ajcsportstalk

By Arcadio

November 19, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Welcome home, Glavine!

By TBraveFan

November 19, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Thank you Tommy for the best birthday present I’ve had in 5 years!!!

Welcome home … I can’t wait to see you in Spring Training!!!

By br

November 19, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

If this is the only pitcher the Braves obtain this winter they will regret it. Yes, he’s done very well for the Braves before, but he is now 41, about to be 42, years old! Did you see him in the second half of this past season? He got clobbered and it was sad to see. I think he is, at best, a 5th starter. If they can obtain another starter, then I’ll be happy, but if Glavine is it, then it will be another long summer!

By Ben

November 19, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

I dont know if I like this or not. I mean, i know its sentimental and all but if we’re expecting Tommy to be the Tommy he was before he betrayed atlanta fans everywhere, i think Mr. wren is mistaken. But if we look on the bright side, we need a #3 starter, and thats what he is at this point in his career, sad to say, but the truth hurts sometimes. But I dont know if we need to paying 8 million for a 10-12 win season from a #3 starter.

By Rob

November 19, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Welcome back, Tommy! Now let’s go get us a brand new set of rings!

By ArkyTech

November 19, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

OK, I’m willing to say he’s paid his debt by spending 5 years in NY. Welcome back, Tommy. Now, let’s go win a W.S. in ‘08!

By schoolingthem

November 19, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

I could think of 8 millions reason the braves should have not sign Glavine, for one, look at the picture, he’s old.

By BabyGoatEater

November 19, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

I think a rotation with Smoltz(17), Hudson(15), Glavine(13), Hampton(10+), and James(14) is good for around 70 wins. If the bullpen can win 30 games (which they did last year) that’s 100 wins. I believe that the Chipper/Teixera combo this years will win 10 games alone. I see a 105-110 win season in the mix and Wren says he’s not done yet. GOOD JOB JOH…..UM….I MEAN FRANK. Seamless transition may not do it justice.

By Daybed Wagmoe

November 19, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

What will this mean to the Braves’ rotation? Is Glavine now forgiven for leaving the Braves after the 2002 season? At his age, will he still be effective? And finally, do you think $8 million is a good enough hometown discount?

having glavine as our third starter gives this rotation a ton of much needed stability. he definitely has the potential to still be effective despite his age — he had a very good year last year, despite his low win total (it should’ve been higher but he had several games that his team blew for him), inflated era and bad final stretch. when you think that he could’ve made $13 million by staying with the mets, yes, $8 million is a great hometown discount.

By David

November 19, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

I think it’s liberal to expect anything from Mike Hampton. He should be paying the Braves to play for them this year! I think that the front three is definitely strong. The back end is still suspect at this point. Chuck James is your number four and the others fight it out for number five. I think with James being around Glavine, it will help him immensely.

By wm

November 19, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

8 million? Is this his penance? Prodigal Son returns! Will this win a pennant?

Can we get Maddux too? Ooh, and Rocker too!

By braint

November 19, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this

13 wins and 200 IP will save our bullpen, relieve pressure from Smoltz and Huddy, mentor James, and add leadership to the clubhouse….it also means that if Hampton is healthy — The NL East will come back to ATL.

By keef1234

November 19, 2007 3:52 AM | Link to this

sign Phil Niekro!!!

By Mike

November 19, 2007 3:57 AM | Link to this

Im in tears right now, I was so upset december 4th 2002 when Glavine left us to join those damn mets. But now he’s back, and as happy as I am as a die hard brave fan for life I can forgive but I will never forget. Glavine deffinetly has fixed his legacy by coming back to the braves. I love the rotation, everyone needs to give Chuck James a chance! He’s so young and he’s a lefty! Now with Glavine teaching him theirs no telling how far he can go. God bless Glavine, Hey Frank Wren! Way to go man! I love the future of this organization that I love so dearly

By Mike

November 19, 2007 3:57 AM | Link to this

Im in tears right now, I was so upset december 4th 2002 when Glavine left us to join those damn mets. But now he’s back, and as happy as I am as a die hard brave fan for life I can forgive but I will never forget. Glavine deffinetly has fixed his legacy by coming back to the braves. I love the rotation, everyone needs to give Chuck James a chance! He’s so young and he’s a lefty! Now with Glavine teaching him theirs no telling how far he can go. God bless Glavine, Hey Frank Wren! Way to go man! I love the future of this organization that I love so dearly

By Michael

November 19, 2007 4:30 AM | Link to this

This is a great move!! Love it, love it, love it!!! Tom is a bulldog who will give us lots of innings, never gives up or gives in, and will help train the younger guys. Plus, the Mets lose one of the best pitchers as well. I really believe that this year will be the one we get back on top. can’t wait for spring.

