He IS a family man and now he has an opportunity to return to his baseball family and I think the Braves need him. Glavine is a class act. I know because I have met him and his family at a restaurant in Alpharetta the same year he signed with the Mets. My mother-in-law was with us and she is a huge Glavine/Braves fan and he graciously talked with her for several minutes. He wasn’t upset and his wife was just as gracious. So I don’t care if he is old by baseball standards, he is pure class and the Braves could use his presence in the clubhouse….

By MR MET

November 22, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

YOU sour grapes Braves fan have to realize that Glavine prefers to be a MET because he knows a winner when he sees one. Family is whats pulling him there. If he wants 300 wins he must remain with us THE NEW YORK METS!!!!! BRAVES ARE DONE! Relish the 14 NL Championship…there won’t be more for a while.

By SICEM

November 22, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

Business is business and anyone on this blog would take a 5 million dollar a year raise you cant blame him for that. Yes bring him back for ALL the reasons stated in the article, the Bravos need all the help they can get. I agree with some of you that help is needed in other areas but our pitching is suspect at best.

By GaNative

November 22, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

UT96, most athletes fall for the TEMPTATION OF THE LAP PIE. Chipper did it, Andruw did it, William Andrews did it, and countless of others fell for it. I know of one former pro basketball player that has 11 kids in 2006, almost unheard of. Young guys make mistakes, their appetite can’t seem to be quenched when it comes to the LAP PIE. Also, it would be hard for you or I to resist if we had all they beautiful babes waiting in line at the players entrance/exit tunnel just waiting to be picked up.

By Sean Borner

November 22, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

OK, so I have been a LOYAL Braves fan since the days Claudell Washington leaped the wall and the days Claudell Washington dropped the ball all the way till Sid Bream had that slide into home plate and we all cried because we finally had something to cheer about down here! I was at at Knights(Yeah they won the Turner Cup that year)game the year Glavine and Avery sat at a card table in the breezeway and I was one of 3 who were standing in line to get signatures from these pitchers. I wanted one from these nobody rookies. Glavine you were our face and why did you leave us in the dust at a time we really needed you! A time when we fans needed a TRUE BRAVE veteran in the clubhouse harvesting these young guys when AOL sold us out! Why did you take the money then when we needed you to take soup kitchen money (what, you cant live off single digit millions?)? Now that you need us for your retirement years and to get the 300 wins in the uni that you started in. We are supposed to just forget all that happened when you left your organization. The team that gave the rookie from Boston who painted the corners with not much heat a chance to wear America’s Uniform? Well as a true LOYAL Braves fan I say YES!!!! Come back man!!! Show Davies how you did it so many years. Teach Francouer how to be the face of a struggling team! Bless us with that never say die 7th game in the World Series attitude! Show the Mets that you are a BRAVE and you just let them get a taste of the type of players that we have down here in HOTLANTA! Schuerholtz PLEASE do what it takes to get our guy back! We can’t have another year like 2006! We need you Tommy and would welcome you back with OPEN ARMS!!!

“Loyal Braves FAN “

By Don

November 22, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Tommy. Go kick horse-turds.

By Serious Lee

November 22, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

KEEP HIM OUT OF HERE!!!!

Exactly, its a business now. Things change.

Players now have NO loyalty whatsoever to the fans.

Why should fans have loyalty to the players?

Glavine is a big part of the reason the Braves are raising prices AGAIN! The union and greedy owners are going to ruin this sport.

Glavine is just another number.

Tom who?

By 59bulldawg

November 22, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

Some of you so-called Braves fans need serious help! Grow up for pete sake! Bring Tommy back - the team can use whatever he has left and I’d personally like to see him get win number 300 with the Braves. Not only does it help us … it weakens the Mets! What else can we ask?

By bill

November 22, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

If Glavine leaves NY for Atl he’s nuts. The Mets will get to the WS this year, plus they will pay him more money. He’s doing himself & his family a disservice for accepting less. The Braves dont need another 40+ pitcher. Maybe they’ll bring back Maddux too, that way they can be cellar dwellars. Stop living in the past. Your pressing need is to take care of Andruw. He’ll be a Yankee before you can blink.

By Jeff

November 22, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Who said the Braves’ starting pitching is a sure thing, with or without Glavine?

Sign Glavine, pair him with Smoltz, and the anchors of your rotation are over forty (age does matter). Don’t forget Smoltz’ September was poor (an ERA around 5.00). Was he running out of gas? Glavine has always been a control pitcher. Even control pitchers need adequate velocity. His velocity isn’t likely to be better in 2007 than it was in 2003. In fact, it will probably be less.

Add Hudson (nagging physical problem)and Hampton (major rehab)and what do you have? The Big If rotation. Chuck James can’t do it all.

No, the pitching staff needs to get younger, not older. And healthier. Better to get good young talent in place now, rather than postponing the inevitable.

By SICEM

November 22, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Small Minds, You sound like an upset unemployed UAW member. The unions once had thier place in the US but that time passed long ago. Look at the big 3 automakers begging the government to bail them out and you will see what a fiasco unions can create. The big 3 are closing plants due to poor quality products and tremendous financial burdens from benifit packages that are directly traced back to unions. On the other hand the big 3 Japanese automakers are opening non union plants all over our country and thier products are high quality and far superior to the US big 3 which is a shame because the Us has the technology but not the drive to do a good job due to the UAW. Maybe you should move to a socialist country where you cold have everything handled for you by the govenment just as the unions have taken care of thier unemployed autoworkers LOL. Check with Russia they can give you some pointers on how well your views work!

