Loading ...
Glavine Good To Go; Sutton Returning
Written by Jonathan on January 28, 2009 – 2:11 amIt’s one of those days where we just couldn’t think of one thing in particular to write a substantial article about, so we’re taking a quick look at a couple stories from the day. Be sure to drop us some new article ideas with the Suggestions tab on the left.
Tom Glavine returned from his visit with Dr. Andrews today with a renewed sense of confidence about pitching in the 2009 season. The question now remains, where will he pitch? Andrews found no issues with the surgically repaired left elbow and shoulder during the routine checkup and cleared Glavine to increase his pitch counts during his mound sessions.
Dr. Andrews also informed Glavine that he would likely be ready to pitch in spring training. While he is still not throwing with full intensity, Glavine reported no pain after his 60-pitch session today. He is slated to throw a 75-pitch session later in the week and then will move on to the next step of his rehab program which will consist of throwing harder, but fewer pitches.
Glavine is expected to meet with Frank Wren later this week to discuss his rehab progress and next steps. It’s hard to tell if Wren plans to offer Glavine a contract that would be deemed acceptable. Financially, the Braves are down to about $6 million to spend this offseason and are still on the hunt for an outfielder. Conversely, some believe that they will make an offer to Glavine to avoid the fallout that was experienced with the departure of John Smoltz. Only time will tell on that one.
In other news, Don Sutton will once again be heard on Braves radio broadcasts. The Braves confirmed today that the Nationals and MASN radio network had release Sutton from his contract obligations to allow him to return to Atlanta. Sutton’s familiar voice, along with newcomer Jim Powell, will fill the void left with the retirement of Pete Van Wieren and the passing of Skip Caray last season.
So what do you think, Braves fans? What will the outcome of Glav’s meetings with Wren be? Do we have the financial means to try and bring Glavine on board and still pursue an outfielder? With the preseason rapidly approaching, there are still questions to be answered.
Tags: Don Sutton, Injury, Rehab, Tom Glavine
Posted in General, Injuries | 11 Comments »
By dave on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I want Tom back if he continues to prove himself to be healthy. We need his leadership, knowledge and example to the younger pitchers. Not to mention he is a lefty and the need to add balance to our rotation. It seems to have come down to priorities. Which do we need the most a pitcher or a hitter. I wish we could find another 6 to 8 million to spend, but I guess a lot of clubs do. So do we try to persuade Tom and Andruw to accept lesser amounts. With the hope they both will bounce back this year, or maybe just invite them to spring training and see what happens if they would accept the challenge. I vote to go for pitching. I would like to see us resign Will Ohman and Tom Glavine. I believe someone from the minors will compliment Matt Diaz in the outfield. In a perfect world we would we would have everything we want, but given the amount of money we have to spend it does not seem we can do both. God bless
By josh on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I would like Glavine back as well. That said, I would rather have a good bat in the outfield. Im just not feeling this Andruw speculation. You can bring him into spring training but dont get your hopes up.
By Tim on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I have said many times if we don't get another bat we should be okay. That's how much faith I have that Jeff Francoeur will bounce back and have a really good year.
Matt Diaz still kills lefts and Gregor Blanco or my personal choice Josh Anderson would make a good platoon in LF. I'm expecting Jordan Schafer to win the CF job outright.
Sign Glavine and Ohman. Pitching is always more important than offense and I'd much rather have Glavine as the #5 starter instead of Reyes, Morton, Parr or Campillo. It would also keep us from rushing Hanson. The worst thing we could do is rush Hanson before he's ready and ruin his confidence because we saw last year with Francoeur if you don't have confidence you can't do any good to the team.
By Larry on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I agree with almost everything you said. I just don't know that Schaefer is going to win the job. I think Anderson is going to be our starting CF. I hope the platoon in left with Diaz is Brandon Jones. I prefer him much more than Blanco.
By dave on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
With the way the starting lineup looks right now without any major injuries. I believe we have the potential to hit 130 to 150 home runs. I am only counting for right now the ones we are pretty sure that will be wearing Braves uniforms this year. With the everyday players we have the more I think about it we should be ok. Mr. wren did the right thing to concentrate on signing pitchers. We did pretty well for fourteen years with quality pitching. What ya say let's go for fifteen in a row this time. I am looking forward to it. God bless
By Ashley on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I would be more approving of Wren if we had come out of the winter season with more than a can-be pitcher who may be able to prove his worth – Derek Lowe – and a possibly already-peaked veteran from the Japanese League in Kenshin Kawakami. Maybe I'm just still bitter over the fact Smoltz decided his best option was to leave, but I'm still holding out that Francoeur can turn it around and if not, I was huge fan of Brandon Jones last Spring Training – maybe we can see more of that soon.
By Tim on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I like what I saw of Brandon Jones last year but he doesn't seem to have much homerun power. He seems to be more in the mold of a Casey Kotchman.
By dave on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
I share your bitterness concerning Smoltz. However given all the time spent on Peavy, and A.J. Burnett only to have them turn us down, not to mention R. F. it feels like to me they all used us to get what they wanted. I have been upset with Mr. Wren, but other than John, I think he did pretty well for Atlanta. I was relieved to hear Derek Lowe say he wanted to be here. It is obvious that Peavy and Burnett did not. As for the former shortstop I went back and read he might be greeted with boos. I am all for that. I think if we can afford him we need Tom one more year. Best wishes to everyone
By Keith on Jan 28, 2009 | Reply
Great to have Sutton back. After losing two oustanding broadcasters, the braves radio stations really needed someone who is experienced and familar with the Braves.
By Larry on Jan 29, 2009 | Reply
It was a down year for Jones. He was actually considered a power threat in the minors. he even said so himself that he was disappointed in the power numbers. I like him and Diaz as a platoon
By Larry on Jan 29, 2009 | Reply
Think about our rotation this way. We have four pitchers all capable of winning at least ten games if not more. The Angels were quite successful last season with a similar rotation highlighted by John Lackey. I like our rotation and think we match up well with the Phillies, Mets, Marlins and Nats