By Train Wreck Bystander

November 19, 2007 4:46 AM | Link to this

Welcome to Team Nostalgia.

Personally, I think we could have spent the money more wisely.

I hope Tom Terrific proves me wrong next fall.

By Jeff R

November 19, 2007 5:29 AM | Link to this

Hard to say at his age. Glavine was always a control pitcher with midrange velocity. If he’s lost anything more off his speed, it wouldn’t be anything he could compensate for. But now that he’s back in the fold, I hope he can deliver 200 innings and 15 wins.

By BLA

November 19, 2007 5:33 AM | Link to this

Greg Maddox would’ve been a better choice if the Braves wanted to bring back their ACE. 8 million was too much! They should’ve given Greg the money when he was here and the Braves haven’t been the same since.

By gobirds42

November 19, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this

great choice….whoever says 8 mil is too much is not based in reality….GREAT. lets do it!

By jw

November 19, 2007 6:14 AM | Link to this

Great move, Atlanta. Re-signed the old union boy. Now somebody go dig up Satchel Paige and re-sign him too, and we’ll be all set.

By gobirds42

November 19, 2007 6:22 AM | Link to this

and maybe tom can get thru to that chuck james guy!! but i’m thinking he will be traded in the next 2 weeks….just a guess

By STEVEFROMCHARLESTON

November 19, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this

this is great news, I’m a lifelong Braves fan now living in the Holy City, Charleston, S.C., my wife will flip out over this news she LOVES Glavine, playoffs here we come

By ronp

November 19, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this

The price is right…he turned down $13 mllion with Mets for $8 Million with Braves..now, that’s what I call a hometown discount…at least he learned something while he was in New York…

Andruw where are you?

By Tres

November 19, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this

welcome home Tommy!

By Nate Raymond

November 19, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this

I am happy but Glavine is still glavine. I still think he can provide for some wins. Hey hope the mets get livan hernandez. The braves kill him he can’t with against them.

By Dewayne

November 19, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this

I’m a Mets fan in Atlanta, I’ll be rooting for Glavine everytime he takes the mound, glad to see him back where he belonged all along.

By Grits

November 19, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this

Good move! Now, let’s find a closer.

By Erin

November 19, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this

FINALLY!! Welcome home, Glavine! You’re back right where you belong.

By John Tucker

November 19, 2007 6:57 AM | Link to this

OK, so ;omg as he and Chuck James aren’t back to back in the rotation. Then, the second one gets killed, because the opponent saw his twinh the day before.

By Fitz

November 19, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this

$8 Mil for a 41 year old pitcher. The Braves are getting as bad as the Yankees.

By Allen

November 19, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this

I hope he retires soon so I can start following the Braves again. Maybe I’ll become a Mets fan.

By Grace

November 19, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this

Welcome home, TG!

By WarParty

November 19, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this

Don’t discount the extra coach factor or the positive feelings that will lift the team coming from the likes of Smoltzie and Bobby Cox. These are intangibles that create stronger team chemistry, not to mention having another proven arm in the rotation.

Add it all up and Glavine’s return to the Braves has already started to pay dividends. Excellent news and an even better acquisition! I like it.

By Elmer

November 19, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this

What a mistake- Glav, whose day is over, will keep us in third place.

By GREG

November 19, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this

He just wanted to play golf with Smoltz again, that is the only reason he agreed to a measly 8 million.

By RJB

November 19, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Braves for making a great decision. Tommy is first class and gives the Braves a better chance of winning relative to what we saw last year. Too bad to those that are still hung up on Tommy’s decision to leave but he never wanted to but our friends at Time Warner amongst others decided that journey men pitchers whould be the way to treat season tickets holders to some delightful evenings. For those of you that resent Tommy, do your homework or better stay home.

By R1U

November 19, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this

Let’s see…Kyle Davies…Mark Redmon…what did they do for us last year???

TG had even more ridiculuous luck i.e blown games than Huddy…he should have had 17 wins at least…The Mets had no pitching and it showed. They leaned on TG exclusively and their relief corps s*ed. He will fit in nicely with the group we have now and prepare the next wave of arms…Good Job frank…welcome back TG

By RJB

November 19, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Braves for making a great decision. Tommy is first class and gives the Braves a better chance of winning relative to what we saw last year. Too bad to those that are still hung up on Tommy’s decision to leave but he never wanted to but our friends at Time Warner amongst others decided that journey men pitchers whould be the way to treat season tickets holders to some delightful evenings. For those of you that resent Tommy, do your homework or better stay home.

