AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > March > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMets, Braves pick Glavine’s brain
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Tom Glavine verified Tuesday what we suspected. As soon as he joined the New York Mets five years ago, he became the most popular new resident in the history of Flushing.
Everybody rushed to pick Glavine’s considerable brain. The owner. The general manager. The players. The clubhouse personnel. Anybody who thought the future Hall of Famer could deliver secrets involving The Great Braves Empire that he just departed and helped create. So what is Bobby Cox really like, and how can our manager clone some of his splendid ways?
Does Andruw Jones have a red cape under his jersey in center field, or does that just apply to John Smoltz during the majority of times he takes the pitcher’s mound?
Surely the catalyst for the Braves along the way to their slew of division titles are those choppers and chanters.
If not that, then what?
“I probably told them a lot, but it wasn’t as much as me telling as much as it was them asking,” said Glavine before pitching in a spring game against the Washington Nationals at Champion Stadium, where he prepared for his 17th season with the Braves after five years in New York. “You come from an organization like this that had the success that it had, and me as a player having the success that I had, [the Mets] bring you in for a reason.
“A large part of it is what you do and what you can provide on the field, and the other part is what you bring outside of that. ‘Hey, what do the Braves know about this, or how do the Braves go about that, and what does Bobby [Cox] like to do in this situation?’ That kind of stuff.”
It’s the kind of stuff Glavine will provide sooner rather than later when he briefs the Braves about the Mets. “Oh, we’ll talk to him, and we haven’t talked to him about that yet, but we will, because you have to,” said Cox, while puffing on his cigar in the home dugout. “You’d be making a big mistake if you didn’t.”
In case you’re wondering, Steve Garvey was sort of in this situation after going from powerful Dodger Blue of yore to the upstart Padres. Then you had those rare traitors such as David Wells, Johnny Damon, David Cone and others. They had the audacity to switch from the Yankees to the Red Sox, or the other way around.
This Glavine thing is nearly unprecedented.
Well, it is unprecedented. “I know I can’t think of another situation quite like it,” said Pete Van Wieren, the Braves’ eternal broadcaster and noted baseball historian, who thought before he shook his head and thought some more. Added Cox, still puffing, “I mean, remember when Jackie Robinson was traded from the Dodgers to the [dreaded] Giants? He refused to go and just retired. Never thought about Glavine, but, yeah, this is unusual.”
This is highly unusual, not only in baseball, but in any sport: You’ve got two fierce rivals. More specifically, you’ve got the Mets and the Braves, both spending much of the 21st century ranking as the dominant teams in the National League East. Not only that, you’ve got Glavine as a prominent player going from one of those rivals to the other, then back again with considerable knowledge of both.
But here’s the deal: It’s one thing to share the knowledge. It’s another for those who hear it to find ways to use it.
“From the Mets’ perspective, for instance, you can dissect what the Braves do all you want, but it’s difficult when you try to put that puzzle together,” said Glavine, who wanted to make something clear: He isn’t snitching. “In New York, it wasn’t like I was giving inside secrets that happened in the clubhouse or things that Bobby did that only players knew. It was fairly common knowledge, but sometimes there are questions that can be answered in terms of the intricacies of how the plans were put into place. It’s not like you’re giving away top-secret information.”
Obviously not, because the Mets never reached the World Series during Glavine’s tenure. The Braves have done so five times with Glavine — and counting.
Permalink | Comments (59) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Terence Moore
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By Gene
March 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
I am more concerned with what Glavin brings to the Braves than with what he left with the Mets, and I think that Glavin’s experience and competitive nature will make a difference.
By Ellen
March 11, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
I don’t know really what GlavinE could tell the Braves about the Mets that they don’t already know. A team that has won their division 14 straight years pretty much has things figured out.
By the way, it sure is good seeing Glavine in a Braves uniform!
By Murphy
March 11, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Nice article Terence
By Big Dawg
March 11, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Total BS!!!!!!!!
By Scott
March 11, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I think ol’ stone face can give the Braves a solid year and teach the young pitchers a couple of things
By BabyGoatEater
March 11, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
“both spending much of the 21st century ranking as the dominant teams in the National League East.”
