AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGlavine is not the answer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
In a purely professional capacity, he’s my all-time favorite athlete. I was sorry when he left and happy when he won No. 300. It’s always a pleasure to see him wherever and whenever. That said …
I wouldn’t bring back Tom Glavine.
Not just because the worst start of his Hall of Fame career will live in infamy as the final act of the worst collapse the grand old game of baseball has ever known. I wouldn’t bring him back because he’ll be 42 on Opening Day 2008, and the Braves have enough — more than enough — aging starting pitchers. John Smoltz is 40. Mike Hampton, who barely qualifies as a pitcher anymore, is 35.
The Braves shouldn’t try to reassemble the glorious rotation of old. They need to build a new rotation. Smoltz and Tim Hudson are great places to begin, but the reason this team, which statistically was good enough everywhere but in starting pitching, didn’t reach October was because everything began and ended with those two.
Some Braves made the case last week for Glavine as the missing No. 3 starter. But is Glavine even a No. 3 anymore? He was 13-8 with a 4.45 ERA this season. (Chuck James, who spent the year proving he isn’t a No. 3 starter, was 11-10 with a 4.24 ERA.) The more Glavine worked, the worse he got: He didn’t win any of his last three starts, and he yielded 17 earned runs over his final 10 1/3 innings.
And the symmetry of Sunday’s loss cannot be missed. It marked the first time since 1993 that two teams entered their 162nd game in a first-place tie without either having clinched a wild card. On Oct. 3, 1993, Glavine outpitched David Nied (remember him?) and the Braves beat Colorado 5-3 and won their most improbable division title when the Dodgers finished off the Giants three hours later.
That was the Glavine we all knew and admired, a matchless combination of guile and guts.
The Glavine of Sunday in Queens was something less. He faced nine batters. He retired one. He left with his dying team dead, left after hitting Dontrelle Willis with the bases loaded to make it 5-0.
He plunked the opposing pitcher with a change-up, the pitch Glavine discovered while fooling around in the outfield in the spring at West Palm Beach long ago, the pitch that will carry him to Cooperstown.
And that’s the greater point: Always a finesse pitcher, Glavine is less precise now than he was when he left for the Mets. (And one of the reasons the Braves let him leave is that he’d had a bad second half in 2002, capped by two playoff losses against San Francisco.) His ERA this season was his second-worst of the past 19 years. He worked almost the same number of innings as in 2006 but registered 42 fewer strikeouts.
It’s thought that Glavine, who can buy himself out of his Mets contract, would accept $10 million to return to the Braves next year. The Braves need to take a longer view. They need younger arms, power arms. They need guys who’ll be starting here after Smoltz and Hampton are gone.
They need a Nate Robertson (who had a bad year for Detroit but who still has gobs of potential), a Joe Blanton (who was mentioned in trade talks before the deadline and who won 14 games for the A’s), even a Shaun Marcum (who’s 26 and who won 12 games for Toronto but who’s facing minor knee surgery).
The Braves don’t need a one-year rental. They need to make a trade and invest in the long term. (Just because John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox are nearing the end doesn’t mean the franchise will fold once they’re gone.)
There was a time when any rotation would have been fortified by the addition of Tom Glavine. That time, sad to say, is past. He’s not what he was. He’s not what the Braves lack. He’d be more of what they already have.
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By Curtis
October 1, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
I can’t figure out why, in a bullpen that has shown great promise, that Peter Moylan isn’t given a shot as a starting pitcher. He has a good variety of pitches, he’s big and durable…what could it hurt?
By elmo
October 1, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Agree completely on Moylan. And while you’re solving that mystery, please explain why Matt Diaz and his .330 average spent half the season on the bench, or on the on-deck circle watching Andruw swing like my aunt Martha.
By Bill
October 1, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for saying what I’ve been saying for two years. * Let the future be the Braves goal and stop living in the past. Those days are gone and we the fans look forward to winning in the future with new stars. Great job Mark.*
By wayne
October 1, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
MB I agree with you 100%, can’t imagine the Braves bringing in a pitcher with Glavins age and deteriating skills, they either move younger or pay a high price for fooling with those aged rental guys. This is not a strike to Glavin, but the Braves can do a lot more with the kind of money Glavin would demand. I wish him good luck and good by.
By bfan54
October 1, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Great column, Mark - should be required reading for Braves’ fans. It’s time to go to the mattresses with some young Turks’- and not recyling the heroes of a long time ago. (Please excuse the hodgepodge of mixed metaphors!)
By The Dust
October 1, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Mark,
You are analyzing too much. Smoltz and Hudson fell apart down the stretch much like Glavine did. Why? Glavine was asked to be the only dependable ace as El Duque couldn’t stay healthy and Pedro only made five starts all season. Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton (perhaps) and a Nate Robertson would be an exceptional starting rotation. Notice this rotation doesn’t involve a James, Carlyle, Reyes, Cormier, Lerew or Redman. Glavine should never be mentioned in the same breath as that list. He is an up grade even at 42.
Curtis - Peter Moylan is too valuable as a ground ball pitcher in our bullpen. Plus, to my knowledge, he has never gone longer than three innings. Bad idea.
By Capt Caveman
October 1, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Glavine wouldn’t be a bad addition but he would be a #3 starter at best. The Bravos have enough question marks already with Hampton. If he comes back at all he would be a #3 at best also, at least for the first half of the season. I don’t think the Bravos want to gamble on anymore starters unless they are a proven commodity.
That said — it would be an awesome summer if we had Huddy,Smoltz,Glavine,and Hampton clicked on all cylinders. Even just for one more summer. I know I would watch that every night. Well, we got a whole offseason to dream. See ya at Disney World in the spring.
By JMar
October 1, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Re: Moylan - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Besides, I think a lot of his success comes from batters having trouble picking up his pitches because of his unusual arm motion. The solution to that - have the hitters face him three times a game.
By Jim
October 1, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
As much as I would love to see Glavine retire a Brave, I have to agree. That was then, this is now. It’s time to build a younger starting rotation. The only way I want to see Glavine back is as a supplemental back-of-the-rotation guy to go along with at least one new younger solid starter…..and Glavine’s sure to be high salary will probably prevent that from happening.