By RJB

November 19, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Braves for making a great decision. Tommy is first class and gives the Braves a better chance of winning relative to what we saw last year. Too bad to those that are still hung up on Tommy’s decision to leave but he never wanted to but our friends at Time Warner amongst others decided that journey men pitchers whould be the way to treat season tickets holders to some delightful evenings. For those of you that resent Tommy, do your homework or better stay home.

By bevsouth

November 19, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

Some of you people kill me. We pick up a veteran pitcher who threw 200 innings,won 13 games ( albeit with a 4.45 ERA) on a one year contract for less money then Schilling,(same age) Randy Johnson(older)Maddux etc. Execept for that bad strectch at the end he was very consisitent last year, and will be again this year. Plus we did not have toi give up any prospects. Great Deal!

By rich brave

November 19, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

O.K. we’ve got the potatoes, let’s get Johan Santana and get the meat, and win another division.

By Marty

November 19, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

Some of the comments in here are so idiotic it is just beyond belief. Allow me to respond to a few:

Glad to see you back, Tommy. Here’s hoping you still have enough left in the tank to help get us back to the playoffs in ‘08.

By Chief Knockahoma

November 19, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

$8M for a 41 yr. old who was very pedistrian-like in New York? Sorry, I’m not buying the big sentimental return.

By TampaGator

November 19, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

This is obviously a “Thank you, Tommy” sign so he can ride his horse into the sun in Atlanta. I hope it goes well for him, but I think his best years are way behind him (he was bad at the end of this past season). I think his ERA this year might be over 5.00. Maybe 6-12 type of a year. This will not help the Braves. But it is good to have him back. I hope I am wrong. Let’s hope Hampton comes back strong. But I have my doubts there as well. I think the Braves may have been better off with Reyes, Bennett, and the kid from Detroit. I guess they will get one more year in AAA. Does Chuck James have a role now?

By BravesMan

November 19, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

A total waste of money for an aged, over the hill pitcher, who no other team wanted at anything near that kind of money. The braves never learn. Another long year is on the way.

By GUI

November 19, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

I’ll gladly take a solid #3 pitcher in the rotation. If we could have had something even close to a real starter in the 3 spot down the stretch last year we would have made the playoffs. I’m more worried about what we gave up at shortstop. ER was solid and a club house leader. We’ll feel the void he leaves behind.

By Paula

November 19, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

The Braves addressed the worst part of their team last year, the backend of the rotation, which cost them the team a playoff berth and yet all some of your can do is whine……

By Ben

November 19, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

All those short memories out there. Glavine’s actions during the strike drove me away from MLB for years. Now that I’m watching again am slapped in the face with the re-signing of this idiot. Way to go Braves. Let me know when he retires, maybe then I’ll start watching you again.

By Jim H.

November 19, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

You skeptics are certainly entitled to your opinions, and I agree with some of your points. Glavine didn’t please me when he bolted to the Mets for a few more $$$ either. But, I must respectably disagree with those that oppose this signing. I think it is a very good move, even beyond the nostalgic feel good aspects of bringing him back to finish his career in Atlanta. I’m willing to forgive and forget.

Sure it would be great to be able to grab one of the few “in their prime” superstar starting pitchers on the market, but the reality is that there are only a handful of big spending teams that can take on those types of salaries these days (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, etc.). The Braves are now simply “upper middle class” on the MLB payroll scale and must make efficient use of their available funds. (And, if you’ll remember those ultra-high payrolls only worked out well for one team this year – Boston. The rest of the big spenders crashed and burned……I still laugh when I think of the Mets collapse …ha, ha, ha!). The Braves have two studs at the top of the rotation. What we needed badly last year were innings eaters to produce quality starts and help save the bullpen. Glavine will give us that in one of the starters spots. No, he is not a shutdown pitcher anymore.…but he is still pretty damn good.

If Hampton come back (yes, I know that is an enormous IF….but it is certainly possible and I think even probable), and someone steps up and nails down the fifth spot, I think the rotation could be as strong as some of those monster rotations we had in the ‘90s.

I look for Chuck James to move into the long-relief role this year (if he isn’t traded) . With his tendency to fade late in games, pitching three or four inning stints once or twice a week would seem to me to be an ideal role for him. Or maybe he will hit the gym this winter (instead of installing windows) and build up his strength and endurance for starting. How about it Chucky?

By webhead

November 19, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

I love it! Glav was the reason we have a decent team to cheer for today.I never wanted him to go but welcome him back with open arms. Wish it was at least two years instead of 1 but this will do. YEA!!

