AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > December > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJames makes Glavine unnecessary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
For those of you who do not survive by football alone, let me open the file on the Braves, resting quietly by their fireside while some of their associates apparently have money to burn. The Cubs roll out $100 million for Alfonso Soriano, the Dodgers invest $44 million in the hope that Juan Pierre can bunt his way on base, the Red Sox ante up $51 million for the mere privilege of interviewing a Japanese pitcher whose name I can’t spell. Meantime, reports wafting in from the north indicated that Tom Glavine was tilted southward, should the Braves be interested.
Glavine had been downgraded by the Mets. They dropped a $14.5 million option they held, so he operated as a free agent. But all he got from Atlanta was silence.
John Schuerholz, chief mechanic of the Braves, feels rather steady at the wheel when he says, “We have John Smoltz renewed, and we have signed Bob Wickman, so we have our book-ends. Mike Hampton will be coming back, and that’s like getting a new pitcher. It remains for us to decide how we will fill in the rest of our staff.”
Actually, these Braves appear to be pitcher-rich to me, and don’t pull me over on suspicion of DUI. Here’s how they stack up at this point:
They have six potential starters, with Smoltz and Hampton, now recovered from a surgical sabbatical, at the head of the class. Tim Hudson must re-establish himself, but he, Smoltz and Hampton have all been 20-game winners at one time or another. Horacio Ramirez and Kyle Davies are in hand, if their bodies hold up. But here’s the sleeper: Chuck James, who looks like the real thing to me after an impressive run in the farm system and an 11-4 report card last season.
Now, as Glavine goes, he has never left Atlanta in a political sense. He still votes here. It’s home when he leaves the Mets locker room. The sense is, he’d love to finish off here what he started here. On the other hand, as far as the Braves go, they already have their Glavine. James is a virtual carbon copy, but a 14 years younger carbon copy and several millions less expensive. Crafty, brilliant control, a cunning southpaw, as they used to say, in every way.
“Of course,” Schuerholz added, “you can never have too many good arms,” but that was as close any line of communication went. Thus, Glavine checked in with the Mets again.
James is one of these pitchers who come from out of nowhere, has had impressive earned-run averages wherever he pitched, was an ace in the hole when Horacio Ramirez and John Thomson crashed, struck out 91 batters in 119 innings, and though he doesn’t strike you as having a strikeout pitch, he struck out 419 batters in 339 innings in the minor leagues. Puts the pitch where he aims it, changes speed like a wily veteran, and just beginning to blossom.
He sort of sneaked in out of the wings while the young sluggers, Francoeur, McCann and LaRoche, were generating all the noise at bat. And when Hudson’s production fell far below his pay scale, without James the Braves season would have been more a disaster than it was. And let it not be overlooked that he is another home-grown, direct from the modest surburb of Mableton. And his progress has not gone unnoticed in the system. In 2005, he was the Braves Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Obviously, Glavine preferred to come back to the Braves, but which it’s back to Flushing for him one more season, and all the commuting. Frankly, he has never looked at home in a Mets uniform, and you have difficulty understanding why he took leave of the Braves, if home means that much. All you have to understand is the power of money. All of a sudden both he and Greg Maddux were gone, and ever since the Braves have been trying to fill the vacancies with the likes of Hudson, the high-rent flop Russ Ortiz, the low-rent John Thomson, Ramirez, and raiding their own pantry for the services of John Smoltz. With Chuck James on hand, they had no urgent need for Glavine. Been nice to know ye, Tom.
Permalink | Comments (32) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Furman Bisher
Comments
By Nathan (The guy who wants Chop Chick's JOB)
December 2, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Nice Job.
By JP
December 2, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
Glavine is overrated. He is below .500 for his time with the Mets. He showed no loyalty to th Braves and Bobby Cox. Glavine is a girl and I hope he is a bust with the Mets, Lets continue to give Glavine hell when he comes to Atlanta. You suck Tommy “Little Girl Glavine.”
By Dave
December 2, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Furman, good perspective. Time for Glavine bashers to settle down.
By Vic Correll
December 2, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
Furman,
I agree w/you on Tommy Glavine.
I’d like to trade Davies, Devine & Horacio to Tampa for leadoff man/leftfielder Carl Crawford, & keep Giles on second.
Too much money spent on Hudson will keep Schuerholz from acquiring any quality talent.
Braves 2008: No Andruw & No Smoltzie.
By Robert
December 2, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
I can’t say that I have agreed with Mr. Bisher very often, but he hit the nail on the head so to speak.
All I can say bout Mr. Glavine is….once a traitor always a traitor.