…..HUH? The Braves weren’t in the National League East until they made three divisions. I think actually the Braves were in the National League West and the muts were in the National League East. Im pretty sure that in 1900-1980 both clubs either (a) didn’t exist or (b)weren’t winning any division, much less the NL East.
By richbrave
March 11, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
I never thought when Glavine left Richmond that he’d make it in the bigs. So much for what I know. But if the dude can re-invent himself once again as a re-Brave I’ll be pleasantly surprised. And you can label me dumb-azz. I don’t think there’s much in the tank at 43 no matter how hard he tries.
By salty dawg
March 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Uh BabyGoatEater, the 21st century pretty much only consists of the years 2000 to present.
Uh Terence, the Mets have pretty much been bottom dwellers more often than not to date in the 21st century. Certainly not a “dominant team” until the last two years. How about knowing something about the sport before you pick up your pen. Classic example of your douche baggery.
By richbrave
March 11, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
BABYGOATEATER:
Uhh. Didn’t the Braves win a World Series in ‘57?
By Greg
March 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Hey good point Babygoat eater…except for the fact that you are completely wrong…the 21st century started in the year 2000 so what happened between 1900 and 1980 is irrelevant…maybe think before posting next time bud…so in fact the mets and braves have been the dominant teams in the 21st century(all of 8 years)
By richbrave
March 11, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Braves have won three World Series in the modern era 1914, 1957, 1995. They are due to win another in 2035.
By TPM
March 11, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Mark it down ! Tom Glavine will not win more than 10 games and he will have an ERA of over 5. Despite how the media in this town hypped it, Tom took no hometown discount coming back - by July Braves fans will realize he is stealing money.
By Terence Moore
March 11, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
I need to quit already huh? You guys would sure like that, because I suck. Maybe ill get fired, i dont know…
By Terence Moore
March 11, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
I suck, I need to quit already huh? I can’t write and im just plain dumb. I know you guys hate them because I hate reading my own articles. Oh well maybe i’ll get fired. See ya Atlanta.
By Blue & Red
March 12, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Glavine will win 15. Throw 200 plus innings and be a HUGE influence on the younger pitchers on our staff. Glad to have him back in our uni. Welcome back Tommy!
By Robert
March 12, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Cox is still the biggest donkey to ever manage in the big leagues
By Doug
March 12, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
5 World Series with Glavine and 1 ring
The Marlins have 2 rings in that time span
3rd place again for the Braves this year
By JERRY
March 12, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this
ESPN IS REPORTING TOM GLAVIN WILL NOT PITCH 95 INNING THIS YEAR.I’M BEHIND YOU TOM ALL THE WAY.GO JUMP IN THE LAKE ESPN. GO TOM GO BRAVES.
By bravo kid
March 12, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this
salty dawg, last i checked the Braves beat the Mets in the ‘99 NLCS and while that does not count as the 21 century, the Mets went on to the Series the following season only the get swept by the Yankees. They have only spent 2 seasons as the last place team in the NL East and have made the playoffs twice since 2000 which is once more than both the Marlins and the Phils during that time.
Robert, i’d love to see you win 2,100 games as a MLB manager given the situations and teams Cox has dealt with.
By Robert
March 12, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
I would have won 3,100 games and seven World Series titles.
By Jim
March 12, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait until Glavine shuts up the naysayers. I look for 200+ innings, about 12-14 wins, and about a 3.50 - 4.00 era —- just what they brought him back for (remember, nobody ever claimed he is still a 1-2 slot starter). He will help greatly. I’m glad he’s back.
By Nick
March 12, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Is it really that surprising that trade secrets would have been shared from Tommy to the Mets? As a Mets fan, I fully expect Cox and Co. to do the same thing. They play a competitive sport, they’re inner division rivals, why wouldn’t they? It’s a dog eat dog world, get over it.
By Murph
March 12, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
After seeing Glavine pitch for the last five years I am assuming that he is a much better spy than pitcher.
By Larry Jones
March 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Glavine going back to Atlanta is a win/win…for the Mets. Not only do they get that over-the-hill chump out of their rotation, now they get to face him once or twice this year. The Braves rotation is a joke. Counting on both Glavine and Hampton shows how little this team really has.