By lin

November 19, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

well sad to say they not going to get pass 3rd again 2008. why i say this as other top 2 will not have good year.bullpen will not be that great again.they wont have good player in center due afraid get expensive one and depend on their young guns. young guns are nice but takes few years to get them going.look catcher bm. he wasnt as good 2nd yr as first.ye at short take him over yr to be good one even if he played there few times last yr.chipper will have his problems again.so forth.like say welcome back to tom g. and good luck as you will need it.

By JMC

November 19, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

I was never mad at Tom for leaving, and more than happy to see him back in an Atlanta uniform.

For years, I’ve been putting up with grief from fellow Braves fans for supporting Glavine during his away status. Now they can all get back on to the right side ….

Go Braves!

By Jim H.

November 19, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

You folks that are still dwelling on that ‘94 strike really need to get a grip.

By Judy

November 19, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Welcome home Tommy!

By Mitch

November 19, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

I love this move. When Glavine left the Braves, it was the worst I’ve felt about any baseball transaction in my life. Tommy was Mr Brave, and then, to leave us, especially to go to the Mets, was like a punch in the gut. Yes, he’s going to be 42, and maybe he’s not the Glavine he was in, say, the mid to late 90s, but, we dont need him to be. We have our one-two punch of Hudson and Smoltz. Tommy will provide veteran leadership, and a stablizer, who can eat up 200 innings, and, I believe, win us at least 12-14 games. He also provides important insurance, im case Mike Hampton cannot come back. If Hampton does come back, and wins us say, 10 games or more, and Hudson and Smoltz pitch like Hudson and Smoltz, we can probably say that we’re going back to the playoffs in 2008. I look forward to seeing Tommy back in a Braves uniform in 2008. Good move, Frank Wren, and welcome home, Tommy. It will be wonderful to have him back pitching as a Brave, at Turner Field next year.

By jh

November 19, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

lin…..I think that have a good English 101 class starting soon down at the community college. Be there!

By Curtis

November 19, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Somewhere, Steve Avery is awating a phone call….

By BravesFanSince1966

November 19, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Sign Andruw Jones if you want to keep a low ERA. Please Mr. Wren. offer Andruw now if you want to obtain a low ERA.

By Harry

November 19, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Welcome back Tom, Now lets see how we can get Bobby Cox into retirement finally. The Braves should have given him the boot after this season, and went after a manager, hmm NY Yanks former manager, would have been a good fit. Our Braves have had so much good talent to slip away because the manager sucks. But until Bobby leaves the team will be mediocre sad to say. Now lets watch Andrew Jones have a great season next year as another ball clubs addition.

By mike

November 19, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Is this move supposed to get Atlanta into the World Series? Someone explain this to me?

By Big Trouble

November 19, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

Worst. Move. Ever.

Well, at least we will have another jerk to yell at during the collapse. This is the man I hold responsible for turning me away from baseball. From his “leadership” position during the strike, to bailing on the Braves for more money elsewhere, now he’s back???

Like I needed another reason to wash away the stink of the Braves…

By JD

November 19, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

First of all, I’m really excited about his return and I believe our rotation is much better because of it. I don’t think it’s entirely appropriate to talk of “forgiving” Glavine. We all make decisions that we think are best for ourselves and our families. I don’t think anyone should have felt badly toward Glavine in the first place. How soon we forget the years of labor he put in to bring championship after championship to Atlanta, not to mention his stellar Game 6 performance in the ‘95 Series. Based on Glavine’s style of pitching, I don’t think his age is an issue. Besides, as fans we should trust the instincts and wisdom of our leadership. Apparently, those in administration have been doing something right over the last 15 years. We should be thankful that we picked up such a quality pitcher for such a reasonable price in today’s market. Welcome home, Tom! GO BRAVES!!!

By Tom Glavine

November 19, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Suckers

By BlueMoon

November 19, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

For anyone that is upset with Glavine about the strike…don’t be. He was fighting for minor league rights and retirement/medical benefits than for anything else.

Don’t let the media and owners fool you. It was all a sham to give the players the black eye.

The ownerw were trying to rip the rug out from under people that had already earned their pensions that never made above $1200/month and also tried to take away their medical benefits.

By Miles W. Rich

November 19, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

To Ben and all of you who claim that Glavine was disloyal, first during the strike in 1994 and then when he left for New York, let’s clear up a few facts.

By GaLiberal

November 19, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe they WASTED $8M on this loser. They got rid of him because he chokes in pressure situations. Just look what he did to the Mets. You get people that can HELP WIN GAMES not choke. This is $8M that could have been used to bring in some power hitting. Instead, because they felt sorry for little Tommy Glavine losing his job with the Mets they bail him out. Like he needs to be bailed out. Was another team looking at him? I doubt it. The Braves were stupid enough to be blinded by past glories that will never be fulfilled.

