Glavine Could Be Back With Braves

Written by Jonathan on January 15, 2010 – 9:38 am

Tom Glavine’s final experience as a baseball player with the Braves front office was far from favorable.  A day after pitching 6 scoreless innings in single-A Rome and five days before he was expected to make his season debut in Atlanta, Frank Wren made the decision to release Glavine.  Wren claims it was performance-based, Glavine claimes it was financially-based, and so on and so on.  We all know what happened, but it’s in the past.  Now it looks like there is a chance for a new chapter with Tom Glavine in the Braves organization.

The details of the possible role are far from finalized, but the Braves have presented many options for Tommy.  Some include the opportunity to serve as an announcer or work in the front office in some capacity.  Additionally, there is the opportunity to work with the Braves’ minor league affiliates to assist in player development and coaching.  Though he hasn’t officially announced his retirement from baseball, Glavine realizes it’s not likely he’ll pitch again, and will likely retire once he assumes a new role in the game.

It seems as if the issues revolving around Glavine’s release last season are one big factor standing in the way of his return to the club.  It’s a situation that wasn’t favorable and, in the eyes of many, wasn’t handled as best as it could have been.  In a situation where he will have to work daily with the same man that decided to release him, Glavine wants to make sure he’s not jumping into a decision he will regret.

Make it official, Tommy.  Announce your retirement to cap off a sure-fire Hall of Fame career and take a new role with the Braves.  It’ll be interesting to see what becomes of the situation, but I hope that Glavine and Wren can work out any animosity and make this a done deal.  I, like many, took exception to Glavine’s departure for the Mets, but I grew up watching him pitch in Atlanta and that’s where I want to see him again.


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Braves Ready For Spring Training?

Written by Jonathan on January 13, 2010 – 8:18 am

Not long after officially adding Troy Glaus to the 2010 roster, the Braves added Eric Hinske to serve as a pinch hitter and bench player.  The plus side to having Hinske on the roster is that he can serve as a backup to Troy Glaus; allowing for some much-needed off days to reduce the risk of reinjury.  Additionally, he can play the corner outfield and back up Chipper at third, who we all know will miss a few games here and there.  As far as I’m concerned, he’s an improvement over Greg Norton.  Besides, he’s been on a team in the World Series the past three seasons; why would the Braves want to break that streak?

With Hinske signing a one-year, one-million dollar contract earlier this week, it looks like the Braves are pretty much done with new signings for the offseason.  That’s not to say that Frank Wren won’t still come up with some trade (I can think of a few that I wouldn’t mind seeing), but as far as allocating money for new players, we’re pretty much spent.  Look for something to happen with Brandon Jones in the next couple of days; he was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man for Hinske.

As expected, we didn’t see the front office go after a  big-name offensive power, but instead spread the money around on a few different players.  Melky Cabrera for $2 million, Troy Glaus for $4 million and Hinske for another million.  Was this a good use of our available $7 million?  To be determined.  The success of these moves hinges heavily on Glaus managing to stay healthy and Hinske’s ability to produce from the bench.  I’m confident he’ll have a solid year in a backup role.

In other news, Mark McGwire did steroids…..who knew?!

But anyways,  it looks like this is pretty much the squad the Braves will be taking to Florida in 36 days when pitchers and catchers report.  Thoughts on the offseason moves to this point?  I think we’re better off in a couple of spots, worse off in a couple, and there is a ton that is yet to be determined.  It’s getting to be that time of  year when we’re all just itching to see baseball start back up again.  I know I can’t wait.


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Posted in General, Roster Moves | 3 Comments »

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