By Rick

November 22, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Jeff:

Thanks for writing the story on Tommy. I absolutely agree with you analysis regarding his return to the Braves. The Braves need to make this happen for the fans and Tommy. He is a class act and represents his sport and the city of Atlanta well. Let’s hope the Braves make the right decision. Once again, Thanks

P.S. if the Braves do not do the right thing, perhaps Don Waddell will sign him up to play center.

By Charles

November 22, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

Glavine is a true professional in an age where athletes like Barry Bonds and T.O. get the spotlight. I think Glavine is one of the greatest pitchers of this era because he just goes out and gets the job done. He never makes any inflammatory comments about players, coaches or media he just performs. That is the type of work ethic and charachter that I try to instill in my son who is just getting into sports. Let me tell you with all those other clowns around and ESPN devoting 75% of their highlights to them it is not easy.

When Glavine first went to the Mets I, like most people, was angry, but given the same situation I eventually realized I would of done the same thing. Glavine was slighted by the organization and he was looking out for his family. Who wouldn’t do that? Glavine needs to win 300 with the Braves, he just has to it is the way it should be. I can guarantee that if Glavine comes back to pitch for the Braves my son and I will be at every game Glavine pitches at home this year.

By dean

November 22, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

I agree with Lee You are right on the money with the “Loyalty” thing. After all with Glavine and any other baseball player or coach, it’s ALL about the money, Not the love of the game

By John Hoar

November 22, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Nice article. Yeah, I have a little resentment toward Glavine but would like to see him back. On the other hand, if he doesn’t come back, I will be perfectly satisfied if he has about a 14.5 ERA against us for the rest of his career.

Whatever he does, however, remember-John Somltz is the man!!

By turfman

November 22, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Come back home, Tommy.

By alex

November 22, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

nice article, funny too. i like what you’re saying schultz. ever since maddux/glavine left we’ve lost all of those predictably solid starts we had come love love. glavine can still bring you six solid innings. he’s more that worth it and he’s less than a gamble than hudson or hampton look to be. and he’s tommy frickin glavine, future braves hall of famer. let’s not forget that.

By DrH

November 22, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

When Tom Glavine signed with the Mets he said he was concerned about “security” for his family, financially. So exactly how many millions does it take for your family to be “secure” Tommy?

People who aren’t fortunate enough to be professional athletes spend their entire lives working hard to try and accumulate the DIFFERENCE in Glavine’s Mets salary vs. what he Braves offered.

I will NEVER forget little Tommy sitting on the deck of his $800,000 house at Country Club of the South, in the Fall of 1994, explaining to local TV why MLB players just HAD to go out on strike, and cancel the ‘94 season and playoffs. Sorry Tommy, I guess at that point your family wasn’t “secure” enough?

I haven’t given the Braves one dime of my money since 1994, and never will again. Screw all these greedy self-centered egotistical athletes with no clue how much work it takes to generate the kind of money they take for granted. “Loyalty” isn’t something Glavine can tout when he’s in the mood at the end of his career, so let the Mets throw Tommy a feel-good retirement party at the end of the year. You reap what you sew.

By BOB

November 22, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

59BD What more can you ask? Lead-off hitter, relief pitchers and money to sign AJ and other free agents thats not 41 years old. Who cares if he wins 300 in Braves uniform if Braves don’t make play off. This is all emotions not good business. He made his $$$$$ to go to Mets we could have used him then not NOW! Iwill never pay to watch Glav pitch, I don’t care if he’s HOF or in WS.I don’t like strikes 5 inches off the plate and his smart as*. Bring back BULLDOG now that”s class.

By LaVerne

November 22, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

November 22, 2006

I think it is time to bring Glavine Home.

By Vikingsouth

November 22, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

I don’t get the attitude toward Glavien. He’s basically offering to come back here for LESS than he could get other places. How, precisely, does that make him greedy? The man pitched well here for many years and started the game in which the Braves won their only World Series here, yet half of what I read here is negative. OK, he signed with the Mets. Forget about it already. If someone offered you millions of dollars more money to leave your job, I bet you’d do it.

By Bob

November 22, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Met,

If Tom Glavine had remained with Braves for the last 4 years, he would have his 300 wins already. The Mets have not built anything. You guys are a 1 year wonder. Glav needs to be back with the Braves. He can pitch 2-3 more years then become a pitching coach within the Braves organization. Go Braves!!

By Paul

November 22, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

HEy the Braves just raised ticket prices again. What better way to spend the extra dough than to bring Tommy back home!!

By Jibo

November 22, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Glavine made his choice 4 years ago, now take your 48wins 48 loses back to NY and stay. Thats his record the last 4 yrs. Boy that really gone help the Braves.

By caroline

November 22, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

As a Mets fan, Glavine wants to go back to the Braves but only if they meet his price in terms of money and a no-trade clause. If not, he will gladly take the Mets money and come back to NY. I just wish that he would come out publicly and say that rather than this wishy-washiness that he has done. You can have him back - we don’t want players who don’t want to be here - especially, dishonest ones.

By Dan

November 22, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

To all you negative “fans” Let’s not forget that Tommy won Game 6 and the clincher to win the 1995 World Series. He was not a “flamethrower” then - Mr. City! Bring him back. He could teach the young ones and win #300 here. By the way, there isn’t a blogger in this thread that would turn down $5 Million. Not a single one.