By VonHayes
March 12, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Whatever happened to Rick Camp?
By Mets4ever
March 12, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Obviously Glavine didnt teach the Mets much about pitching or winning. I cant figure out why they signed him. Maybe he showed them how to give up 7 runs to start a game and not give a s—t after. He’ll always be remembered for that game. The guy the Mets needed was John Schuerholz, not Glavine. Tom will give you 10 wins this year, thats all. He’s not much of aspy either, check his record against the Braves last 5 yrs.
By Bobby's Biggest Fan
March 12, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
People who don’t appreciate Bobby Cox don’t deserve to post a comment.
Do they really deserve to even watch Major League Baseball?
By Pete H.
March 12, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Tommy is this generation’s Spahn. Although Spahn had a better fast ball (and that was diminished by a war injury…before the war, he threw in the high 90s), they both lived on guile. I am happy he’s back and he’s going to eat some innings and give us a lot of good games. And, certainly, he will help the young pitchers. JoJo in particular.
It’s nice having our HOF pitcher home again. If you look at him and Maddux and Smoltz, the one thing they have in common is BRAINS.
By Chas K
March 12, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Hey Larry,I’m sure you are a expert and we don’t need to play the games but we have 6 or 7 starting pitchers that most teams would love to have!You must be a Mets fans since you are grabbing at straws…GO BRAVES
By ChampDawg
March 12, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I agree with Larry Jones. Depending on Hampton and Glavine in this rotation is just plain stupid. The Braves know the chances of this working out are slim. Once again, the Braves brass fails to adequately address the pitching needs and will have to depend on these 2 clowns.
By old fart
March 12, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
I love my Braves but anything higher than 3d place this year and next is a pipe dream. Two 40 yr old starters, one starter who hasn’t pitched in two yrs, a brilliant but brittle 3d baseman, an All Star at first who will be in a Red Sox uniform this time next year, a big question mark in center, a set up pitcher pretending to be a closer, and the best manager in baseball rounding third and heading home for the last time. Gonna be a loooong two years.
By Bob
March 12, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Terence,
I found your article entertaining. I’m also happy that Tom Glavine is back. This aside, I have to disagree with you about the Mets being a dominant force in the NL-East this decade. After the Braves, the Phillies have had the most top-two showings in the NL-East this decade.
2000
ATL 1st NYM 2nd* FLA 3rd
2001
ATL 1st PHI 2nd NYM 3rd
2002
ATL 1st MON 2nd NYM 5th
2003
ATL 1st FLA 2nd NYM 5th
2004
ATL 1st PHI 2nd NYM 4th
2005
ATL 1st PHI 2nd NYM 4th
2006
NYM 1st PHI 2nd ATL 3rd
2007
PHI 1st NYM 2nd ATL 3rd
*Wildcard Mets win 2000 NLCS and loose World Series to NYY
By Larry Jones
March 12, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Chas - I really don’t think I’m grabbing at straws at all. More likely, you’ve been drinking the Braves Kool Aid again. Beyond Smoltz & Hudson, what really is there? They’re both excellent but in reality they are the 3rd best 1-2 in the DIVISION, yet alone the NL or MLB. I’d much rather have Hamels/Myers or Santana/Pedro. To say the Braves have 6 or 7 starters most teams would love to have is a joke. Glavine is done (for reference, look at his body of work down the stretch last season including Game 162), Hampton was done 4 years ago, James is a 5-inning .500 pitcher and Reyes pitched to a 6+ ERA and walks the ballpark. The only kid with promise is Jurrjens.
By richie
March 12, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
ChampDawg, you sound like a bitter Mets fans. Tell your injured/geriatric players to get it together before you start talking about my team. Last I remember, your “supposed” #2 starter just threw a simulated game, and remember you are counting on a BIG season from him. Give me a break. Your rotation just as stupid if not more. You have a #1, a now banged up #2, and 3 #4 starters(yes, that means Maine, Perez and Pelfrey/Old Duque), and if Pelfrey is #5 then you have a #5 starter, literally. And if I remember that new acquisition you picked this winter was saved from a loss because Bum Wickman couldnt shut the door on his Twins in the 9th last year. And you can go look that up to. We have Hampton as the 5 because of the injuries he’s sustained. I hope he works out so I can see you on here riding Hampton like a groupie
By John in Atlanta
March 12, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Remember how the Braves bashed Glavine when he first went to the Mets?