By Vannmc

November 19, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

Just wondering if anyone knows of Charlie Liebrandt’s whereabouts, maybe we can bring him back in 08’ too.

By Jess

November 19, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Wahoo! Wahoo! Wahoo!

Ignore the negative comments, Tom, and WELCOME BACK! We’ve missed you so…. ;-)

I’m so HAPPY now!

By ABOMINATION

November 19, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

You know you are a team on the decline when you start bringing back over-the-hill ball players so you can relive the glory days.

By theo

November 19, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Bad move! Youth, Youth, Youth! I believe we seen what kind of playoff pitcher Tommy “G” was last year!

By Jim H.

November 19, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Some of you folks would find something to bi#ch about if the Braves went 162-0, swept every playoff series including the world series, had free admissions to all games, and paid for all your gas for a year!

It was the right move. Deal with it!

By Dejavoodoo

November 19, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

You gotta be kiddin! That’s an awful lot of money for 10-12 wins, if that. Is Glavine gonna return to form because he’s back with the Braves? Don’t think so. Maybe the Braves can wear retro uniforms to go with this awesome move.Ugh, pass the Kool Aid.

By AL

November 19, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

who freakin cares? The falcons suck, the braves suck, the hawks suck, GO THRASHERS!!! You people in atlanta need to figure out which team to stand behind! Rednecks can’t figure hockey out… it’s all about beer and football. Rednecks!

By Brent

November 19, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

While Glavine is not going to do anything spectacular this year, nor is he the kind of pitcher who will dominate against tough offenses, for $8 million he is an excellent choice as a 3-4 starter. He should eat up innings, never goes on the DL, and will presumably be a great guy in the clubhouse for the young kids and the old veterans he used to play with. More than anything, this move should allow our relief to stay fresh and effective, while having the opposite affect on the Mets.

By AL

November 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

braves suck! WHO CARES!

By 29 to C'town

November 19, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Long-time fan from Va. My son & I were in a clinic with Billy Wagner Saturday. Billy says he & Tommy are close, called Tommy a “Top 5” teammate. Said he talked to Tom Friday night & said he would not be back to NY, that he was either going back to Atl or retiring. Billy concluded by saying the he hoped the Braves were going to take care of him & that Tommy had “always been a Brave.” I say great job, Frank. 105-110 wins aren’t going to happen, but 92-95 may , get back to the playoffs & go somewhere. Undecided about the Villareal deal, still may need a CF. Welcome home, Tommy!

By Ray

November 19, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Terrific signing. Please for you doubters give me a better pitcher that IS AVAILABLE at 8 million. Secondly for all of those that are drumming up the strike. Do you realize it was 1994 and NOT 2004. It was 13 years ago. If you are still holding on to that then just go to another sport like volleyball. And last time I checked it was NOT JUST Glavine that went on strike. I don’t think he was the only player. Yes I know about the press conferences outside the clubhouse of the CC of the South. Give the strike thing a rest. But you doubters will be the first one to jump on the bandwagon and claim you were backing it all the way if the Braves make the playoffs this year and Glavine was a key ingredient. Mr Tom Glavine, welcome home and look forward to you putting on #47 in a Braves uniform.

By John

November 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

This is a waste of 8 million dollars. I understand the sentiment and I appreciate what Glavine has done for us in the past but he’s past it and we saw that with the Mets. I think this is a very bad move.

By JK

November 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

HORRIBLE WAY TO SPEND 8 MILLION BUCKS. THIS GUY IS DONE. 1 YR/2 MILL WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD DEAL.

By Harry BAlls

November 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

This move stinks. TG is over the hill and he will not even have a winning season. Why do people want to discount his last 3 starts from last year? That is what you will be getting this year. He left Atlanta and and lied about the reason he left and they should have let the b******* stayed in NY.

By gdawgfan

November 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

This is a bad signing! Glavine is done! He may win 7 or 8 games this year and thats not a good deal for 8 million dollars. I would have prefered a more youthful pitcher with some power. If glavine’s location is off, teams will kill him. That 8 million dollars could have been spent on other needs like a center fielder, a better starter, signing Tex, or bolstering the bench. Glavine is a good guy, but his glory days are over.

By BASEBALLDOC

November 19, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

i like tommy, but $8mil? maybe about $1Mil per victory. hopefully

By tracman

November 19, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

I think this is an excellent move. $8M for a potential 12-15 win pitcher in today’s inflated salary environment is a bargain. And it is only a one year contract, which gives the future replacements another year of seasoning. Although I still have some resentment that he left town, especially for the Mets, I realize baseball is a big business and you can’t blame him for making the most money he can for himself and family. Welcome back, give the Braves your best effort and I’ll be happy.