By Dawgtime

November 22, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

If I controlled the Braves, I would remake the team. We need a different plan. At present the Braves are boring to watch. The players lack emotions which is reflected in the stands and standings. What I would do: Rotation Trade John Thomson, Brayan Pena, and Mike Hampton to the Cubs for Kerry Woods and Michael Barrett. Second trade Chipper Jones, Kyle Davies, Oscar Villarreal, and Kerry Woods to the Yankees for Alex Rodriguez and Kyle Farnsworth. Third trade: Marcus Giles, Salty the minor league catcher, and some minor league players to the Padres for Scott Linebrink and Jake Peavy Fourth trade: Andruw Jones, Tim Hudson, and Chris Reitsma are moved in a multi team deal that lands us Corey Patterson from the Orioles, Barry Zito from the A’s, and Mark Kotsay from the A’s. Rotation R John Smoltz (ace) L Barry Zito (ace) R Jake Peavy (ace) L Chuck James L Horacio Ramirez

Lineup L (CF) Corey Patterson speed can steal 50 bases. SB is the missing focus of baseball. GA boy. Very fast. L (LF) Mark Kotsay. Leader with spirit. True baseball player. Excellent bat behind base stealer R (SS) Edgar Renteria. A true professional. Great hitter with defense Clutch player. R (3B) Alex Rodriguez, maybe the greatest player ever to play. Removed from the pressure of the Big Apple, he will return to a 50 homer 30 SB season. L (1B) Adam LaRoche, great defense with a power stroke. This kid is on the verge of a super season. R (RF) Jeff Francoeur, awesome talent. Mr. Brave. Everything Chipper isn’t. Plays with a spirit. Chipper is an overpaid prima dona. 40 HRs with 25 SB’s is predicted. L (C) Brian McCann. Special player. Best catcher in the NL. Will win a batting title. GA boy. S (2B) Willy Aybar. Give the kid a chance. He has some talent. Backup plan would be to develop Kelly Johnson.

By Brad

November 22, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

I have been P.O.’d with Glavine since he left us for the Mets. I LOVED seeing the Braves tee off on him the first few times he came to pitch against us. Maybe that was punishment enough… I say bring him back if we are sure it won’t cost us Andruw. If he can help the team out in the short run with quality pitching and help out in the long run by bringing mentorship to the young guys, we could use him.

By small minds

November 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

SICEM,

Actually the “big benefit packages” that you speak of haven’t been much of a factor to the current woes of the “big three.” If you actually had done your homework instead of spouting off with the tired old anti-union rhetoric, you would know that benefit cuts have been part of concessionary contracts for years, aimed at bailing out the big three. Even though benefit packages have been slashed, no union give backs will bail out a company that is managed poorly. When the price of gas is skyrocketing and you are building tanks that get 5 telephone poles per gallon…. the public will choose to go another route. Of course the big three are all about gas milage now….but it may be too late. I might also add that in this day of worker concessions to “keep their jobs,” corporate manager and CEO pay continues to skyrocket! I guess that makes sense huh? The company is faltering so you blame employees who made concessions and give yourself another raise, nevermind that your decisions are what are truly putting the company at peril.

As for quality, I have yet to see an hourly worker make the final call (notice I said “final” call) as to what quality standards will ultimately be.

Bad managers usually find someone else to blame for their company’s woes. The big three auto makers are paying (along with their rank and file workers) for bad business decisions made over the years.

As for my employment status, I’ve worked both sides of the fence. I used to be a union rep but now sit on the HR side of the table. The union is not the evil that some in corporate America (and their minions) would have you believe. On the other hand, there are responsible companies out there who treat their employees fairly even without union representation…. but there are far too few of these situations. A strong, responsible union can be the best friend an employer can have. In this situation, it is the unions responsibility to make sure that employees do their jobs.

Now lets get to health care. Hmmmm Russia, socialism…..whatever.

Tell ya what, SICEM, why don’t we do away with all health care and benefit packages associated with unions. That way, we can add all those folks to the growing number of uninsured that the taxpayer pays for!(oh yeah SICEM, that’s you) Do it the (fill in the blank) way. Hire folks for low pay and no healthcare, provide low prices, and let your customers through their taxes provide health care for your employees.

Glad you have it figured out, SICEM! I was worried there were people out there who didn’t have a clue! lol

This anti-union stuff is akin to beating the dog when granny breaks wind. It makes some folks feel better but it doesn’t address the real problem.

Union influence in this country is at an all time low. Laws and legislation has been passed that take away much of the union’s clout. It’s been this way for years and every year sees union influence wane some more. Only 12.5 % of the workforce in this country is unionized. So are you still gonna blame the unions for the countries problems when they are down to 6%? Who you gonna blame when there are no unions? Oh I’m sure you’ll find some group to blame.

Hey I got an idea. When a business hits on hard times, why don’t you blame the people who manage the company instead of giving them a raise!

Nahhhh…. that would make too much sense.

By David

November 22, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

Please don’t bring that mutt back onto the Braves. The Braves have been destroyed without Glavine and bringing him back only makes things worse. We certainly don’t need that ungrateful slime back on our team. Glavine came up through the Braves organization. He was home-grown through our farm system. We nurtured him to help him win two Cy Young awards and one World Series Championship. Then Glavine shows his gratitude to the Braves by becoming a traitor, accepting a few dollars more from our arch rival, the evil empire New York Mets of all people. Glavine is nothing but a traitor, turncoat, slime, mutt, greedy bastard and any other adjective that you can use to describe him. I would never accept him back on the Braves ever again. Glavine should never, ever be allowed in this city ever again for his ungrateful attitude towards the Braves. He is like the prodical son, but do not accept him back on the team.

By Dave

November 22, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Jeez, you Glavine, union, Jew haters are really something. Take your venom somewhere else and give the rest of us a break.

By Dave

November 22, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Jeez, you Glavine, union, Jew haters are really something. Take your venom somewhere else and give the rest of us a break.

By stew

November 22, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

Signing Andruw should be our number one priority. Davies next season should be make or break. If they sign Glavine, they have to trade Davies. Then what do we have after 2007? No Andruw, Davies, or Glavine.

By Rich

November 22, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

After looking at his 2006 numbers (22 quality starts, decent ERA), I thought that he would be a good bridge to the next generation of pitchers. However, I truly believe that this year was the best you’re going to get from Glavine; his velocity will decrease, and his age will catch up with him (not everybody can be Roger Clemons).