I think Glavine going the Braves helps the Mets more than the Braves in head to head match-ups…After all, wasn’t it with the Mets that he reinvented the way he pitches, using the inside portion of the plate and his curve ball more?
By richie
March 12, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Larry Jones, Hamels/Myers havent won a playoff game…EVER. The only pitcher with promise betwwen the 2 of them is Hamels…Myers, was the opening day starter we knocked around last opening day and the closer we beat in that last Phillies series in Atl, when he gave like 6 runs in 1 2/3 innnings. Can’t count him. Then you have Pedro who hasnt thrown effectively since early 2006. So you have Santana, who gave up more homers in career last season than he has in any year. Interesting!!!! And they are the people you are saying is better than our teams. And why are you comparing our 3-5 starters to everyone else’s 1 & 2? You are drinking that Los Mets juice yourself. He settled down after winning his 300th game. Glavine body of work was pretty good until the Great Collapse of 2007.
By Larry Jones
March 12, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Richie, I believe the comparison I made was between Smoltz/Hudson, Hamels/Myers and Santana/Pedro. If I’m not mistaken those are all 1/2 starters. When I made comments about the other Braves’ starters, I was refuting a point made earlier by someone claiming the Braves had 6-7 strong starters which I 100% disagree. As a Braves fan, if you are not scared about facing Johan Santana and a healthy Pedro Martinez, God bless you. Better you than me. Oh, and your point about Glavine settling down after his 300th win really isn’t valid either. Here are his stats from his last 3 starts when the Mets needed him most:
5 IP, 11 H, 4 ER 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER .1 IP, 5 H, 7 ER.
If that’s settled, I’d hate to see the unsettled body of work. I do appreciate the Los Mets comment - your ignorance comes unveiled.
By bravedave
March 12, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Classic T. M. column:
Takes up space and says nothing insightful.
To suggest there is something novel, unique, or even to use his word, “unprecedented” about teammates asking a new player about his old club shows just how out of touch Moore is. In fact Glavine isn’t even the only player on the Braves roster on his 2nd tour of duty with the squad.
By Nort GA Chopper
March 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Truly hilarious posts today:
“Mets did great by getting rid of Glavine”: Yeah, that’s why they offered him $13M to stay.
“I’d win 3100 games and 7 World Series if I were the manager”: Yeah, that’s why you are blogging here on the ajc instead of leading the troops at Lake Buena Vista.
The general sentiment that Glavine is washed up: Name me two #3 starters for a NL East team that is projected to be better than Glavine.
The last statement making declarations about Glavine based on his last 3 starts: Why not mention the 3 starts before that where he had 2 wins, two ERAs in the 1.5 area and one at 2.35, and a WHIP of less than 1.0. Maybe because it doesn’t help your argument?
By Stan
March 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
The Mets and the Braves BOTH ranking as the dominant teams in the National League East? ARE YOU KIDDING?
Division Titles since 1991: Braves… 14 in a row. Mets… 1 in a row.
NL Pennants: Braves… 5. Mets… 1.
World Championships: Braves… 1. Mets… 0.
Plus, the Braves have a rather large lead in the season series in that span and beat the Mets 4 games to 2 in the only post season matchup between the two.
Terence, are you from New York? This is about as much a rivalry as Rocky Marciano and Joe Dominic. Who’s Joe Dominic you may ask? Exactly.
By Pete
March 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I’m excited about Braves team this year, but as for the pitching, it’s my thoughts that it will be the same as it was last year. Nothing great. It will be up to the hitters to keep the Braves going this year.
By ippississiM
March 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
One thing you guys are overlooking when you say Glavine is going to be a bust: his heart was always in Atlanta. I don’t think he would have gone to New York if he hadn’t been backed into a corner by the Union, and his stats showed that he wasn’t really “there” at all. Now that he’s back where he belongs, with Bobby Cox and John Smoltz, I think we’ll see a big turnaround.