By Abner
December 2, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
Hear! Hear!
By MovieTall1
December 2, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
F* Glavine! He became a jerk when during the baseball strike he was such a damn crybaby. What a greedy piece of garbage. I am glad the Braves didn’t sign him. He belongs with the LOSER METS!
By Cityofdecatur
December 2, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
enough with the carl crawford when he bats first his average is 100 pts lower enough already
By greg
December 3, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this
I said this before and I’ll say it again. J.S. better stop trading our young players and pitchers like Adam Wainwright for one broken down ex-star or he’ll retire and we’ll be left with no hope for the future. Didn’t he learn that when we traded for Doyle Alexander for Smoltz?
By kevin
December 3, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this
the braves need to get rid of the core like chipper jones andrew making together 30 million thats sad
By Shad
December 3, 2006 02:56 AM | Link to this
Furm, How do you call Russ Ortiz a high rent flop for the Braves? Did he not win 20 plus games, make the All-Star game and win a big playoff game for the Braves?
Thanks
By David
December 3, 2006 06:02 AM | Link to this
“All you have to understand is the power of money.”
That and selling your soul to the devil/union.
By bevsouth
December 3, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this
Things happen for the best, it says here Hudson will win more games for the Braves in 07 then Glavine will for the Mets.
By Elmer
December 3, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
After his 2002 playoff flop against the Giants, we were well rid of Glavine.
By B.J.
December 3, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this
I must say that this column was well said. I’m almost ashamed that during all this nonsense I totally forgot about Chuck James. This column reminded me that we didn’t need to be desperate at all (or even any more than remotely interested) in acquiring Glavine. We are just one “between the ears” adjustment (with Kyle Davies—STILL a future Cy-Young Award winner in my eyes) away from securing the same if not BETTER rotation than we had in the early 90’s—and that is even IF Hudson continues to disappoint.
Consider these possibilities now that the Braves CAN close games now:
Smoltz has a LEGITIMATE shot at 20, but let’s say he only wins 17.
Chuck James & Hampton (if healthy) should easily make a run at 15 each. Let’s say that one has 13 and the other 12 wins for the sake of argument.
The backside of the rotation (and yes I’m including Hudson in this due to his performance here) should be good for another 20 wins between them, so that’s at LEAST 67 wins right there. That’s MORE THAN ENOUGH wins to secure another division title, if we consider 2 of the Braves best years in the previous run. In 1995 (shortened season, of course) the Braves starting staff had a combined 61 wins (or 62 depending if Jason Schmidt won a start of not—he went 2-2 that year but I don’t know if those were starts or bullpen decisions). In 1996 (full season), the Braves had 66 wins from their starters alone. We all know what happened those years (a World Series title, and a BLOWN series title by a BETTER team than the one that actually won it.)
After rethinking my position (many in part due to this great column), I’m pretty comfortable with Glavine going back to the Mets. The Braves need to focus on RESIGNING Andrew Jones, finding a leadoff hitter, and acquiring a LEGITIMATE setup man for Wickman—in THAT order. I don’t think we will have to worry about securing the NL East for another while if we can get these things done.
By Observer
December 3, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
From what I have read over the past couple of days I believe that Tom Glavine re-signed with the Mets for the same reason he signed with them 4 years ago. And that reason is that they made him feel appreciated and wanted. How many of you would stay with your employer if a competitor came along and made you feel more appreciated and offerred you a better salary?
Glavine gave the Braves and all Braves fans the best 15 years of his career and what do I read from Braves fans, unappreciative sentiments and personal bashing. Obviously he made the right choice again.
What I would like to say is continued success Mr. Glavine and thank you for all the great years that you gave the Braves.
By turfman
December 3, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
I agree with FB, james is going to be star. glavine have fun ending your career with the dirty mets
By Vic Correll
December 3, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
Considering the Mets’ potent offense with the Braves’ impotent, speedless swing for the fences offense, Tommy made the correct decision. After watching Smoltzie struggle to win with this hapless team, Glavine will easily win 300 games and have a final shot at the post-season.
Since the Braves made no offer to Tommy, how can anyone bash him for taking the Mets’ offer ? It doesn’t appear to me the Braves have any money to acquire quality players, since most of the payroll is tied up in just a few players.
Hudson may win more games (doubtful)than Glavine in 2007, but he’ll be at home watching the playoffs instead of participating in them.
Langerhans or Kelly Johnson hitting leadoff? The Braves’ glory days are over ! 2007 will be Andruw & Smoltzie’s last season in Atlanta, and we’ll be squabling over the money spent on broken down players like Hudson, Hampton & Chipper, after Schuerholz has traded off the entire farm system.