By Robert
October 1, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Until Bobby Cox is gone, there IS no answer
By Adirondackdave
October 1, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Wrong on this one, Mark. Nobody says Glavine is what he once was and nobody thinks he has more than a year or two left, BUT… He certainly can be a number a #4 starter, give us a dozen maybe 14 wins, eat up 190-200 innings and, perhaps most importanly, tutor Chuck James and other young lefties like nobody else in the business. Like I said, Mark, you’re wrong on this one. Of course, we also need a quality #2-3 starter through trading and I have a hunch JS can pull that one off using some combination of Prado, Johnson, Diaz and and a pitching prospect.
One post-script. I think Glavine would sign for half of what the Mets option would get him. Hard to imagine him going back to NY for anything after that gut-wrenching final month. He obviously needs to return to his comfort zone, Atlanta, if he continues another year or two.
By True Braves Fan
October 1, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Let Glavine retire and take Don Fehr’s job as head of the Union. That is where his heart is…
By Taylor
October 1, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Rubbish, MB, we need Tommy back!
By N8
October 1, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
The Dust
You said:
“Smoltz and Hudson fell apart down the stretch much like Glavine did. Why? Glavine was asked to be the only dependable ace as El Duque couldn’t stay healthy and Pedro only made five starts all season.”
Pretty much agree with that assessment. Glavine isn’t much better than half the pitcher he was 10 years ago, but he’s STILL twice the pitcher of anybody we ran out there in the 4th and 5th spots.
Mark Bradley
You’re missing the point by saying that Glavine isn’t much better than what we had. While Chuck wasn’t spectacular this year, he wasn’t horrible (he just didn’t blossom like I thought he would).
So what if Chuck does improve, and Glavine slips (on paper) into the 4th spot in the rotation?
All people NOT named Smoltz, Hudson and James (Reyes, Davies, Buddy, Cormier, Redman, Lerew, Bennett), combined for the following stats:
*59 Starts, 335.2 IP (5.2 IP per start), 231 ER (6.19 ERA), and a W-L record of 18-30.
So assuming that the guys we have (or call up) will probably give the same “effort” next year, and assuming Glavine is capable of doing what he did this year (while living at home with his family and hanging with his buddy Smoltz, and having this offense behind him), how can you say that him taking 34 of those “59 starts” out of our current options hands’, while going 13-8 (only 5 less wins than ALL of those guys accounted for) not to mention, 22 less losses.
While I can agree that ANOTHER pitcher should also (along with Glavine) be aquired, I think with this lineup, JUST adding Glavine *EASILY would have accounted for the 6 “missing” victories that would’ve given us the WC, and that’s NOT taking into account what it would’ve taken from the Mets.
By Taylor
October 1, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Robert, you are a dumba$$. Without Cox the Braves would be like you, clueless.
By Jeff R
October 1, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
One word for Mark Bradley: “Amen.”
By Adirondackdave
October 1, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
N8 — Pretty much agree that adding only Glavine to the rotation would significantly advance the club. However, I think JS is going to try really hard to go after a 2-3 caliber starter as well by trading. He has plenty of position chips to deal with and more talent in the minors. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t add 2 starters. He knows like everybody else that anything from Hampton in ‘08 is very speculative.
By Jinxo
October 1, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
What Glavine would bring to the Braves is not great skills, as those days are behind him. What he would bring is a teaching ability for the younger arms. As Charlie Liebrandt wasn’t a great pitcher any more but helped turn Glavine into one, Glavine could do the same for Chuck James. And probably still win 10+ games.
By N8
October 1, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Jinxo
I don’t disagree with your assesment that Glavine would be a “coach” for the young lefties on this team (Jo-Jo and Chuckie) that seem to emulate his style. In fact, I completely agree with you.
While Leibrandt was no doubt brought to Atlanta in 1990 to mentor a young Glavine, Smoltz and Avery, you saying:
“Charlie Liebrandt wasn’t a great pitcher any more but helped turn Glavine into one..”
is a little unfair to Charlie Leibrandt, IMO. While his won/loss record was never stellar in a Braves uniform (39-31 over 3 seasons), his 3.35 ERA was VERY respectable, even back in the early 90’s before expansion, new parks and every “other” advantage that was given to the hitters.
I think more people remember Leibrandt for the one HORRIBLE pitch to a future HOF’r (who might have been the best clutch player of his generation), than for not only the leadership and good pitching as well.
I really believe Glavie could do the same for THIS group of Braves, even though Smoltz and Hudson are here already, Glavine could relate to the young lefties from a “gameplan” standpoint. Then again, a healthy Mike Hampton could too. LOL!
The one BIG difference between Leibrandt coming to the Braves in 1990 vs. Glavine making a return, is their age. Leibrand was 34. Glavine will be 42.
Yikes.
By billy g
October 1, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is a real injury risk. Age does not forgive…unless needles are involved. And we all know that Smoltzie does do needles.
Hampton, as you said, can barely be considered a pitcher.
Hudson is the Ace for the next few sesons. He is in his prime, but his arm is not the rock of Gibraltar.
So, there is a serious lack of starters. Chuck James and Jo Jo Reyes must be in the starting rotation. That means that JS must trade Renteria for a solid sub-4 ERA starter. Not only must he be able to stay under 4, he also has to consistently pitch at least 8 innings per game.
I don’t know if such a guy is out there, but I am sure that JS is working on it as we speak.
By Jeff
October 1, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
Don’t bring Glavine back. He’s been over the hill for several years now. Unlike the Yankees, we don’t have the payroll to waste on has-been old farts. Where are the young arms that should be working their way through our farm system? PLEASE do not bring Glavine back.
By monty
October 1, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
No, Glavine is not the answer. We need to look to the future. Glavine, Smoltz, and Hudson apparently don’t have any “big games” left in their arms. When it came cruch time they couldn’t deliver. Not to say that they are terrible, rotten, no good pitchers, they’ve been great in the past. Hudson’s problem isn’t his age but his personality, I don’t know if he can deal with the pressure. It’s O.K. most people can’t. We just need to find some young starters to develop like a Cole Hamils or Oliver Perez. Where is the next “mad-dog” or Smoltz, or Glavine? Is it Jo-Jo? Cormier? THe little lefty who gives up all the homeruns? I don’t think so.Those guys will always be win or lose pitchers because they have to be pin point with their control and they are usually on again off again because of location. I honestly don’t think Chucky has a clue where his ball is going when it leaves his hand. If he did, he might could become another Glavine like pitcher.
By N8
October 1, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
billy g
You said:
“Not only must he be able to stay under 4, he also has to consistently pitch at least 8 innings per game.”
You’re kidding, right?