By Ryder
March 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Guess what Larry Jones, you forgot about how your supposed superior “offense” went under in the second half of the season. Why? It’s because when the pressure rises, the Mets bats fall off.
Remember Game 7 of the NLCS against the Cardinals AT HOME? Endy Chavez was the only person who kept you guys from getting blown out.
What happened last year when you had a 7 game lead with 17 games to play? The offense collapsed as your boys Reyes and Wright were too busy trying to impress ESPN and win the MVP instead of focusing at the task at hand.
Also, Willie Randolph is proof that you need real leadership to win titles, not just rely on some GM who has a Latin-fetish.
Injuries have already gotten to your boy Delgado and Beltran needs to keep his mouth shut and stop striking out.
Worry about your Mets and we’ll deal with the Braves.
By Freda
March 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
I am excited about the Braves team this year, however; I think the pitching will be about the same as last year, about mediocre. Nothing special. The offense and defense will have to work extra hard this year to keep the Braves in the picture.
By mark
March 12, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Larry Jones, I know everyone is getting on ya brother. You kinda of put yourself in a tight one here. I dont see your comparison, at all. We have quite a few people capable of being a starter for us. You just dont have that, in your farm system. PArt of the the Johan deal…NOT!!! Los Mets, according to the jerseys you guys have, are under a lot of pressure this year. You know it, and baseball knows it. Read that post between you and richie. Richie makes a lot of points there dude. Glavine is looking to give us 12-15 wins and quality innings- thats all. We arent counting on Hampton like we did last year, everything he gives us this year is a bonus. You said to Richie, Pedro is healthy but he is pitching in simulated games, and you are counting on a big season from him, as your #2 starter, God Bless you. Better you than me…lol. I think Glavine and Pedro will have the around same record this year. The funny part is Glavine is the #3 now. That is a good year, that’s not a good year if you are a #2. The #2 guy and #1 are interchangeable. And as for Johan, he was on the losing end of that Braves-Twins game last year until Wickman couldnt hold it down for us. Oh yeah, I am from NYC so I get to hear about Los Mets all the time. Tell Omar to stop trying to put the best latin team on the field already. That guy might’ve traded David Wright, for another latin player, if he wasnt as good as he has been.
By ChampDawg
March 12, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Richie— I’m not a Mets fan you blowhard. I’m a diehard Braves fan. I just choose not to follow the hype and positive spin B.S. that the media and Braves announcers and brass give us all the time. Reality is depending on two 40+ year old pitchers and another one that hasn’t thrown a pitch in 2 years to anchor your 5-man rotation is foolish. Let’s see how we look come July.
By U_no_who
March 12, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Der, I’d comment on my fella’s chances this year, but I’m balls deep in a sheep. Her name’s Tessy. We signed Glavine to pitch in the rotation? I thought he was for BP. U bravos fans r the best. go Bravos!
By BossLady
March 12, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
It’s about time you wrote something positive about something.
By Matt
March 12, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
…both spending much of the 21st century ranking as the dominant teams in the National League East.
Uhhh…Terence? I hope you are aware that we are currently IN the 21st century. If you were referring to the 20th century, then you are even more of a blithering idiot than any of us knew. Although I will say that it is a nice change for you to finally write an article that isn’t filled with racial BS. Oh yeah, Glavine went to the Mutts for one simple reason: Money. Quit trying to dissect the past when the obvious truth is right there in your face.
By richie
March 12, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Champdawg, you know we are going to be in contention in July but it doesn’t matter then.It matters that we are the division leader or the wild card, come the last daty of september. Anything less than that and I’ll eat my words. I know we are going to be bvetter than the media is attempting to say we are going to be. I just know you are going to be raving about the team and I dont want to read some positve B.S. spin you’ll put on how much you love the team and how the rotation is doing better than you thought and blah blah blah. Get in line with the team or get off the boat
By Bowie
March 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
If Glavine turns out half as good as you fans want to believe it will be due to supernatural causes, to an act of God. May God Bless the Braves and the USA. I believe Glavines 42 yrs. old , maybe they get better at 40 plus ask Bond.