If JS is willing to part with the money for a 13 win at best season, then so be it. However, the money would be better spent on the minors IMO, just ask the Florida Marlins.

By 59bulldawg

November 22, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Bob,

Point taken! However as has been previously pointed out, the starting rotation, aside from Smoltz, is shakey at best. Glavine would bring stability, even if just for a year, and would be a bargain for a proven starting pitcher. I know he’s no sure thing either but I’d be willing to chance it. As for “what more could you ask” I was speaking to the upside/downside of this one possible signing and not the team as a whole. But I think you knew that and just wanted to make your point. As for other needs, I really don’t see significant improvements happening until the team is run by non-corporate ownership and/or finds a way to unburden itself from a few of the large contracts that prevent financial flexibility with the spending limits currently in place. Right now the team is a corporate cash cow. It’s all about getting as much as you can out of the team without putting any more than necessary into it. That’s why they will probably not sign Andruw. I hope they do but I’d be surprised. It’s also why we’ll probably experiment with retreads in the bullpen again this year too! As for lead-off, the team missed out when Juan Pierre went elsewhere. But those are just my opinions and I know everybody has them. However, I just don’t get the hate and venom I often see on these blogs. Sometimes I truly believe it comes from envy. Yeah, I appreciate loyalty too but who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to make more money … to better provide for one’s family. And who are we to say what’s enough and what’s too much? Yeah I know it’s grown men playing a kid’s game to us … but for the players it’s their livelihood for the moment and there’s no guarantee that it won’t be cut short by injury, age, or simply loss of skill. For some of you folks whining about team loyalty and Glavine’s $$$, if you really believe that stuff then turn down your next raise for the benefit of the company to show your own loyalty. I doubt that you will. I don’t want to hear how much more professional athletes make because it’s irrelevant to the principle you’re preaching. If you’re going to talk the talk then be consistent and walk the walk. If you don’t want to see Glavine pitch in a Braves uniform again, then fine, stay home! It’ll leave more seats for those of us who do!

By History

November 22, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

The Braves 1995 Championship could possibly be the only major sports prize the City of Atlanta ever wins. Ever! To preserve this, I agree that the Braves should bring Glavine back to solidify his position as a Brave in the HOF. Besides, he could help sell tickets. Some question whether the game has passed Glavine by. I say it doesn’t matter. The Braves are scaling back payroll and will be more pretenders than contenders until that changes. We might as well spend the next 3-5 years cheering our veterans into retirement than seeing worthless free agents come and go.

By dave is a moron

November 22, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

dave what in the world does this have to do with Jews??? why should the fans in this city be loyal to someone who left for a little more money??? he made his bed now he can lay in it. we need to sign andruw not glavine. grow up and quit carrying the “Jew” chip on your shoulder…sounds like you’ve got issues.

By Kyung

November 22, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Glavine, next to Smoltz, stood as a face of the Braves for a long time. I just think it’s a right thing to do as a franchise to bring back Glavine, win his three hundredth win and retire as a Brave. There’s no way that bringing him will hurt the team in any way. He can help the young players, stabilize the pitching staff, etc.

By Joe

November 22, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

As a Mets fan (yes, a hated Mets fan) I wish Atlanta would take Glavin back. Although I like the man, he is getting up there in age and the money can be better spent. I would much rather spend 8 million on a younger pitcher with upside potential than Tommy who is indecisive and likes to drag his feet. Besides, he was always a Brave when he was an ace and should end his career as one (if Atlanta wants him back).

By Tom Carrico

November 22, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

I saw Tom Glavine pitch a complete game shutout for the Richmond Braves in the late 90s and have been a fan ever since. I think the Braves would be nuts to not make the effort to bring him back. We need the competitiveness. Think what Smoltz and Glavine together could teach the young pitchers. I would love to be wherever win #300 takes place. Tom Carrico

By UT96

November 22, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

GAnative, IMO, no excuse fo infidelity period. One shouldn’t put himself in situations where one might be lead to stray.

By scott

November 22, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Bring him back. Go out and squeeze every penny to get a great team on the field for 2007. Make this season about Glavine and Smoltz. If they go out on top then the rebuilding can begin. I think every brave fan could live with that!!!

By Biff Pocaroba

November 22, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Wow, where to begin. Let’s see:

1. Mets fans - go away.
2. Blogger still angry about 1994 strike - get over it or seek therapy.
3. The following was the Braves rotation in 2006: John Smoltz. That’s it.

Hudson stinks. He’s a finesse pitcher who somehow can’t give us innings? My daughter has more stamina than him. We overpaid for him and now can’t afford anyone else.

Hampton has had every injury known to man. Who knows how he’ll do.

I like Ramirez as a 5th starter at best. I agree with Jeff, the others are too young.

We need a lefty. A good lefty. A true number 2 starter behind Smoltzie. Someone to give Smoltz a good golf match on off days.

I watched (in person) Glavine pitch the greatest game of his life in game 6 of the ‘95 Series. He is a Brave. I want to see him win number 300 here. And then I want to see him in Cooperstown. (Provided he doesn’t hang around after he’s lost his stuff the way Niekro, Seaver, Sutton, Maddux, Big Unit and others have or did.)

Come back, Tom. All is forgiven.

Now, the tough part is to get McGuirk to convince the purse strings to let the payroll creep up past $80 million so we can do this. Wait, I know - TRADE HUDSON FOR ANYONE PITCHING IN THE TWINS FARM SYSTEM. They seem to know their stuff. Or, more importantly, have some stuff. That frees up all that $$ Hudson stole last year.