You see, in ALL of MLB last year, there was only one pitcher, PERIOD (regardless of ERA) that averaged as much as 7 IP per start.
C.C. Sabathia of the Indians.
In the NL, Brandon Webb was the closest at 6.56 IP per start.
So I guess by saying “I don’t know if such a guy is out there…”, you seem to have doubted yourself before hitting “post”. LOL!
While you’re at it, you should “request” that JS go looking for a LF, that can bat leadoff, while having an OBP over .500, steal 150 bases, AND drive in 130.
You set your sights to low, my man. :-)
By deewill23
October 1, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Ian Snell will be a great pitcher to build around for the future. I know that everybody loves Escobar but I would take Ian Snell over him everyday of the week.We can just keep Renteria for one more year until Lillibrdge is ready for the Bigs.
Braves- Ian Snell Pirates- Escobar, Pope, and Thorman or Kala Ka’auihe
By N8
October 1, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
Monty
“We just need to find some young starters to develop like a Cole Hamils or Oliver Perez.”
I love it when people look at the leaderboards (or simply remember the guys who own us), and wonder why we can’t “have guys like that”.
You ask why we can’t have a guy like Oliver Perez? Seems to me, we’ve had quite a few of them, and due to the Braves fans ownership NOT being willing to go with a YOUNG roster (as far as pitchers go), they blossom else where. If you can call what Marquis has done as “blossoming”.
You see, BEFORE this year, in 111 career starts, Perez was 30-43 record with a 4.67 ERA over his first 5 years. THIS YEAR he finally put it all together by going 15-10 with a 3.56 ERA.
Were you ready to let Davies, Harrison and others before them (Wainwright and Marquis) go, to “make a run” for the present times, to aquire guys like Texeira, Dotel and our beloved JD Drew?
Sometimes you have to give a little to get something in return. But just imagine if the Braves “brass” had given up on Avery, Smoltz and Glavine in the late 80’s so they could “win now”.
As far as you asking “Where is the next “mad-dog” or Smoltz, or Glavine?”
Not asking for much are you? 3 HOF bound pitchers. You realize that there is ONLY 59 pitchers currently in the HOF, right? You realize how AMAZING it is for fans of a team to get to watch one of their careers, much less a decade of having 3 of them in one rotation, right?
JS needs to decide what’s more important: Winning NOW, or continuously having a chance to win for the next decade.
If he is going for the “now” option, Glavine should be signed, along with ANOTHER starter (my requirements are less demanding than yours are….I’ll settle for a guy that leaves the game AFTER the fifth inning with the Braves STILL in the ballgame on a regular basis - Glavine fits that bill).
If he doesn’t care about next year and only cares about “building” a young team to compete down the road, then Glavine isn’t needed, other than for sentimental value.
By The Dust
October 2, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
The Rockies win the Wild Card.
The Phillies win the East.
Cubs win the Central.
D-Backs win the West.
What a joke. Hey JS, take note. We could have beat any of these teams had you brought back Glavine this year.
By Hey Bradley
October 2, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Bradley, just who do you propose the Braves move to get the studs you are talking about? Edgar? KJ? Escobar? Are the teams that have those studs just waiting to give them away for nothing? Why didn’t you just say, “What the Braves need to do is go out and get Johan Santana.”
That’s all fine Bradley, but who do the Braves have that they can trade for these guys? Seems like we raped our minor league system to get Tex, so not much there to move. So it’s the current roster guys. Oh yeah, we can get Blanton for Willie Harris. Edgar? For Nate Robertson who stunk this year or a Toronto pitcher with a bum knee?
A one year rental is EXACTLY what we need. Someone on the other blog showed the stats on quality starts. Smoltz 25 Hudson 24 Glavine 23 and 200 innings. Chuck James had something like 11 quality starts so I don’t think you need to be comparing Glavine to Chucky James.
Bradley, you’re wrong on this one. Of course thats nothing new.
By Matt the Brave
October 2, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
It would be great to see Glav in his final year of playing in the majors to finish with the Braves. I would love to see him come back and pitch and mentor some of these younger pitchers. However, that said, I don’t want them to sign him for just that. I want him to win at least 15 games and lose only about 6. I think that it is a feasible feat with the kind of lineup the Braves might have batting, pending that they keep Edgar in the regular lineup and have Yunel be the player who starts about four times a week to give our regulars days off (or to fill in whenever someone is hurt and/or slumping). For Diaz, I would like to see him hit more, but he seems to work better with some competition in left field. I agree with MB in that the Braves need to get younger with their pitching, but I don’t see that happening this offseason. Next offseason, yes. But next year, we need to play for all the marbles, and Glavine was one of our best postseason pitchers, and would be again. Bring back 47!!
By kreedham
October 2, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
I’d take Glavine back if he would pull Roger Clemens and not sign early. That way he’d start late, like Clemens, and not have the wear and tear of a full season to eventually run out of gas.
If not sign him to a contract as Roger’s spring training assistant, let him start the first game in Atlanta, then retire as a Brave.
We need to sign two starters better than our back end and if Hampton comes back then it’s a bonus.
By Andy
October 2, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this
I know this sounds crazy, but how about Glavine and Maddux to solidify up the rotation. They both have the oppurtunity to sign with new clubs if they choose and still have ties here and cherish the golden days when they dominated. It could be the last run for Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, and Cox. Oh, what a season that would be. I can still dream …
By Gil in Mechanicsville
October 2, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
Mark, I agree with your assessment. I am sure Tom Glavin has some great games left in him but I would think it would be a better move to spend the money it would take to get him to Atlanta and look for someone younger witha bigger up side. The initial cost would be about the same I suspect.
With the emergence of Jeff Bennett and JoJo Reyes in September, I don’t think the Braves pitching situation is desperate. Certainly not one calling for the sale of the farm to obtain.
Young pitchers need time to learn their craft and a 22 year old in the majors has a huge potential. Does anyone besides me remember the growing pains of Tom Glavin, Greg Maddux, Steve Avery and a bevy of other young arms as they came up.
Why does everyone seem to think the Braves need to have the current “flavor of the month” off someone else’s staff to compete?
By Ex-Met fan
October 2, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
I agree. The Braves should start over and try to develop new power arms. Look at the Colorado Rockies. They are in the same stage as the Braves were in 1991. Three young power pitchers and a very good offensive line up. They are in the playoffs. Glavine is losing it. He is done. Lets hope the Braves don’ bring him back.