By 82DAWG

November 19, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Good Deal? Why not. He isn’t what he once was, but is a sight better than anyone else that the Braves were going to have to consider.

By roan st

November 19, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

My biggest concern with Glavine is how he will pitch if we make the playoffs next year? He pitched over 200 innings this season and it sure did show at the end as he was absolutely clobbered. If the braves try and figure a way to save the arms of the older veterans then maybe its a good move.

By TC

November 19, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Not a good move. The last time he pitched, he got rocked. It’s time to move on and find younger pitchers.

By Lance

November 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Glavine will put some butts in the seats, and quite a few runners on base.

It’s a terrible move in terms of trying to build a winning team. Pure sentimentalism.

I guess we have $8m to burn, so we’d better be bringing in loads of other great players this year. I doubt that.

By Scott

November 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

You gotta be kidding me. $266,000 per game for a 42 year old washout. This guy is in the game for one thing, your money. Anyone who pays to see this union bum deserves what they get for it - nothing.

By ITS GETTING OLD

November 19, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Another REDMAN! The Braves are no better off today than last year. Can’t wait to hear all you supporters calling for his head around July. They better also sign another starting picture and a proven CF or we’re no better than 3rd. Just wait…. I told you so. Maybe, just maybe Glavine and Cox go out together this 2008.

By Lex Luthor

November 19, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Hey AL,

We stand behind our teams no matter how bad they do. We rednecks call it loyality.

Hey Tom,

Didn’t you go play for the enemy?

By drixie

November 19, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Good move. Welcome back Tom.

By GT

November 19, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Not a fan of this move. Glavine could have best helped the Braves by staying in a Mets uniform. Now it means the Mets will be even more compelled to land a legitimate addition to their starting rotation - someone who has a respectable ERA under 3.5, who isn’t in his early 40s, and whose repertoire consists of more than slow, slower, slowest.

While I love Smoltz, it is only a matter of time before his effectiveness wanes. Add to this a rotation of Glavine, Hampton, Hudson (who, despite a positive turn last year, has still been inconsistent), and James - I think this could be a disaster in the making. A perfect storm.

By Matt

November 19, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

It’s great to have Glavine back! This feels like the 90s again.

By Ray

November 19, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Come on people. This stuff about it would be a good deal at 1 or 2 million, well of course it would. It would also be a good deal to have Chipper at 5 mil. Lets be realistic. Give me a better pitcher for 8 million. And those that you propose at 2 million, give me a pitcher that will eat (being extremely conservative) 180 innings win 10 games for you. Some people are just looking for something to grip about or wants to blog just to be semi-read.

By WFC

November 19, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Glavine is a #4 starter at best. Who is going to be #3? Losing Jones in center will probably cost us a run every other game so it probably doesn’t matter.

By gayle

November 19, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

It’s very nice sentimentally speaking to see Glavine back in Atlanta, but I think this move speaks more of a need of management to put fans in the stands than mounting any serious threat to Philly or New York next year.

Do you remember Tom’s performance in the must win game against Florida at the end of last season? He gave up 7 runs, didn’t record an out and hit the pitcher!

When it is way past the time to drop all of the old, expensive and dead weight (Chipper, Smoltz, Hampton, etc.) and not just Andruw, they go and add to it with Glavine.

Like someone mentioned earlier, let’s bring back Avery and why not Wohlers too? Leyritz is retired so he should be OK.

Until such time that this team accepts the reality of rebuilding, it will continue to be a bridemaid at the end of the season.

By BamaBrave

November 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

I don’t mind this deal. $8 million is simply the going rate for good, experienced arms. That’s just the way it is. So, IF he keeps us in games, pitches around 200 innings, and BUSTS HITTERS INSIDE EVERY NOW AND THEN, I’ll cheer for him.

But, if he stumbles…if he proves to be a mistake, I’ll boo him like he’s a combination of Michael Vick and Scott Boras. Surely, a mercenary like Glavine would understand that.

By Deborah

November 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Welcome back Tommy! Now, if we could just get Greg to come back & Javy too, I would be in heaven!!!!!!

By Jeff

November 19, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

What? Glavine??? Wasn’t Sid Bream available?

By Mad as Hell

November 19, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

By signing to an 8 Million dollar contract is dumb and stupid way to go new GM that shows what type of fool you will be and the years to come.

By ITS GETTING OLD

November 19, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Its pitcher not picture. Sorry about that.

By FormerBravesFan

November 19, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

This is a terrible move. Worse than letting Andrew and Edgar go. Absolutely ridiculous. Horrible. We’ve got the geriatric rotation that’s only getting older!