Glavine would give us 200(+) good innings, win 15 games and be a huge fan morale boost. This is a no brainer.

By DrH

November 22, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Many people’s resentment towards Glavine personally has nothing to do with envy, or loyalty, or whether we’d turn down raises or more money to do our jobs.

Whether someone accepts or turns down a raise is a moot point, it’s the publicly stated reasons for turning down the Braves and going to the Mets that bother most people. For a guy who has made several dozen million dollars in his career already to come out and say he HAD to go sign with the Mets for his family to be secure, well sorry but that’s just ludicrous. Like it or not life is not one big generic philosophy question, there does come a point when enough should be enough, especially when your salary is mostly paid by the people who don’t earn a fraction of an MLB players salary.

59bulldawg - personally I own the company that I work for. I already do pay myself less than I could, for the benefit of others in my company. While it’s true everyone has the right to decide “how much is enough” for themselves, that doesn’t mean I have to publicly support the feel-good movement for Tom Glavine to end his career as a Brave; several years ago he publicly displayed what was important in HIS life, and how much he considered was “enough” versus what he’d already earned.

So if you people want to pat him on the back and say “welcome back”, go right ahead, that’s your right. I personally choose not to see it that way. In my book character isn’t something you pull out when it’s convenient, it’s something you either show consistently or you don’t.

By Logic

November 22, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

First off, if my memory serves my right, Glavine did not turn his back on the Braves, it was the Braves who turned there back on Glavine. After all he did for us for all those years the Braves wouldn’t offer him more than a 2 year contract worth around 18 million. The biggest reason that Glavine left was because he wanted a contract for 3-4 years, which the Braves wouldn’t go for; he even waited around prolonging his leave and considering staying for so long because he wanted to be a Brave so bad. With that said, he still is a good pitcher and will bring a lot to the table if he comes back to the Braves with his arm and his experience, helping to mentor some of the other starting picters. However, the Mets are going to offer him huge money, and I don’t care who you are, you can’t be mad at someone for not giving up 10-11 extra million dollars to come home and play were he wants to play. When Andruw eventually leaves after next season because the Braves won’t offer him anything near what he’s worth are you going to hate him too?

By Blane

November 22, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

Like I said when he left, he is a YANKEE UNION INSTIGATOR whose only goal is keep players’ salaries astronomically high putting them out of touch with those that buy the tickets. I hope he stays up north and never gets his 300 wins.

By SICEM

November 22, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

SMALL MIND, First of all I am 55 years old have never been unemployed in my life, make a great living owning my own business and have paid for my own insurance every month for 37 years. I have never worked for a union and wouldnt unless there was no way to obtain another job! I pay my taxes in fact more than my fair share! I dont expect anyone to take care of my family and me especially some weak a$$ union boss as I am man enough to take care of us myself! The big 3 reps that went to DC said themselves that the main reason they are in financial desperation is insurance and retirement packges to retired workers that were demanded by the UAW. These are people who have medicare but are still getting insurance paid for by thier former employer. Now that makes a lot of sense dosent it? Who cares if the company goes bankrupt as long as thier union mental outlook can suck every ounce of blood possible from the company. You are correct unions have a much lesser role in this country than they used to however in the auto manufacturing business they are still very strong with much more than 12.5% of its workforce belonging to the UAW. I did not say that unions were the downfall of this country at this time. What I stated was that they are the reason the big 3 are in the trouble that they are in. I will admit it would be hard for a lot of folks to do a good job when they know if they screw up all they have to do is file a grievance with the UAW and they wont get thier sorry A$$ fired. That is the main problem with unions no matter what you do you more than likely keep your job. Any way you dont have to believe me as to the big threes problems just do some research and you will see that they along with the UAW are aware of how the problems were created and admit that they ARE the problem. This taxpayer dosent want 1 dime of my money to go toward bailing them out this time! However if you do then send them you whole damn paycheck every week just dont vote in the dumbocrats that will ask for mine.

By Mitch

November 22, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

I am one who advocates Glavine’s return. I am a member of the Braves message board at their official site, and, due to the fact that Glavine can still win 15 games, and it seems apparent that we have to trade Hudson to free ourselves from the contract he has, and patch up other areas, such as bullpen, and leadoff hitter, signing Glavine, and trading Hudson, and maybe Ramirez, would make major sense. Sign Glavine for one year, maybe 7 to 8 mil, with an option. This then leaves us with a rotation of Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, James, and Davies. A fine starting five. If we can use Horacio and Tim to get us a leadoff hitter, and bullpen help, this would all make perfect sense. I hope John S gives Tom a reasonable offer. It wouldnt cost much. John, pick up the phone, and, we can have the added bonus of Glav winning number 300 in Atlanta.

      Mitch

By David

November 22, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Mitch i agree that signing Tom Glavine is the best thing to do but your wrong about trading Tim Hudson. Smoltz and Glavine probably dont have many more years left so once they retire who is the braves new ace to help lead Davies and James. I think that Atlanta should give him one more chance after 2 years of struggling in the NL maybe next season he will finaly adjust, and if he dont then consider trading him but its still to early to do something like that.

By 59bulldawg

November 22, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Kudos to you Dr.H for walking the walk! However I’d say you’re definitely in the minority because most would not do what you do. As the owner of the business you’re also the exception to the rule … you’re comparing the proverbial “apples to oranges”. Glavine didn’t own the Braves and therefore was not in your position. Unlimited earning potential, in my view, is not so much philosophical as it is a basic right. If there wasn’t a market he would wouldn’t have been offered. Both he and the Mets made money. Let the market decide? But surely you don’t really think that ticket prices alone pay salaries do you? Yeah I admit that perhaps it is a bit on the “feelgood” side to contemplate Galavine in a Braves uniform again but I truly believe he has something left in the tank … even if it’s just for this season. But it’s ok if you don’t agree, I’m just happy to see that someone can disagree without spewing venom. This’ll be my last post for today so to Dr.H and all the rest of you bloggers … Happy Thanksgiving!