By ClemsonBrad
October 2, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
Why not bring back Glavine? We could bring him back and go after a hot young arm(Bonderman or Blanton) if we unload Edgar Renteria…Imagine a rotation with Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, and Bonderman…pretty solid
By Coach ( lets Go Braves In 2008
October 2, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
Mark , trying to follow your logic is like being lost in a closet. It makes little sense and is extremely claustrophobic. If Glavine is to old and isn’t the answer for 2008 , then we better trade John Smoltz , pronto because he is only 14 months younger than Glavine ! Yes , Glavine stunk in his last three starts but Tim Hudson lost five out of his last seven starts , so the Braves better get rid of him to , NOT. You make no headway at all Bradley , none. Do you want 30 starts , 200 innings , 25 quality starts , then Glavine is your man. Joe Blanton , Shaun Marcum and Nate Robertson ? You must be a fantasy league owner because in the real world , teams don’t trade young talented ,inexpensive starting pitching. Is Glavine the answer for 2008 , Yes. Is he the answer for 2009 and beyond , No. The future is just that , we live in the here and now. Smoltz , Chipper and Glavine are trying to win a second World Championship before retirement creeps up on them. Bringing Glavine back for 2008 is a one season deal for all the marbles. Hudson , Smoltz , Glavine , James , Reyes , Bennett , Carlyle and maybe Hampton to. Looks good enough to me on paper. I want to win it all in 2008 , do you , Mr.Bradley ?
By MACMARINE
October 2, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this
The problems will continue as long as COX is at the helm, forget GLAVINE,his loyaty is with the union as he has shown in the past!
By $ too high
October 2, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
I’ve read quite a few comments on here stating that Glavine should return because he could fit in as a 4th, perhaps a 3rd starter.
But think of it this way —if the name ‘Tom Glavine’ wasn’t affixed to this potential 4th or 3rd starter, would you want to pay a 4th starter $10 million a year. The answer is no, which is why MB is correct —soon-to-be 42 year old Tom Glavine —who I admire and like as both a person and an athlete— does not need to wear a Braves uniform next season.
By hic
October 2, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
Thanks Mark. Be for real folks. It’s time for Glavine to RETIRE to the big house at Country Club of the South and begin making autograph appearances at North Point Mall or where ever. He will never be better than a 4.30 ERA again. Reading what a few of you are saying, sign Maddox again. Why not find Steve Avery and sign him too?! It’s time for YOUTH!!! And, good riddance to “no-hit” Andruw. He can probably hit 65 homeruns a year for the Cubs in windblown Chicago with a .212 average and 200 strikeouts,,,as a hitter he’s a Dave Kingman clone.
By Arkie Fan
October 2, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
I agree with most, Glavine can be an asset if he signs for # 4 pitcher money.For “Homer” James to be a major league pitcher, he needs to learn how to pitch. His “stuff” is very suspect. Maybe Glavine can help both James and Reyes. Almost, all teams need starting pitching as do our Braves. If you trade Edgar then you create another problem. Johnson started well and finished poorly.Chipper will still miss games with regularity. Escobar can play second, fill in a short and third. We need a good young Center Fielder. Harris’ future is in the minor leagues. Be very careful in trading what minor league talent is left. Coaching is needed. When a team can’t bunt and can’t play fundermental ball - Help. We need a couple of quality pitchers, center fielder and better coaching. Any thing elese is a plus. JS be very selective in trades.
By Penny
October 2, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
No! I will be VERY upset if Glavine returns to the Braves. There you have it, no well thought out reasoning…just from the heart….NO!
By mart
October 2, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
Welcome to the World of Glavine, Mets fans. I watched that sonofagun let the Braves down repeatedly when it mattered most. (Smoltz, too, for that matter, including this year.)
By Bill
October 2, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
Who wants Glavine? He bailed out of here for bucks while leaving his family in Atlanta. He demeaned every baseball fan years ago as the player rep and he says he didn’t pitch to bad on Sunday when he gave up 7 runs in the first inning. His arrogance drives me crazy and I don’t want him here mainly because he is done as a quality pitcher.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
October 2, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Tom Glavine is a winner , period. If you don’t understand that , go take up table tennis as your sport of interest. This issue has clearly separated the knowledgeable fans from the rest of the bandwagon village people.
By Turnin2
October 2, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Way to go Bradley - once again an AJC reporter proves WHY this paper is referred to as All Just Crap. Instead of buying your latte at Starbucks - try buying a clue.
By baseball fan
October 2, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Our rotation is in trouble because shuerholz hasn’t drafted a young pitching stud since he has been the braves GM. Remember that smoltz and glavine were already here and maddog was a free agent. I take that back he did have avery but that was 14 years ago and he didn’t last long. Some will claim jason shmidt but he was traded before he developed into anything.
I challenge anyone to name a great pitching prospect other than avery or a guy that was traded and developed elsewhere that shuerholz has drafted. The player must be someone who actually became a good major league starter for the braves. This is the big downside to shuerholz career as the braves GM if you ask me.
By h_charles
October 2, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
There are really two issues:
Should Glavine be brought back as a #3? Absolutely not. He is too old, too inconsistent. Like Smoltz, he wears down at year’s end (if overpitched).
However, Glavine could be brought back as #4. He certainly makes sense there. Numbers or not, he is a gamer, the polar opposite of every other meatball we threw out there.
Don’t make the mistake of taking ONE bad start as hallmark of the season. Glavine’s numbers were much better before that awful start, and EVERYBODY has a bad game.
Speed drops over time. Precision doesn’t. Pitchers get more precise as they age. Glavine had an off day, and all of a sudden he “isn’t the same pitcher” that one a ton of huge games for Mets during their season?
By Cecil Upshaw for relief
October 2, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
Tom Glavine a winner? Go ask the Mets that question. He’s won 9, 11, 13, 15 and 13 games the last five years. And he’s been paid $75 million for his efforts. Fifteen years ago he was good; for the past decade he’s just been a hanger-on.
By GE
October 2, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Why bring back a 40 year plus guy who has lost his stuff to play with another 40 year old guy who has lost his stuff also? Baseball is a business and not a sentimental journey down memory lane. He will not make the team any better. The Braves need to look forward and not backward.
By RET, Jr.
October 2, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Galvine is better served on a pitching staff; he is water that had passed up the bridge (It’s over as a starting pitcher).
RET,JR.