By Jeff
December 3, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
After a twenty-month layoff, Hampton still has to prove he can pitch every fourth or fifth day. Hudson needs to show that he’s overcome that nagging muscular problem. Smoltz is super, but is forty, has a total gerry-rigged elbow and seemed to run out of gas last September (ERA around 5.00 for the month). Ramirez has suffered nagging injuries parts of the last two seasons. Davies needs a full season in Triple A to gain experience and learn to focus.
The picture I’m getting is that the Braves starting rotation has the potential to be strong but can as easily go bust.
Schuerholz is right: a team never has enough good arms.
By Al
December 3, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Mike Hampton is overrated. Tim Hudson has lost something. Smoltz is our only good pitcher. Kyle Davies and Ramirez cannot stay healthy.
Chuck James? He has only one year. We should of gotten Glavine back and he would probably would have given us a discount. He is .500 with the Mets and will probably get his 300th win at Turner Field.
Another year down the tubes. :(
By ihateJS
December 3, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
Wow… John Schuerholz is a genius! A team never has enough good arms? what a novel thought. Please. The man is an idiot and how he still has his job is beyond me. All those pennants and only 1 world series to show for it. I’m ashamed to be a Braves fan and don’t blame Glavine for bolting.
And like somebody on this board said the Braves didn’t act like they wanted him and the class Mets did. We shouldn’t bash the Mets just becuase they are now the better team. We should wish them the best of luck as they will continue to dominate the division with moves like Minaya makes.
Hudson’s been an overpayed flop and Hampton hasn’t been consistent for many years. So sure, we have 6 possible starters. Only Smoltzie is the only guy I’m confident in. We’re going to suck again this year and watch the Mets run away with the division. Thanks.
By Joe Smoe
December 3, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
Where did I hear this line before about Braves pitching???
Oh!! Wait!… Yes it was last year! and how did that turn out? Oh yeah..we came in third place and like 50 games behind the Mets, only one game ahead of the 14 Million dollar payroll Marlins.
Only diffrence was.. “since Sosa had such a great season, we should be ok!!!!”.
After this year we loose so much payroll its crazy. But, we will change ownership, GM and Manager. First thing I would do, is gut the core players(besides Smoltz, and the newbies, he rocks). We also have lost massive amounts of potential income due to loss off TV coverage. So little change, so much change. Eeek, danger Mr. Will Robinson.. Danger..
If JS was nice, and cared about the Braves he would fire sale now, and get talent for payroll. Secure the future for the team, not for his ego. This lackluster team, needs fresh breath. Same team 1 year later, same issues, same result.
By Phillip
December 3, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Dear observer, Tom Glavine is what is wrong with baseball. He is more interested in money than winning. Tom would have already had 3oo wins if it had not been for a million dollars, pocket change to him. Tom crybaby Glavine, if we had to lose one of the big three, I am glad it was you. I wish you would move your family out of the south, yaw stink the place up.
By Don
December 3, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
You have to love Bisher’s logic. He says that both hampton and Smoltz hhave been 20 game winners. Gaylord Perry, Jim palmer, ahd the great Bob Feller also won 20 and did so many more times than the two Bisher named. Maybe we should sign them.
By Timothy J Bradley
December 3, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree more with Observer. Those expressing the theme of Glavine’s disloyalty are not being realistic. Loyalty has very little or no impact on a decision when there is a huge difference in the money or length of the contract. Those same people think Glavine “owed” it to Atlanta fans to give them a substantial “discount” - why should he? Then again, those same fans must think that he should have publicly announced how little pay it would take for him to come here - how else do they justify bashing him for taking the ONLY offer on the table. BTW let AJ go; he is going to want at least 4 maybe 5 or more years, and at least 60 million. His back and legs aren’t going to allow him to produce at that level. Let him go with our best wishes. (He could be the next Mo Vaughn in about two years. Chisel my prediction in stone. BTW my fandom goes back to 1953 - this team’s first year in Milw.
By Kentavo
December 3, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
I’m a huge Braves fan, but guys get used to it - things will not improve until new ownership. JS will keep feeding us lines such as “getting Hampton, Foster and Reitsma back is just like signing three marquee free agents.” He hasn’t said it yet, but when he fails to do anything this winter, get ready to queue it up.
