Loading ...Glavine Reaches Deal With Braves
Written by Colin on February 19, 2009 – 7:55 pmThe AJC is reporting that two people familiar with the negotiations between the Braves and Tom Glavine indicate that a deal has been reached. We’ll hope this is true, though with the way things have gone this offseason, it could mean that Glavine is considering a return to the Los Angeles Kings, where he would have started his hockey career.
But seriously, it looks like Glavine will be back with the Braves for sure this year. He’ll probably get $1M guaranteed and about $3.5M in deferred incentives. He’s probably the favorite for the fifth rotation slot, and he’ll be the only lefty in the Braves’ starting rotation.
He’s not the youngest anymore – and he spent time on the DL last year for the first time in hie career, but Glavine is still a decent pitcher if he can stay healthy. He’s convinced his arm is back in good shape and is expected to join the Braves in camp as early as March 1 and be pitching in exhibition games soon thereafter.
What do you think Glavine brings to the back end of the rotation? Is his arm or experience more important to the Braves this season? Will he stay away from the DL?
Tags: Glavine on Braves 2009, Glavine Reaches Deal with Braves, Glavine signs with Braves
Posted in Roster Moves | 7 Comments »
By Brent on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
I think Glavine can be effective this year. As he has gotten older he always adapts his pitching to what works (i.e. after years of living on the outside corner in ATL he began utilizing the inside corner in NY).
I'm not expecting great things out of him but there's no denying he's a crafty pitcher and hey just look at how well Moyer did last year in Philly. Hopefully his arm continues to feel as good as he says it does right now.
The only thing that concerns me is if Glavine does begin to struggle will we continue giving him chances or realize it's time to pull the plug? Almost everything I have read points to a Tommy Hanson spotting in the rotation sometime this year and obviously there isn't room for 6 guys. After all the injuries we saw last year it's hard to say that all five guys will stay healthly in the first place but it's something to think about.
By dave on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
I hope I can believe this. Was anyone that gives this information there to witness the signing, and did anyone examine it to make sure it is authentic. I can't help it the way things have gone it makes me question everything any more. I think it has taken some of the anticipation and excitement of the new season away from me for now. I want to get this thing started, and see if all the concerns about having the big bat are indeed, just needless worry. I think they are. I truly believe we will enter the season with an outfield, far better than what was shown last year. As for Tom, I think he will be a great help not only as a pitcher, but also a good example and leader for the young players on the team. I'm just venting a little bit I'm in off season shock!!!
By Dan from MD on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
Brent – I had the same thought about Hanson, but someone, somewhere (real helpful, right), made the point that he will probably see some time in the bullpen. That seems reasonable, especially when the rosters expand. Hopefully Cox and Wren will not feel compelled to rush anyone. I personally do not believe we are anything but a longshot wild card team, so there should be no pressure.
On the whole though, I am not real happy about Glavine, but since he is a Brave again, all the best!
By Kent Covington on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
Dan, I don't mean to be contrary, but I think it is HIGHLY unlikely that Hanson will see any time in the bullpen. The Braves want him to focus on developing as a starter.
In regard to Glavine… he wasn't healthy last year at all, even when he was on the mound. But in 2007, he had 23 quality starts. That's territory usually reserved for aces in that category. It was no accident that he won 13 games that year. I highly doubt that his stuff will have really changed, so I think some people may be surprised by what we get out of Glavine if he can stay healthy. As Brent said, If Moyer can do it…
And as for the '09 Braves' chances… I believe the Braves are better right now than you think they are. Atlanta, on paper, has the best pitching in the division, and that will count for a lot. Look at the Padres a couple years ago. They had very good pitching, as do the Braves now, but not a whole lot of offense… and they won 89 games.
The big key here is going to be Francoeur. He's got to bounce back, and I think it's more likely than not that he will.
If I had to guess right now, I'd say this team appears on track for win total at least in the high 80's. And if the Braves get a little more offense, be it from guys stepping up, or a mid-season acquisition (or both)… this team can win division. Seriously. They're better than you think.
By dave on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
I just read the comments on the Atlanta Braves MLB. website. Frank and Bobby are leaning toward toward giving the young guys a chance. I think it will work. They nor the players ruled out a trade, but for now it seems we are going to give our home grown the first shot at winning the outfield jobs. I agree with Kent our pitching all around is greatly improved. WE had so many injuries last year we didn't have a chance. This year with the players we have added, and all that are back healthy again you just can't help but feel pretty good about our chances this year. I think we are as good or better than anyone else in our division, or the NL for that matter. I keep thinking if Hudson returns in August, or September healthy it will be like Atlanta had pulled off one of the best late season trades they have ever made. That will be exciting, because I believe Atlanta will at that point will be the leaders in the NL East heading for October. GO BRAVES
By dave on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
It is a nice problem to have. My thinking is if all goes well Hudson should return around the 1st. of September, which is when rosters are allowed to expand. If all goes well it should work out about right. At least that's what I am hopping. GO BRAVES
By Jeff on Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
What happens when Hudson returns mid season? Who does he replace in the rotation?