Why not spend money on a solid young starter???! One that could help the team next year and THE FUTURE??

Prove me wrong, John.

By MV7

November 19, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Glavine should have never left in the first place. His stubborness and greed got the best of him. Should have gotten 300 as a Brave. I guess thats what being the head of the players union does to you.

By Goldie

November 19, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

YES! It will be great to have Tom back for at least one year — maybe he can plug that gaping hole in the Braves’ pitching rotation. He will be worth the $$ for one year to see what he can do!

By DirkDawggler

November 19, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Of course it’s a good move. He will give you a quality start more often than not and can mentor some of the youth on the staff. I don’t view Glavine as a traitor. Anyone out there ever changed jobs because of a better offer? It’s called free market enterprise.

Welcome home, Tom.

By jlpoll1984

November 19, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

I’m in heaven…thank you Frank for giving me the best Christmas present ever…Welcome home Tommy!!!!

By Mark

November 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

This was very a stupid move. Now we have three shaky left-handed starters.

James who can’t make it past the fifth inning and gives up homeruns like crazy.

Hampton who has been stealing money the past two year. He will probably get hurt again.

Now Glavine, the choke artist who choked last year when the Mets really needed him.

The sick part about all of this is that most fans are really happy about signing this guy. Maybe he will help us make the playoffs and then lose in the Division Series AGAIN. This is why the Braves will never be a great team.

Frank Wren is this why you got rid of Renteria. GO BRAVES…..I GUESS.

By Kelsey

November 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

I agree Mad As Hell. Tommy does not deserve that type of money. He is washed up (that is what my husband would say), and I think that is bad decision to pay him 8 million dollars when this man is 41 years old about to be 42. It is a waste of money. This is a sad day in baseball.

By Clay

November 19, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

This is a bad move. Glavine is not the answer for the Braves, who should be developing talent for the next 10 years, not just 2008. I don’t like Glavine’s style of pitching mostly - the nibble, nibble on the outside of the plate stuff. I am not as concerned with his age as I am his effectiveness. Everyone in the NL has seen his pitching for a long time and know his tendancies. Eight million dollars would have been much better spent on a young pitcher from the AL.

Having said that, why couldn’t we use the money to get Greg Maddux back. He still is a very effective pitcher and the team seemed more balanced and confident when he played here.

By MiddleGA

November 19, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Why not bring back Rick Mahler & Rick Camp too?

This is a pitcher who had a seasonal WHIP somewhere between Carylye & Davies and clearly ran out of gas in the final month. At/near career worsts in HR allowed, OPS against, G/F ratio, and K’s.

He’s a fourth starter at best at this point & even that might be stretching it by mid-season.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

November 19, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Tommy , welcome back from purgatory. Now , we can get back to seeing the Braves in the playoffs. Maybe even get another ring , wouldn’t that be a sweet way to end a Hall of Fame career !

By Bravos

November 19, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

He is a HOF and better than the options that were available last season. Welcome back to Atlanta Tom!

By RLU

November 19, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I am glad Glavin will finish here but I think $8 mill is too much. And I find in hilarious everytime I see Mike Hampton listed as part of our pitching rotation. He won’t be healthy, you can count on it.

By matt marion

November 19, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

he left in 2002 for 35m…the braves offered 30m. now he takes a 5m paycut to come back. sounds like he could have just stayed a brave. glad he’s back but what a knucklehead.

By Stephanie

November 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Nice move Frank. Nice discount Tommy. This will only help the Braves by putting John and Tommy back together with all of those young guys learning from two future Hall of Fame guys for 162 games.
It is time to forgive and forget what happened 5 years ago. Glavine helped to win the Braves their only World Series and that is ultimately how he should be remembered!

By CW

November 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

For the people that dont like this. Look at what are 3,4, & 5 starters did last year. This is a huge upgrade. he will also help the young pitchers. Welcome home Glavine!

By Dick

November 19, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

You CAN”T live in the past. Braves need to worry about long run and stop temp fixes to their problems.

By AJCfanatic

November 19, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Its like letting Benedict Arnold back into the US Army for 8 million dollars.. I got an idea.. I’m sure Kniekro can still throw the knuckle ball throw some cash his way to shore up the 4 and 5 spots.. heck i bet since we are so strapped with cash now that Roger might take 6 million a month to pitch after the all-star break.. Get on it Wren.. you have disappointed me thus far

By Tommy Can You Hear Me?

November 19, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

That’s a lot of money for a middle reliever. I hope we aren’t expecting a lot of innings from him.

By Steve

November 19, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Welcome Home Tommy!!!!