By scribe
October 2, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I agree. The Glavine ship has sailed, we don’t want and or need him. Prediction: Escobar will be in the outfield, either right or center, depending where Jeff is, and Andruw, you were awesome, but now, not so much….thanks for all you did for the Braves
By saychuck
October 2, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
I agree we do not need Glavin. I was sad to read yesterday that the Braves re-signed all coaches. I still think we need a change in manager and hitting coach. We had players this year who never got out of the hole in hitting (Andrew to name one). Is that Andrews fault? Part of it is ,but we pay a coach to help players in that situation. The young first baseman is another. Harris at the end of the season another. Terry needs to talk to his players instead of leaning on the fail and look at them.
By TampaBrave
October 2, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
MB
Your article was dead on. Sure, we’d all like the romanticized scenario of TG coming home, like Lassie after being lost in the wild. But wake up people, we don’t need a stopgap measure here, if you call that stopgap, we need to get younger. If TG wants to sign for peanuts and serve as a 6th starter/ long relief, while giving council to the younger guys, by all means, go for it. But wasting big payroll dollars on a shaky solution like that would be a serious misallocation of payroll dollars and it would be cheating the heart and soul guys on this team. We need to find a number 1 and start moving Smoltz down the pitching order. His arm could go at any time. Age does that to people and TG is no exception. Also remember that the other teams will not be idle in the off-season, so we need to get out of this stopgap mentality. I think we are in perpetual stopgap mode. Saying the inserting TG in our lineup would have yielded us enough victories to win the division, though most likely true for this year, could backfire next year. What that says is that the end of our rotation was extremely bad, so lets put a old breakeven pitcher in there and we’ll win. A lot of variables will change. Philly will get better, Florida’s got talent, NY who knows, and Washington was impressive in the 2nd half. TG will not help us as a starter.
By Jeff R
October 2, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
For those who say that Glavine would be a great teacher, bring him back at least for that purpose, is that worth a ten million dollar investment? Leo’s only getting $250K in Baltimore. If you want Glavine back to coach, make him a coaching offer.
Let’s hope that JS and Cox, because of their age, aren’t falling prey to the “win now, don’t worry about tomorrow mentality” that plagues sports these days. The reason why both these men will go to the Hall isn’t because of one memorable season, but because they built a team that had a great (and unprecedented) 14 year run.
Glavine will be a lot of money for a older pitcher who’s physical abilities are in decline (the numbers don’t lie). Let’s hope that management spends the time and money securing younger arms who have staying power.
By VaBravesfan
October 2, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
Glavine’s best days are behind him, I am not going to argue that. However, he still is much better than that Home Depot guy. Buddy Carlisle had his day in the sun. While JoJo probably someday will be a reliable starter, he is not quite ready yet. Hampton is more than likely done. The others are not worth mentioning. If Glavine will take a cut to come here, bring him on.
By Kelley
October 2, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Couldn’t agree more.
Yes, I appreciate all that Glavine has done for the Braves franchise. But we all need to remember he had the chance to stay and left for more money. Now that the team he left us for has gone into the record books with the biggest collapse ever, he should not be given the opportunity to come running back. He chose to go to New York, he needs to stay with them through the ugly times.
I too think we need some younger arms. Glavine is not the answer. Yes Sunday was just one game, but my goodness, do we want to take a chance on him if we should make the playoffs next year after that meltdown Sunday?
I will miss Andruw when he is gone, but how do you justify paying him such a huge salary when you need pitching? I trust JS and know he’ll do what this club needs over the long winter w/o playoffs.
By Elmer
October 2, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Yes, those ‘02 playoff losses by Glav made him good riddance for some of us.
By sam
October 2, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
bring Glavine back….as a pitching coach.
By Stephen
October 2, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Don’t you think 13-8 and a 4.45 ERA in the Braves 4 slot would have gotten them into the post season this year? I do.
By Terry Williams
October 2, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
For once in his life (now maybe twice) Bradley is right….we DO NOT need Glavine. Several reasons….1) He’s greedy as Scott Boras 2) Disloyal (the Mets of all teams) 3) He’s the face of the Players Union bullying (the thugs) 4) that dipsy-do 80 mph fastball of his doesn’t fool anybody 5) his decorated history is eay overrated thanks to an All star cast of Braves during his very fortunate stay here. To mention Glavine in the same breath as Smoltz and Maddox makes me puke. Have a nice day.
By Randy Graham
October 2, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
I agree we need pitching If we are keeping Scott Thorman around cause He has so much Potential why not include Him in a trade for a good 4th or 5th pitcher. What is Thors roll next year anyway?
By Elmer
October 2, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Did not Hoffman,the old closer,remind you of Glavine?
By Smarter than you
October 2, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
You are right Bradley, Glavine is not the answer. Because teams are made up of many parts, no one player is the answer. If that were possible, the Braves would be riding Mark Texeira through the playoffs right now.
That said, Glavine would be a valuable addition to the staff next season. To think he would not be a solid, dependable starter (something sorely lacking after Smoltz and Hudson) even at his age is to ignore the evidence. But then, you’ve never shown you are prone to follow the evidence to a logical conclusion.
By David
October 2, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I agree Glavine would be an upgrade. But he doesn’t need to pitch for Atlanta, ever again. One he ran out on us once for more money, actually twice b/c of money. $10 mil could get you an upgrade of a pitcher a lot younger than a one year Glavine. I believe Atlanta needs a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, a pick-up acquired in a trade for Renteria, and let Reyes and James take the 4 and 5 spots. Reyes has the potential and to me has a power arm. There are going to be growing pains with him but let him do it in the majors. If you have three real good pitchers and James has shown me that he can win some games, although he looses games at the same pace. He needs someone to show him how to finish his mechanics so the ball goes down. Anyone watching him tells he doesn’t follow through, meaning his pitches have a tendency to hang. There is no one team out there that has a dominant 5 pitchers. Most teams have 3 reliables and two that can win games. Hampton needs to take a exit.
By Smarter than you
October 2, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Your contention that they need to focus on younger pitchers is correct. We cannot lose sight of the fact that Smoltz is 40 and that Hampton may never come back. However, they need more than one new starter. So bringing in Glavine for one year (if he is willing to take a steep hometown discount) would fill a valuable role.
By Hoser
October 2, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Tom has been an artist on the mound. His precision reminds me of Koufax.
By Dick
October 2, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
I agree 100%. Neither should Mike Hampton be counted on either. James and Davis has to go as well.
By steve
October 2, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Take Gkavine off our hands…PLEASE!!! I beg of you!!!