By Titothebear
December 3, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
The “high rent flop” Russ Ortiz won thirty-six games, over two seasons, while losing sixteen. Please bring on more flops of that magnitude. As for Glavine being a traitor, the Braves offered twelve million less to him and then wanted him to defer ten million, interest free, of that. Glavine did what anyone would do, he took the most money he could get. This time they didn’t even make an offer of any kind. Glavine made the right move. The Braves, meanwhile, have made no moves and I doubt they will. Until new ownership is in place the Braves will remain as they were in 2006-bad!
By Titothebear
December 3, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
The “high rent flop” Russ Ortiz won thirty-six games, over two seasons, while losing sixteen. Please bring on more flops of that magnitude. As for Glavine being a traitor, the Braves offered twelve million less to him and then wanted him to defer ten million, interest free, of that. Glavine did what anyone would do, he took the most money he could get. This time they didn’t even make an offer of any kind. Glavine made the right move. The Braves, meanwhile, have made no moves and I doubt they will. Until new ownership is in place the Braves will remain as they were in 2006-bad!
Phillip,
You bring a refreshing essence to the South. What a bouquet!
By Jim
December 3, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
Wow…this is a tough crowd. Schuerholz has only given us 14 straight division titles and would’ve made it 15 last year if we had a closer during the June-July tailspin. He has tight budget limitations and has to make $80 million work. Was Glavine returning a good baseball decision? Probably not…it was a “feel good” decision. Sometimes you have to make decisions with your head instead of your heart. If John S can get us something for Andruw/Chipper and still put a competitive team on the field then he truly is a genius…
By Wedgie Evans
December 3, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this
This is a very optimistic article. Sure, if Hampton returns at full strength and James doesn’t suffer a sophomore slump and Smoltz holds up through a full season at age 40 and Wickman repeats his performance from last year and Davies recovers the magic he lost from his rookie year the Braves look like they have a good pitching staff. But if the Braves really want to be contenders they can’t go into the season with so many question marks. Fact is, they have to prepare for the fact that James will have a sophomore slump, Smoltz will get hurt, Davies will continue to struggle, Wickman will be inconsistent and Hampton won’t have the arm strength he used to have. There is potential for greatness on this pitching staff, but at the same time there are no certainties on this pitching staff either, even the reliable Smoltz has question marks about him. I don’t support shelling out $8 million for Glavine over a reliable leadoff hitter, but I definitely would like to see the Braves bring in another starter. And I don’t mean Tanyon Sturtze.
By joe from central ca
December 4, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
This just in Braves fans! We signed some guy to “stregthen” our bullpen who hasn’t pitched in a year and won’t be ready to pitch again until the 2nd month of the season. Yahoo! Now we can all rest easy and begin the search for a leadoff hitter. I saw Rafael Belliard in the dugout for the Tigers during the Series, maybe we could get him back to hit leadoff for us, he hasn’t played in awhile either. That seems to be the theme for the Braves nowadays. Typical JS BS! This organization is turning into the Wizard of Oz show, “pay no attention to the man behind the screen”. Does JS really think he can continue to pull this crahp and expect fans to buy it. Why don’t we just start sending our scouts to hang out in retirement homes, its no different than them hanging out in the physical therapist offices looking to “stregthen” our bullpen. What a joke. Hey JS, if you can’t figure out how to operate in this day and age then do the right thing and step aside. Give someone else a try. Everything you say in the papers is a clear indication that you don’t know how to make this team work with what you’ve been given, so relax, just step back and enjoy your past accomplishments and let the young guys give it a try. The game has passed you by my friend. Its on the wall. Its Ok…just let go.
By joe from central ca
December 4, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
This just in Braves fans! We signed some guy to “stregthen” our bullpen who hasn’t pitched in a year and won’t be ready to pitch again until the 2nd month of the season. Yahoo! Now we can all rest easy and begin the search for a leadoff hitter. I saw Rafael Belliard in the dugout for the Tigers during the Series, maybe we could get him back to hit leadoff for us, he hasn’t played in awhile either. That seems to be the theme for the Braves nowadays. Typical JS BS! This organization is turning into the Wizard of Oz show, “pay no attention to the man behind the screen”. Does JS really think he can continue to pull this crahp and expect fans to buy it. Why don’t we just start sending our scouts to hang out in retirement homes, its no different than them hanging out in the physical therapist offices looking to “stregthen” our bullpen. What a joke. Hey JS, if you can’t figure out how to operate in this day and age then do the right thing and step aside. Give someone else a try. Everything you say in the papers is a clear indication that you don’t know how to make this team work with what you’ve been given, so relax, just step back and enjoy your past accomplishments and let the young guys give it a try. The game has passed you by my friend. Its on the wall. Its Ok…just let go.