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Glavine Improving, Showing Interest In Nats
Written by Jonathan on January 25, 2009 – 11:37 pmContinuing the rehab on his surgically repaired left shoulder and elbow, Tom Glavine pitched from a mound for the second time this past Tuesday. The first session came two Friday’s ago where Glavine threw 15 fastballs and reported no discomfort. In Tuesday’s session, he threw 30 pitches, combining fast balls and changeups. Once again, Glavine reported no discomfort in the elbow or shoulder. He is slated to meet with Dr. Andrews in Birmingham this coming Wednesday for a routine checkup to monitor the progress on the repaired flexor tendon in his left elbow.
The biggest thing for Tom in his recovery right now is to not overdo anything. Pushing too hard to be ready in time for Spring Training if his arm is just not up to it would be the biggest setback for him. Glavine has repeatedly said that this is the best his arm has felt in years and is making a concious effort to do his recovery properly and not become overly excited with each mound session. At the rate he is progressing, Glavine is fairly certain that he’ll be ready in time for the regular season however.
While Glavine’s main focus right now is being able to pitch again in the 2009 season, there is still the fact that he remains a free agent for the upcoming season. He has indicated that he’d love to stay and pitch for the Braves, but realizes that this may not be a possibility. Glavine has said that he has thought through multiple possibilities and knows that financially, the Braves just may not have the ability to sign him this season. Right now however, he continues to just go out there and prove that he’ll be ready to go once the season gets under way.
If things with the Braves don’t work out, Glavine has expressed some interest in pitching for the Nationals because of his close relationship with team president, Stan Kasten, who was in the Braves organization together with Glavine from 1987 to 2002. As of now, the Nationals have not contacted Glavine’s agent, as they are focused on acquiring young players for the long term. Should they choose to bring him on board, Glavine would likely serve in the mentoring role for the team’s young pitchers.
So the question is, do the Braves bring back Glavine or not? We have no lefties in the rotation right now (aside from Jo-Jo Reyes potentially grabbing the 5th spot) so is this a role that Glavine gets the nod to fill or is it time for the Braves and Glavine to go their separate ways once again?
Tags: Injury, Rehab, Tom Glavine, Washington Nationals
Posted in General | 13 Comments »
By David on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I think that the Braves should try and keep Tom Glavine. Like you said, the Braves do not have a left hander in the rotation right now (I think if Glavine goes, Campillo will be the #5 guy). Not only that, I think he will be a great player for the Braves to have in the club house. I think he needs to stay and help mentor Jo-jo Reyes. Reyes needs something to help him get back on track.
I wont be hurt as hurt if Glavine decides to play for another team. Probably because we have seen it happen one time before. But the Braves are just trying to figure out if he can compete right now. I would love to see him in an Atlanta uni in 2009. So, I say if he is able to pitch, the Braves should sign him. Hopefully he stays healthy for the 2009 season, and he wont pitch badly like he did.
By Larry on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I think bringing Glavine back is a necessity. We need a left handed pitcher to help counter the Phillies big three lefties plus turning around all the switchies in New York. They should sign him for about the same kind of contract they offered Smoltz. Hopefully Reyes won't get the fifth spot. Its like putting a batting practice pitcher on the mound.
By dave on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I agree with Larry we need a lefty. I also think given the circumstances he needs an incentive contract . I am sure the pay role is getting close. I would like to have Tom back and i hope it works out. He would be a great help for the younger players. God bless
By Jonathan on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I couldn't agree more about Jo-Jo. I've given him as many chances as I have been able to stomach. He needs a lot of guidance and to keep working on everything before he's ready to pitch at the big league level.
By Jonathan on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I won't be hurt if Glavine leaves for another team as well. I mean, we only saw him back for 13 games last year and we've gone through losing him before. Wherever he ends up for the season, I wish him the best.
By Tim on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
People look at Glavine's overall numbers and think he didn't pitch good last year when that couldn't be further from the case. The team was only 3 – 10 in his starts but should have been better. Glavine's ERA without 3 bad starts would have been 3.60 which is good and damn good for a protential #5 starter.
By Larry on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
The biggest thing I like about adding Glavine is it gives us 5 starters all capapble of winning 10 games. There's no ace figure when you think of aces but it worked for the team who boasted the best record in baseball last year. The Angels. No ace but all starters won over 10 games.
By dave on Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
I just read the Yankees have signed Andy Pettitte to a 5.5 million dollar contract with incentives. I'm not sure the Braves would offer that much up front , given what happened with John Smoltz,. I just hope Tom Glavine wants to pitch for Atlanta if he proves to be healthy. I think he could help us. He could bridge the gap until some of our young pitchers are ready. I admit i do not know a lot about Jon Garland I have never saw him pitch, but I have looked at his stats and they are good. I have no idea if he is a power pitcher, or relies on finesse. I only know there are a lot of free agents out there that maybe could be signed at a bargain. I just want to mention this if we can't get Tom for whatever reason. Maybe some of you folks have knowledge of what style of pitcher Jon Garland is. Would he be a good fit for Atlanta, if we can,t get Tom. God bless
By Tim on Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
We are getting Glavine or going with what we had. I'd much rather have Garland than Vazquez but we got who we got. Garland is in the same mold of Lowe, Hudson and Jurrjens.
By Tim on Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
I have completely given up on Jo-Jo. I thought he had turned it all around with his first 10 or so starts last year. He pitched so good he lost 2 games 1 – 0 but then he went back to pitching like he did in 2007. I don't know what changed.
By Larry on Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Garland was an option for us befor lowe and Vazquez. He turned down a 5 mil dollar offer from the Dbacks so its going to cost a lil more to get him. If its not Glavine then Campillo, Parr, Reyes and Morton will compete for the five spot.
By Dennis on Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
Glavine should stay in Atlanta both for his pitching and clubhouse presence. I'll take a shaky Glavine over a healthy Reyes all day long.
By Keith on Jan 27, 2009 | Reply
If he comes cheap then why not. Otherwise, go end your career with the awful Nationals. I believe he is just trying to use the Nats as leverage. Why would he want to go there?