By Don-Watkinsville
October 2, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
this text will be bolded Thanks Mark for being a “Brave” reporter. By the way, your press pass for 2008 has been revoked. But for one dollar you can sit next to me up in the nose bleed section. Let’s see, $81 season tickets, not too bad. But man, it is a long way to get a hot dog.
By phil
October 2, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
I beleive that if Glavine would come back for say 6mil for one season to help out james that it would be woth it. Look at what the padres say about Maddux helping peavey and they young players. Also the time is now to go get the next stud for the pitching staff and since Andruew is gone go make the trade for Johan Santana. The braves have the young players in spades to make a deal. I would rather they spend the big money on him then Jones.
By tim
October 2, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
If we can’t get anything younger and long term I say go ahead and sign him. If you can’t get a legitimate 1/2 young guy then he can fill the gap for a year. He is a solid 3/4. But you need to pay him like a veteran 3/4 not a 1/2
By Gary
October 2, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
With all I’ve read lately in the AJC about how everyone thinks Glavine will come back I’m glad to finally read a column with some sense. I loved Glavine too when he pitched with us. I wish he would have taken the deal like JS offered him to stay but his pride and his agent wouldn’t let him. But now the guy is just too old to pay top dollar for. Sure if we could get him for 5 mil, why not, but he won’t take that. If we spend 10-15 mil for a starter, we need to get a producer in their prime, like Hudson. We really need at least 2 more because who knows how long Smoltz can last and it’s not fair to ask him to shoulder the team at his age. Let’s find the next Maddox or Glavine and forget about trying to relive glory days with pitchers beyond their prime who still want to be paid like young studes. The Mets and Yankees may be able to afford to waste money, but the Braves can’t. I have faith JS will find the right guys at the right price. (I just hope whoever they are, they can stay healthy!)
By Donald Fehr
October 2, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Aren’t we jumping the gun a little? Doesn’t Tom have to get the ok from his beloved Union? Screw him. The best part of the Mets collapse was he got blown out in 1/3 innings. Remember he choose to leave.
By Leonard
October 2, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Glavine has his day in Atlanta, and baseball. He was a fantastic dependable pitcher for many years. Bring him back, NO WAY.
IT IS TIME TO FOCUS ON FINDING THE NEXT JOHN SMOLTZ.
By ck
October 2, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
OK Steve but only if you take Hampton off our hands. What a joke this guy has been…
By COACH
October 2, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
I SAY GET GLAVINE ONE YR WITH THIS BULLPEN AND A PROBABLY HAMPTON USE JAMES AS A 5TH STARTER WHICH AT BEST HE IS AND FIND ONE MORE STARTER,MAYBE MADDOX ONE MAJOR PUSH AND MADDOX, GLAVINE, SMOLTZ GO OUT WINNERS AND TO THE HALL AND THEN SOMEONE TEACH BOBBY HOW TO PLAY FOR 1 FREAKING RUN, THE BIG HIT IS NOT ALWAYS COMING AND THIS OFF SEASON TEACH THIS FREAKING TEAM HOW TO BUNT AND ADVANCE RUNNERS
By Charles
October 2, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine,and Hampton - lots of “ifs” in that rotation, but a damn nice rotation indeed.
By Rick
October 2, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
He is absolutely right. Don’t bring back Glavine. We need to spend money on younger pitching. Dont do what the Yankees did and try to reassemble their old staff by bring back Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. If not for their offense, they are not in the post season like the Braves.
By blademan
October 2, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
To quote the Toby Keith song; “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m good once as I ever was” applies to Glavine. But we need a quality starter for 30 or so games, not just once in awhile.
By 62METSFAN
October 2, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
EXCUSE CAPS DUE TO HANDICAP. AS A LIFELONG MET FAN, LET ME SAY YOU CAN HAVE YOUR BOY BACK, ANYTIME. NOT BECAUSE OF LAST GAME RESULTS; BUT NY FANS ARE GETTING TIRED OF THIS “DO I STAY OR DO I GO?” ROUTINE. I’D MUCH PREFER TO HAVE THE METS POCKET THE $13M TO INVEST IN A ROTATION OF SANTANA, PEDRO, D-TRAIN, MAINE, PEREZ. THAT’S POSSIBLE, NOT PROBABLE; BUT CERTAINLY PLAUSABLE. THAT’S WHAT FORWARD LOOKING TEAMS DO. AS FOR THE PLETHORA OF TALENT YOU’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FARM SYSTEM, HAVE ANY OF YOU LOOKED AT THE PRCES YOU PAID OUT AT THE LAST DEADLINE? I FULLY EXPECT NY TO TEE OFF Vs TOMMY THE WAY U GUYS DID THE PAST FEW YEARS. KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SALARY BUDGETS IN NY; WORRY MORE ABOUT METS’ NEED FOR A NEW 1B FOR ‘09. SWITCH HITTERS ARE HIGHLY VALUED IN GOTHAM. CORP. OWNERSHIP IS THE BANE OF SPORTS FRANCHISES. SEE ’60s YANKEES OWNED BY CBS, CUBS OWNED BY TRIB. YOU’LL KNOW YOUR TEAM HAS ARRIVED WHEN YOU CAN AFFORD TO GET TRUE CRITICISM FROM YOUR OEN SALARIED ANNOUNCERS. HOMER ANNOUNCERS ARE THE FIRST SIGN OF INSECURITY. IT’S BUSH LEAGUE.
By Doug B
October 2, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Pitching is about attitude. The guys we have can throw as hard as anybody. Teach them how to pitch. Help them discover the psychology of winning. Trying too hard, throwing too hard, and feeling intimidated (even if that intimidation is wrapped in denial), destroys pitching. Great pitching comes from the guys who can sustain intensity, concentration, confidence, and execution in the face of adversity.
Glavine had these, and on occasion still does, but coming to the end of a career is hardly motivation for reclaiming the winning attitude. Few have pulled it off.
Help the new guys learn how to win. Do this, and the other teams will be seeking to get our pitchers instead of the Braves looking elsewhere for winners.
By joe
October 2, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
wayne its not glavin its glavine
By Bartleby
October 2, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
we could bring Glavine back but i would prefer not to.
By Jeffrey
October 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Bring back Glavine. After 2008, practically the entire team is set to depart. Cox & JS may well both retire. Smoltz might join them. Who knows where Hudson, Tex & Chipper might be.
I would rather have Glavine out there than Cormier, Carlyle, or any of the other failures we had this year. Among available pitchers who can fit our payroll, Glavine is right at the top. Let’s enjoy 2008 before the dark night sets in.