By K.P.

November 22, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Bringing Glavine back to the Braves where he belongs would be great. Some fans were and still are mad he went to N.Y. However you can’t blame him for looking out for his future and his family. In the end though I believe his loyalty for the Braves never waned, even after he left. It would be great to see him back in a Braves uniform where he belongs. Besides, he would not only bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, he would bring stability to not only the pitching staff but also leadership to the clubhouse.

By Linda GAIL

November 22, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

Anthony; I couldn’t agree more with what you say.I can’t stay Glavine and his self-serving smurck of a smile(?). When he talked to the reporters during the strike, I wanted to reach through the TV screen and strangle him. If he does come back, I won’t be renewing my over-priced season tickets. And by the way….now we know why they are raising their ticket prices! GLAVINE…STAY IN NEW YORK…you can always buy a place for your family in Trump Plaza! Linda Gail

By SICEM

November 22, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Back to the subject , union guy or not I would love to see Glavine back with the team, we need his knowledge of the game for our younger pitchers as well as I think he has still got some 15 win seasons left in him and lord knows the Braves need that!

By jhodges

November 22, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to go out and get Barry Zito, not sign Tommy just for old times sake.

By small minds

November 22, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

SICEM,

I’m in my 50’s as well and have never been unemployed since I began working.

So you think if your company had a contract to provide services to another company….you hired more help…you procured resources and raw material… you paid for them… then it’s ok for the company you are doing business with to just pull out and leave you holding the bag? So you don’t think a contract means anything?

Remind me not to do business with you!

Folks who are retired and drawing benefits from companies took those benefits rather than cash while they were working! The contracts were negotiated with a package on the table that consisted of benefits and cash. In many cases, companies promise benefits as a means of deferring payment till a later time. So is it ok to just say, “jokes on you… I’m not keeping my end of the bargain!” You talk like it’s a free ride or a handout. It’s neither! Those people worked every hour and every day with that promise for retirement benefits and medical coverage. They earned those benefits as part of a package that the employer agreed to.

Do you think when a player defers salary for a number of years that a team can just say at the end, “we were joking, we’re not paying what we promised.” Negotiated retirement and medical benefits should be no different.

You really don’t have a clue do you?

Of course the big 3 visited Mr. Bush and decried the union to be the reason they could not make it. The unions have NEVER said that their positon has put the auto makers in this bind. They HAVE said that in the current climate of out of control health care and energy costs, and failure to compete with the Asian car makers, they understood the need for concessions to help give the auto industry a chance to rebound. Well they made concessions. Undoubtedly they will have to make more. Working class folks all over the country have made concessions only to see some company CEO’s continue to get huge bonus” and blame the workers for their failed management decisions.

But what about the issues that remain? What is being done about energy costs? What is being done about the current health care crisis and out of control costs in this country? Is the current administration going to address that?

I didn’t think so.

They are going to sit there and blame the working class and union while the special interests continue to line their pockets. (can you say bought and paid for by the oil companies, Haliburton and the drug companies?)

Oh…and I wasn’t surprised by your reference to “dumbocrats” in your post. I suppose I should be more sensitive…. I know it’s a hard time for you and your ideology right now.

By Tampaparrotthead

November 22, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

MR. MET… Glavine knew a “winner” when he saw one in the MUTS?!? A team who hadn’t won a division title since the Reagan administration is not a “winner” in anybody’s book, especially mine! If Glavine saw a “winner” when he left for the Muts, he saw it in his rear view mirror, Pal!

By GTNE80

November 22, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Glavine’s a puke. He was a puke when he was here and now he’s got Mets stench on him. Spend the money keeping Andruw.

By Scott

November 22, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Why should the Braves become loyal to Glavine when he wasn’t loyal to the Braves. If his loyalty is to the money (as the player rep) then he needs to chase the highest contract possible. Let him go. He will not help the Braves next year win a pennant nor will he help our future.

By sautry

November 22, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

It’s got nothing to do do with whether he wins #300 here or not. Can he help this team and the answer in a ABSOULTELY!Veteran leadership with a young, unproven pitching staff is a plus. Who else can we get 15 wins out of beside Smoltzie? Huddie has struggled, Ramirez can’t stay healthy, and once the league figures out Chuckie, he’ll struggle too. Glavine would defintely help. We need some middle relievers, veteran, quality middle relief. Mix in a few young ones and go win next year. Baseball is a business and alot of you need to understand that. What if someone offered you more $$$ to do the same job just in a different city? Don’t make a big deal out of loyalty in pro sports. There ain’t any! It’s business.

By John

November 22, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

What the Braves need most is committed ownership. And the “old” John Schuerholz would help too(i.e. when he was a baseball man rather than the slick corporate spin-meister he’s become).

Bringing back Tommy G. is fine. But as long as this organization keeps letting its core talent walk because of “budgetary” constraints, (i.e. indifferent out-of-town ownership that’s more concerned with expanding their profit margin than retaining top flight talent) we ain’t gonna compete any time soon.

And the disengenous hogwash that eminates from the suspendered one on Hank Aaron Drive is absolutely insulting.JS Sings the same tune every off-season. This years lyrics go something like “Gee, we’d love to keep Andruw Jones, but gosh, we may not be able to fit him into our ever-tightening budget! How do you like my new Rolex?” Yeah, OK, it deosn’t rhyme, but it’s as good as stuff Beyonce churns out.

Budget you say? MLB and the Braves are awash in cash. Granted, they don’t have to spend it, but at least be honest about that.