By U_no_who
March 12, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
I is a braves fan and I is wonderin bout Hampton’s groin. BUt I Is fixin’ to learn more bout my cousin than them baseball stuff. Tessy sayz hi. go Braives!
By jeffery
March 12, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Baby Goat Eater haasn’t replied back ….he must have gone back to the future of the 19th century and it’s world that time forgot. Make sure the bong has cooled down before you try to slam someone that writes for a living [regardless of your opinion of Mr. Moore which is all your obviously thoughtless ranting on him was directed at with negativity that made you waste space on this board] I would watch this year VERY carefully Braves Nation. There is something positively different going into this season for a long , long time Braves fan.I will make no bold predictions but I see something hungry in this incredibly deep team;quite different than years recently past….that is the 21 Century CrowEaterBoy…oops;I meant Goat…… GO ATLANTA.
By U_no_who
March 12, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
I’s here.How com you ain’t all excited liken the last time I done payd yall a visit? Tessy sends her love. See yall at Hooters! Go Braives!
By rylestyle
March 13, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Everybody is acting like we’re expecting an amazing season from Glavine, all we want from him is a 12-15 win season 200+ ip and en era under 4. Take away his last two starts of last season and he will have had 4 full seasons in New York with an ERA under 4. Name ANY #3 starter in the nl east other than him thats going to provide that.
As for Hampton, nobody is depending on him.Anything we get from Mike will just be extra. Our 1-3 is by far the best in the division, even IF pedro stays healthy. And he’s given reason to think he wont, neither smoltz nor glavine have.
And on a side note, jurrjens could very well possibly have a breakout season, giving the braves a great number 4. Which would leave chuck james as a #5. Do th Mets or Phillies have an 11 game winner with a 4.00 ERA as a #5 starter? i dont think so.
By You're ALL Bozos
March 14, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
BabyGoatEater, salty dawg, richbrave, Greg, bravo kid, Bob, Stan:
NEWSFLASH:
The 21st century began January 1, 2001, not 2000.
Mr Moore—
Thanks for giving the crackers a forum in which to demonstrate their mental prowess.
By METS62FAN
March 14, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT ONE SIMPLE FACT. OF THE METS, YANKS, PHILS & BRAVES WHICH OF YOU YAHOOS WANTS TO GUESS WHO HAS THE OLDEST ROTATION 1-5? THE ANS IN NO PARICULAR ORDER FOR AVG AGE ARE: 32.6,29.4, 35.6, 30.8. TAKE YR SHOES & SOCKS OFF IF U MUST.
By Larry Jones
March 14, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
If Glavine wins anywhere near 15 games and/or comes remotely close to what Pedro does this season, I would be utterly shocked. I just don’t see it happening. The only reason Pedro hasn’t pitched in a game yet because he’s slotted behind Santana and the last few games have been long road trips in that slot and we all know vets never make those trips in Spring Training. Oh, and he’s pitching for his next contract. I praise Brave fans for being optimistic this time of year - if fans can’t be optimistic in March, when can they be? However, the reality is the rotation is antiquated, the outfield is weak (Diaz is not an every day player and Kotsay sucks), and the bullpen is awful. Is Soriano really the closer? Are the Mets perfect? Hardly. Delgado scares the hell out of me - his bat speed is nonexistent. If Alou plays in 100 games, it will be a miracle. Can Scneider hit? Not really but he’s batting 8th. However, the overall picture is great. The rotation 1-4 is the best in baseball (our #3 ane #4 both won 15 with #4 pitching for a new contract), the bullpen will be one of the best, and the bench is deep. Who cares if the farm was depleted? Omar did manage to keep our best prospect, Fernando Martinez who Braves fans will learn to hate as soon as next season. Wouldn’t you trade 4 mid-level prospects to get the best pitcher in baseball? Seems like a no brainer to me. On another note, I was down in Spring Training last week and saw the Dodgers twice. Looks like Andruw has been eating many a Dodger Dog. I think he needs to hang out with Lasorda more and try a Slim Fast Shake. $18MM/year for that seems pretty ridiculous - I think that’s something both Met and Brave fans both agree upon…
By timthebrave
March 14, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
When Robert starts bad mouthing Bobby Cox I know spring is in the air. Go Braves!