By Terry
October 2, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Fans need to adopt the same cool, business-like attitude that players and management have. Being sentimental doesn’t help the Braves get deep into the postseason. Don’t sign Glavine. The potential $10 million could be better spent elsewhere. I would rather lose with up and coming talent than players on the verge of retiring.
By Donald Gunter
October 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Yes, bring him back . Pay him minimum wage and use him only as batting practice pitcher. That’s all he is anyway.
By Hey Bradley
October 2, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Glavine stunk Sunday. Smoltz stunk his last start to. That only means that these two guys stunk in their last outing this year. Glavine had a few bad starts in a row, but overall, he can still be a positive addition.
Anyone remember last year in the playoffs? Glavine pitched lights out so don’t just go back to Sunday as the barometer of his overall performance.
Let’s play this game that seems popular on the Braves blog. Ask any manager or player to pick the guy they wanted to depend on to get them over the hump next season.
Chuck James?
Nate Robertson?
Shaun Marcum?
Joe Blanton?
Tom Glavine?
A few might actually say Joe Blanton, but other than he, I don’t see people picking any of the other guys over Glavine.
I agree that some are acting like this is a fantasy league. This is real time big boy baseball. If you go get a stud, you are going to have to either give up lots of talent or money, more likely both. As someone mentioned above, most teams aren’t in the business of parting with young major league ready studs. You might get a guy who is a crapshoot with lots of upside. We’ve had plenty of crapshoots here and they haven’t worked out. (Kyle Davies, Chuck James) Want another one of those guys? Nate Robertson had a bad year with Detroit. Why? Is Roger McDowell the guy who is going to straighten out these guys who may be struggling? He hasn’t seemed to be able to do that yet with the guys he has.
The only way you get a stud pitcher in trade is if you give up plenty to get the guy and the team he is on sees he is coming up on a contract year and they won’t be able to afford him. Sounds like the Braves huh?
Look what Tex cost us. Great player but he ain’t no A-Rod. He cost us half of our top prospects! So what will a hotshot young stud cost us?
Glavine is exactly what Glavine is. He’s a dependable guy who is going to give you twice as many quality starts than anyone on this staff not named Smoltz or Hudson. He’ll probably throw 200 innings and win 13 to 15 games.
There were many reasons the Braves missed the playoffs this year. The glaring reason was starting pitching depth.
If we had Glavine this year with his 200 innings and 23 quality starts, you don’t think we are in the playoffs? If you say no, then you haven’t been watching Braves baseball this year.
By railbird
October 2, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
I watched with interest all year as the starters had good days and bad days. Smoltz and Hudson were magic most of the season. Towards the end, they were JUST GETTING TIRED, for heavens sake. Tommy Glavine was expected to pull a rabbit out of a hat in that last game. Where was his back up. From where I was sitting, he had none. Anyone could see that the man was under a great deal of stress and was trying to perform magic with a team that simply did not have it together that day!!!!!!
Leave the acquisitons of starters to Bobby Cox, The GM and Roger McDowell.
By wg
October 2, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Come guys. As much as any Braves fan love Glavine, 42 years old at the beginning of next year is and $10.+++++ million is a waste of good money. Besides, the union won’t let him except much less than he is making now. Look at what the Yankees got from Clemons this year. Let’s get down to the business of winning again, get younger, trade Edgar for a quality starter and use AJ’s money to sign TEX long term and not wait for free agency.
By jason
October 2, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Glavine made 24 starts where he allowed 3 runs or less. Yes he gets roughed up badly 2-4 times a year. Ill take 24 quality starts anytime, especially for 10 million. If you want to focus on 10 innings out of 200 thats your call. That is just a poor decision to use that as your statistic. I expect more from an experienced writer.
By NY Braves fan
October 2, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
From the 90’s a have a Glavine autographed ball, a shirt with his name on it and I loved him as a Brave. But he said, “Goodbye” for big bucks and the assurance of a shot at 300, despte the “life time” employment offer he received from Atlanta. I said, “thanks alot and so long.” It hurt.
I missed him, but rooted against him.
Now, he’s over the hill and we need to get younger. He left when he had stuff to offer. He doesn’t have the stuff we need now. Invest the $$ elsewhere.
I don’t want him in Braves uniform again. Front Office: JS and BC: Please, don’t bring him back! Please don’t!
By Metsfan
October 2, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
You should welcome Tom Glavine back with open arms as a hero, he gave Atlanta fans the next best thing to a WS ring, which was destroying the Mets season in half of an inning. After the massive collapse, he almost seemed to smile in post-interviews. Many Mets fans always knew Tom’s heart was not in NY, so we respected him but never fully embraced him. Thanks Tom, you can dance on the Mets grave and whistle Dixie.
By Chris
October 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
I have sat here and read everyone bash Tom Glavine. All of you will be on his jock when he enters the Hall in a Braves uniform. I say bring him back. Let him ride out in style. I bet if he wants to pitch another year he would take a “home town” discount.
By Mitch
October 2, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Mr Bradley, while you make a valid argument for the case of not signing Glavine, I provide the opposing view. Smoltz and Hudson, assuming they stay healthy, will be our top two starters for the next several years. Smoltzie was hurt some this year, but he still gave us 14 wins, and a 3 ERA. He had a great season. Bottom line: We can expect nothing from Mike Hampton. While we can all dream he will return from Tommy John surgery and pitch like Smoltzie did, the guy has had two reconstructive surgeries in three years. We have no idea if he can pitch again, or will. We might get 10 to 15 wins and 175 innings from him, or nothing. Glavine, with all his problems, has never had an arm issue in his 21 years in the majors. Except for his horrid first season in NY in 2003, he has never won less than eleven games. Even if we got, say ten to thirteen wins from Tommy, and a four ERA, wouldnt that give us a solid rotation to go along with our givens, Hudson and Smoltz, who will win us 15 to 20 each if healthy, and Chuck James, who can win us ten to fifteen games. Tom, even at 42, would give us a fine rotation one through four, for this win now team, whose main players, Smoltz, and Chipper, are thirty five or more. The question for us is two fold. What would Glavine want, and what else do we need to spend to construct our team. If I’m John S, I offer Tom a seven to eight million base salary, with incentives for innings pitched at and above 200 innings. If he’s healthy, let him earn another two to three mil through innings pitched. Do what John S wanted to in 2002. If Glavine passes on that, let him pass. If, however, Tom wanted to return home bad enough, and the Mets dont want him back, fearing the fans will crucify him all next year for blowing Sunday’s deciding game, then, it makes sense. I hope we can find a way to re sign him. I think he would be an asset, even at 42. Who wouldnt want a thirteen game winner, on a team that finished 84-78, and just five games from a playoff spot. Tom could be the piece that puts us back in the playoffs in 2008, as either the Wild card, or NL East champ.