And as long as the docile Atlanta market is contented, the Braves will remain a less-than-competitive team with state-of-the-art amenities.

So, Braves fans, be satisfied with a Lexus Only parking lot, the nightly TOOL RACE presented on Diamondvision and third place in the Eastern Divison of the National League.

By GaNative

November 22, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to believe that so many adults in here don’t understand the business side of baseball. Glavine made a move that was good for him. That’s what free agency does nowadays. It has nothing whatsoever to do with loyalty or turning your back on your team and fans. It’s all about dollars and cents. The days of having a Willie Mays or Hank Aaron where you keep them for a lifetime in your organization paying them a measly $125,000.00 a year is over. Do you folks that are having a hard time grasping what Glavine did actually vote? You sound like a toddler whinning and holding grudges over nothing.

By Brett

November 22, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

Schultz, You are wrong again…W-R-O-N-G!! He turned his back on us a couple of years ago…let him go to whoever is willing to take a chance on him to get his 300th win. We DO NOT want nor need him in a Braves uniform again…period. Put that money into a lead-off hitter…Pierre, Lugo, or preferrably Carl Crawford. There are many other holes to fill other than wasting a spot on Tom Glavine.

By Gil Gibson

November 22, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

Two words:

Players’ union.

By Bobby

November 22, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

Great article. Very well put. But no “no trade” clause.

By M. TYLER

November 22, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

CANNOT ADD TO THAT…I WOULD LIKE TO SEE GLAVINE PICK UP NUMBER “300” WITH A TOMAHAWK ON THE FRONT OF HIS JERSEY…

By SICEM

November 22, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

SMALL MIND, Yes I do have a clue. This will be my last blog entry to you. The reason? I try not to converse with bleeding heart liberals! Have a nice holiday and may all your money go to the dumbocrat tax hikes! Lord knows the crack heads and baby manufacturers need the money!

By Sean

November 22, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

I say only if the braves could keep all there starting pitching should they sign Glavine. That would be one of the best 1.Smoltz 2.Glavine 3.Hudson 4.Hampton.5.Chuck James. That would for sure give you a very stable rotation if all stays healthy. The braves dont have to spend money on a led off man with that rotation. The braves scored near the top with runs scored even with Giles having an off year. The braves have a number of guys who play second. Give the job to the one that earns it. Same with left field.Go Braves. Good luck John s.

By Peter

November 22, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Glavine……..NO WAY………the guy went after the big bucks, and basically robbed New York……his winning percentage has been down, his ERA has been up……

One good year……his last year before trying to get a new deal……

He is not the guy you want to start in the playoffs, he is too slow for that enviornment……and he is too expensive for what you get for the buck……..

He deserves to play for a team like the Cubs, or a team like the Rangers…..maybe he will get signed by the KC Royals…….

Not here again!

By GaNative

November 22, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

There is no LOYALTY in baseball. Remember when the braves dumped Brian Jordan a couple of years ago? If he had gone around crying about loyalty, I doubt that they would have resigned him. Look at all the other players that the Braves have brought in here and dumped. Remember that pitcher that they picked up one September (Jeff or Mike Riordan I think that was his name) that was supposed to be the best closer around? They brought him into a game during the post season with the bases loaded and nobody out, and they Dumped Him because of that (he failed to get them out of the inning alive) at the end of the season.

By wg

November 22, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

I’m a big Glavine fan but in my opinion, the reason the Braves only won 1 WS is because they were short of power arms. Teams can gear up their hitting in a short series as opposed to adjusting team by team throughout the year. With no real stike out pitch, Glavine and Maddox couldn’t make any adjustments themselves so playoff teams could just pick their pitches because sooner or later they were going to get one to hit. Glavine and Maddox were/are outstanding pitchers over the long haul but short playoff series always did them in. And keeping with JS’s NO (No Trade Clauses) the one who deserved one was Smoltz. Let Glavine stay in NY and get or develop a real flame thrower with a strike out pitch.

By Eric Kunzweiler

November 22, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Great article—-one thing for the nay-sayers and the salary issue:

When the Mets didn’t pick up the $14 million team option they are now liable for a $3 million buyout unless they re-sign him

Take this $3million with a $6 to $7 million offer from Atlanta—-that would make $9 to 10 Million this year.

He will be coming back——you can set it in stone…there is such a thing as loyalty and this makes sense to do for depth to a pitching staff and for him to do the right thing and pick up his 300th win and finish his career here. WE made a mistake by having Maddux pick up his 300th win with the Cubbies, lets not make the same mistake twice.

By Brendan

November 22, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

I’m all for bringing Glavine back, Jeff. But I’m not in favor of overpaying him. If the price is right, and he WANTS to come back, then a should be able to be made that is reasonable to both parties.

By small minds

November 22, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

As I said, no clue.

By David Bradshaw

November 22, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

I love how all you so called loyal fans enjoy throwing Glavine under the bus..You preach loyalty but yet you have none and you wont be loyal to this team until they have won a WS. I like to call it being SPOILED HIPPOCRATES !!!!! 15 years of this. I think not going to the playoffs was the best thing that could have happend to the team as well as the ATL…Now maybe next season you can and join the real fans at the ballpark instead of going downtown for happy hour to eat cheese and WINE….!!!!!!! Just a little trivia for you so called fans…It was JS who turned his back on Glavine not giving him the contract it was not the money..With that being said Baseball is a business and like all businesses if you are not given what you ask for after YEARS OF LOYALTY YOU MOVE ON. I was not bothered no big deal..Yes I missed him but the guy is an ICON in the Brave’s ORG.. SO I SAY BRING GLAVINE AND HIS 15 or 16 WINS BACK..!!!! LET HIM AND SMOLTZE GO OUT WITH A WORLD SERIES.

UGASHOUSE.

