Braves still ‘optimistic’ about improving roster

The Braves have had some notable swings-and-misses this offseason, but general manager Frank Wren is undeterred by the setbacks. He continues to search for another starting pitcher and power-hitting outfielder.

“We’re involved in a lot of discussions, on both the free agent and trade fronts,” Wren said Monday, “and we still are optimistic about our club.”

Enlarge this image

Ben Gray/bgray@ajc.com

Free agent pitcher Tom Glavine, who had a 2-4 record and 5.54 ERA last season with the Braves, has been throwing at a distance of 120 feet since shoulder surgery. ‘I haven’t had any set backs, things have gone well,’ said the 305-game winner.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

With nearly six weeks until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, there is time for the Braves to spend an estimated $25 million available for new additions.

Wren said improving the starting rotation is the main priority, ahead of bolstering the outfield and other possible areas.

The Braves have expressed interest in free-agent pitchers ranging from Derek Lowe, the only unsigned starter considered an ace, to Andy Pettitte and Jon Garland. The two aren’t in a class with Lowe, but could be had for a much lower salary and fewer years.

Lowe’s agent, Scott Boras, indicated that a reported three-year, $36 million Mets offer for Lowe wouldn’t come close to being enough for the 35-year-old right-hander, who’s pitched at least 199 innings in six of the past seven seasons, and was 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA in 211 innings for the Dodgers in 2008.

The Braves also have explored other trade possibilities since their failed early winter negotiations for San Diego ace Jake Peavy.

After six weeks of discussions, the Braves pulled out of the Peavy talks. It’s not clear if there’s much chance of restarting them now that the Padres appear close to being sold.

Wren has recently declined to talk about specific players, after the Braves fell short in their much-chronicled recent pursuits of Peavy and free agents Rafael Furcal and A.J. Burnett.

The Braves continue trying to bolster the outfield through free agency — Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn are still available — or trade.

Wren had trade discussions with the St. Louis earlier this offseason about outfielders Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick. Of the two, Ankiel seems most likely to be traded by the Cardinals.

The only high-salaried player the Braves added so far was veteran starting pitcher Javier Vazquez, owed $11.5 million each of the next two seasons. Backup catcher Dave Ross got a two-year, $3 million deal.

While the Braves never stated a specific 2009 payroll target, Wren and Braves CEO Terry McGuirk said after last season that the amount would increase from their approximate $92 million payroll of 2008.

Considering the big salaries that came off the books, including Mike Hampton and Mark Teixeira, it was estimated the Braves entered the offseason with about $40 million to spend on 2009 additions.

The Braves have not disputed those estimates. Wren said Monday that the poor economy has not affected the Braves’ player budget.

A portion of the remaining amount the Braves can spend will go toward raises for current players, and some could go toward free agents John Smoltz and/or Tom Glavine, provided they continue their steady progress in surgery rehabs.

Wren said the team wants both veterans back, if they can pitch. Smoltz’s recent mound sessions have impressed observers including Braves officials and manager Bobby Cox.

Though Smoltz could entertain offers from others, he’s been clear he prefers to continue his career with his only major league team.

His workouts have been so encouraging, some in the organization expressed optimism that Smoltz, despite his age (42 in May) and major shoulder surgery, still could be at least an effective mid-rotation starter for the Braves, and perhaps much more.

Glavine said in an e-mail Monday that his own rehab was going well and that he could have his first mound sessions next week. He’s been throwing at a distance of 120 feet.

“I haven’t had any set backs, things have gone well,” said the 305-game winner, who’d prefer not to end his career with last season’s 2-4 record and 5.54 ERA.