By Jacob

November 19, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Glavine was the only sure loss in our last series with him. Letting him pitch 2 games in that 5 game series ensured we’d lose. Great, just great! I’d rather have the “Mad Hungarian” than this bozo.

By Johnny Gilmer

November 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Not thrilled at all. ERA is too high. He always takes too long to warm up for the year. Smoltz stayed with us; yet so many are going ga-ga over a guy who deserted. All this plus we don’t have our old pitching coach…I do hope the others can pick up the slack or it’s basement village for the Braves.

By Joe D. loves Marilyn

November 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Glavine’s arm will stay healthy (always does)…will throw 200 + innings (always does)…will win 12-15 games (almost always does)…not bad for a 3rd or 4th starter…not to mention his ‘coachability’ for the other youg pitchers on staff…Braves will win 95 + games next year…go to playoffs…wich is all you can ask for and hope they are ‘hot’ going into playoffs…and then let’s see what happens!!!

What we have done is given ourselves a better chance of winning…not only over the course of 162 games…but adding a quality guy with that playoff experience, will pay dividends…also, more quality & depth within the 10-12 guys on the staff…

Braves are not done yet…more moves will follow to make this team stronger…from the 1st guy through the 25th guy…this team will be deeper on the pitching staff and on the bench!

Selah…

By B.P.O.E.

November 19, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I guess Bobby Cox was lonely and needed another leftist in the dugout to keep him company.

By cmc

November 19, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Welcome back Tom, we missed you even though you could have picked a better team to bolt for in 2002 than the Mets. Forgiven. Let’s make 2008 a special year for Braves fans and get back to the level we all have come to expect from a class organization. Just need a solid Center Fielder to run those line drives down for you now.

By Dawgtime

November 19, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

I like the move. I’m actually excited about the upcoming season. IMO, the Braves are addressing areas of concern.
The new lineup will bring a great deal of energy to the team.
L John Anderson, brings the speed/defense element to the team. The kid could easily steal 40+ bases. Think back to Otis and Deion. L Kelly Johnson, excellent hitter especially with the gap open with a basestealer on 1st base. Could hit 20 homers with 20 steals. S Chipper Jones, great hitter with speed on the bases in front of him. S Mark Teixeira one of the best players in the game. Power, average, and defense. Protects Chipper.
R Jeff Francoeur, great athlete. Great defense, power, and hitting. This is a future MVP. L Brian McCann, best catcher in NL and a Georgia boy. R Yunel Escobar, I really believe this kid will hit 300 with 20+ homers. R Matt Diaz, excellent hitter to balance the order.

R Tim Hudson R John Smoltz L Tom Glavine L Chuck James R Jair Jurrjens

Closeout the game with: L Mike Gonzales R Joey Devine R Rafael Soranio

By John

November 19, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Braves, why did you pay Tom Glavin that type of money??? He is very ineffective. Why? Why? WHY? WHY??? He’s not a quality pitcher. The days of Tommy I knew are over. Buy a rocking chair Tommy and wait on your grandchildren. Braves, WHY???

By John

November 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Braves, why did you pay Tom Glavin that type of money??? He is very ineffective. Why? Why? WHY? WHY??? He’s not a quality pitcher. The days of Tommy I knew are over. Buy a rocking chair Tommy and wait on your grandchildren. Braves, WHY???

By John Conlee

November 19, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

But these rose colored glasses, that I’m looking through - They show only the beauty, cause they hide all the truth…

By ssidawg

November 19, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Tom Glavine is my all-time favorite baseball player. This is great news! Welcome home Glavine!

By prussell

November 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Great to see Tom back! How about now that we have our #4 starter Wren pulls off a trade for a number three starter … Dontrell Willis anyone? Florida wants to dump the salary although its not too high of a salary at about $8 million for 2008. Give them James and maybe another young prospect. Willis wouldn’t have all the pressure to be “the man” with Smoltz and Hudson in front of him in the rotation. What a great rotation that would be; Smoltz, Hudson, Willis, Glavine and Hampton/Whoever.

By lin

November 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

boy you braves are lucky fans are not runing the club we just might end up in 1st place wow!

By green tea

November 19, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

8 MILLION DOLLARS???? For a #5 starter are you kidding me?? We freed up all this payroll space and we go WASTE $8M on Glavine?? Di you see his performance in the last game of the season for the sorry sack Mets in a game they HAD to win? He didn’t even make it out of the second inning. Not to mention he is a turncoat who ran to NY for more money when we needed him to stay in Atl the most. I can’t flippin believe we spent $8M on a #5 starter. What a pathetic move. Glavine, are you joking?? He better not end up being what this new GM considers bolstering our starting lineup with solely adding Glavine and counting on hampton to stay