By Paul k.

November 22, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

small minds, I thought this was a blog about Tom Glavine coming back so whats up with you and sicem? My opinion is Glavine should come back sicem is right and you are a dumb azz.

By T.O.

November 22, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

What good is it to bring Glavine back? While he may pitch a good six to seven innings, if you don’t have the relievers in the bullpen to actually get it to Wickman, Glavine won’t help in producing more wins. In my opinion, the current rotation is fine. It was simply the bullpen that killed us. Now that we’ll have a solid closer to start the season and a decent rotation, all we need are those arms to bridge the gap.

By Mark

November 22, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Tom glavine is 48-48 as a met , is that what we really want ?

By sdf

November 22, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

You are absolutely right. Anyone who dos not think Glavine would help the Braves on the mound, in the clubhouse and with the fans is not paying attention. Let’s all get it right this time and have Tommy G finish right where he belongs as a Brave!

By bravehearts

November 22, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

small minds:

keep fighting with these idiots. unfortunately, you are probably just going to learn that you are wasting your time and breath because the richest 1 to 10% in this country have completely fooled the simple minded rednecks to love everything that hurts the common man and benefits the richest 1 to 10%: be a democrat vs. a republican, hate unions and union members, etc. etc. the dumb redneck is too bamboozled to even have a clue

By SICEM

November 22, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

Bravehearts, You contradicted yourself badly in your statement. Maybe you should back up and read it again. Or either look in the mirror to find the dumb redneck you speak of.

By MBeachBravesFan

November 22, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, while we’re at it, let’s also re-sign Greg Maddux and make the Smoltz-Glavine-Maddux thing like the movie “Space Cowboys.” A geriatric set of starting pitchers take the earth-bound Braves to the stars - and beyond - in 2007.

By joe

November 22, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

He’s better off a met…The Mets are the greatest thing since slice bread!!!!The Brave’s aren’t going to amount to anything again this year,Tom will do very well as the # 3 starter in the Met’s rotation!!In N.Y we have Starbucks and banks on every corner………….Please come back Tom ..

By Dave

November 22, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Must we really use the word (Duh) next to New York? Teams are overpaying all over baseball. Just look at what the Angels gave Justin Spier, or look at what Mike Stanton got, maybe we should use the word “DUH” there also! Show some class while writing an article. Organizations do make mistakes. The Yankees are who they are & they make mistakes also. Just enjoy that run you had, Omar is the new sheriff in the N.L East buddy!!!

By Billy

November 22, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

GAG, Go away Glavine…..

By bring glavine back!!

November 22, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

GLAVINE PLEASE COME BACK!!!! WE LOVED U HERE SINCE 91!!!!! Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson….now thats a playoff starting rotation!!

By UNKNOWN HINSON

November 22, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, wonder why Tommy wants to come back to Atlanta? Why does he not want them to pick up his option? Duh (for you Dave) because no one wants to live in an icebox cesspool of Jewtalians. More and more each year you Mutts come down here to escape the cold (weather and people) it sickens me. See what kills me is the amount of New Yorkers writing on the ATLANTA Journal’s website. Let me break it down, GO HOME! I know your jealous of the Braves, the weather, the hospitality, but man you have one good season and all the sudden you think you’ve won 14 strait titles. Learn how to breed players not buy them then we’ll talk about baseball. Hell no wonder no one comes in the draft out of NY, there are no fields. You will always be the laughing stock of NY (the other team from NY). Can’t wait to see Tommy back in the uniform he belongs. The faces of the Mutts players when St. Louis took game 7 was priceless. Double our payroll and still can’t get it done.

By UNKNOWN HINSON

November 22, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

Straight sorry

By MrMet

November 22, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

,,,I hope Tom returns to NY. He’s a prize. If it were about wins and losses no one here in NYC would care. Tom did more for the Mets then win some games. He made the Mets a respectable team. His signing was the first step in winning the division last season. Whatever Tom decides, God Bless him and his family.

By UNKNOWN HINSON

November 22, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Awww how sweet Mr. Met, very emmotional. I guess I would be glad too if my team finally didn’t suck so bad. I would beleive your sincerity if your terrorist cab drivers didn’t try to kill him.

By bulldog_greg24

November 23, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

Tommy - take your pro union a$$ and family back to BOOOSTON and Ted Kennedy. You over paid millonaires are pathetic. You were always a selfish Yankee and will not change your stripes this late in life. The only other favor I have is to please take Bobby with you. You guys deserve each other. I blame you and Bobby for Atlanta only winning 1 WS during your stay. Other than 95, you Sir were a disgrace in the post season. GO HOME TO BOSTON and live on Benedict Arnold Drive.

By Jon

November 23, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Listen put yourself in tom’s shoes, how many of you would’ve taken the mets offer…99% of you would have. ok so what he made a mistake. its time to forgive him and stop holding a grudge so he can come home where he belongs and finish his career in the right uniform. he was with the braves his whole career except for 3 years, cut the guy a break, he won us the series in 95, he deserves a break..and a second chance

By Kim

November 23, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

I agree with Joe, who said exactly what I wanted to say. I’ve been a Tom Glavine fan for MANY years, and 4 years ago, considering the way the Braves and JS treated him, as well as all the terrible things most of the fans have said about him, I think he’d be crazy to come back! I say stay with the Mets where you’re wanted and respected.

By Larry

November 23, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this

A whore? Selfish? That is just envy and ignorance talking (speaking, or typing, to be more accurate). He’s probably got two more good seasons left and he would have won a few more games last year if it weren’t for some defensive indiscretions. If Bobby pulls him out in time, it’s a no-brainer. Let him win 15 games a year and go to Cooperstown in a Braves uniform and hat. Tommy, come back…any kind of fool could see, indeed…