By Lewis
October 2, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
Glavine was always asked to go against the other teams #1 starter. As a #3 or 4, he would be going against lessor pitchers . Our offense should be alot better with AJ gone and killing rallies, think about it
By BRAVES FAN
October 2, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Glavine could very well be the piece that we need to get to the world series next year,only if he stays in mutville.If we get Glavine,who would the muts replace him with?pretty much the pitcher that is also available to us(via the trade).I was so relieved that the muts signed Glavine last year,because they were going to sign him or Zito and as bad as Zito was this year I predict that he will do as Hudson did,a complete turnaround.So we kind of kill two birds with one stone by not showing interest in him especially if he has a player option,cause I think the only other place he would play would ba atlanta.So leave him in mutville,and let them pay him 13 mil.(that is redicilous).
By Ole Prof
October 2, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
MAddux may have helped Peavy, but Peavy has gone home for the season, just like the Braves. We need winners.
By Ole Prof
October 2, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Why do AJC blogs have to download 3 times before you can scroll?? As a webmaster I find that unconscionable.
By Siskel
October 2, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
Glavine is an upgrade over what we have now PERIOD! We wouldn’t have to give up any of our young guys to get him and if something happens midseason we still could move escobar or renteria or whoever for another pitcher or use those guys to go after a new centerfielder. Absolutely no risk in signing a 42 year old pitcher who has never been on the DL!
By DonCoburleone
October 2, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
I think Glavine couldn’t hurt. I mean, he’s a better option than Lance Cormier, Jeff Bennet or Jo Jo Reyes isn’t he??? If we could make a trade for Nate Robertson, I’d do that in a heartbeat though, same goes for Blanton & Marcum…
By willdave
October 2, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley, I agree 100%. The money the Braves would invest to bring back the aging Glavine for mostly nostalgic purposes could be better invested in a younger pitcher who would have the potential to create a more powerful and longer lasting impact. Besides, I wouldn’t sign any pitcher who drove the final nail in the coffin of the Mets’ monumental collapse the way Glavine did.
By pogo43
October 2, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Oh, dear the nightmare has begun…it’ll be opening game of the 2009 season and Tom Glavine at 44 and Bobby Cox are trying to improve on their 2008 last place finish.
By The Dust
October 2, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
To read most of the posts it would appear that most of you are hurt by the fact that Glavine chose the Mets and their money over the Braves. Here is the reality: this is a business, not a high school team. It is a profession where professionals go out to make money. Do you think Chipper would still be here if it weren’t for the fact he signed long term back in 1999 (before AOL/Time Warner took over and cut payroll to $80 million). The Braves need starting pitching, and Glavine is not a long term commitment. The Cox era is coming to an end soon, and with him we lose Smoltz, Chipper and Shuerholtz. This team will look very different in 5 years. Lets try to win a World Title next year if we can. Glavine is better than anything we threw out 3-5 this season. If we had him this year we would be playing the Rockies right now. Perhaps not the best option, but undoubtedly an upgrade from what we have now.
By Lee York
October 2, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Hell NO! The TRADER left for the almighty $$$$$$$, Let him stay in New York where he belongs!!!!!!!!
By steve
October 2, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Here’s a cheapER solution to the pitching needs for next year. Soriano has always wanted to start. Sure he is a great closer, but Dotel looked really good too. Why not grant Soriano his wish, pick up Dotel’s option and now you have a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Soriano, Hampton, and James as the 5th (where he should be). Bennett and Jo Jo can work on their games in Richmond awaiting the inevitable injury.Meanwhile the bullpen is still strong assuming Gonzalez comes back,Mahay, Acosto, Devine, Gonzalez, Yates, and Dotel - not bad especially if the kids develop.
By Daniel
October 3, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Schuerholz and Cox are crazy! thinking about Glavine, a 42 year old declining pitcher, while ditching AJ, a gold glove and RBI producer who is just 30!!! Let’s keep the sequence of nonsense and irresponsibility, so trade Francoeur, turn the lights off and the last one lock the door before leaving… Stop this silly logic! We need good players like Chipper, Andrew, Mark, Edgar, Yunel and Jeff.
By Mike
October 3, 2007 3:06 AM | Link to this
The person Daniel above me has obviously never watched a single Braves game this past season. Not a good choice to ditch AJ while thinking about bringing Glavine back you say? I agree with you about not bringing Glavine back, although he would make a quality 4th starter in the rotation (Hampton would be 3rd assuming his spring training performance is as good as last years then you got Jo-Jo and Bennett waiting in the wings in AAA this year, and in the 09 season when Glavine is gone you can round up the rotation with them two giving yourself a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, Jo-Jo, and Bennett. But as far as this season goes, Galvine shouldn’t be there. Secondly, AJ leaving was a GOOD move by the Braves. I agree that Jones is a high quality player, but the Braves cant afford him and Texeira in two ways; one being financially and second being the players they have waiting. With Jones gone, it brings about a more potent and well rounded offense. You can have either Harris or Diaz start in left while the other is in right and you move Frenchy over into center to have the spot now empty. Assuming we lose Renteria (which wouldnt be all bad, If I were in Schuerholtz’s shoes, I’d let Edgar go and fill the spot with Escobar. That’s a dangerous offense that has an ability the Braves have been lacking since the departure of Furcal, they can run. Willie, Yunell, and Johnson all have the potential to steal over 30, maybe 40 bases a season, and when you consider you have McCann and Frenchy coming off good sophomore years with a better interpretation of the strike zone and Chipper’s and Tex’s hot bats, you have table setters at all parts of the lineup and players that can drive in runs. Their offense is definitely in position to make a stand next season and stand atop the NL East and show the Phillies who the true kings of the NL are. The only thing we need to do this offseason is get our pitching set. With Smoltz, Hudson, and Hampton rounding off the top 3, a quality 10 game winner would make a nice 4 spot and Moylan as arguably our best middle reliever and Soriano taking over the closing spot, watch out. The braves will make a run next year. I dont think anyone will be surprised to see the Phillies dethroned by the Braves next year.