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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 »
Francoeur’s Arbitration and ‘09 Season
Written by Colin on January 21, 2009 – 11:59 pmIt’s not breaking news, but if you didn’t know, the Braves and Jeff Francoeur traded salary arbitration figures yesterday. The interesting thing is that there’s a $1.15 million discrepancy in their figures. Francoeur wants $3.95 million, and the Braves are offering $2.8 million. We’ll see if they come to an agreement before arbitration next month or battle it out in front of a third party.
Either way, I’d like to point out that Francoeur made $460,000 last year. While that’s not pocket change, let’s look at the difference in what he made last year and what the Braves are offering him this year – $2.3 million. Last year he batted only .239 with just 11 home runs and 71 RBIs. Now, I’ve been trading emails and thoughts with a few people, and the question has been primarily “Will he turn it around or is last year going to repeat itself?”
Frankly, the Braves would NOT under any circumstances offer him $2.8mil if they thought he wasn’t going to turn it around. Francoeur will be back, people. He’s made adjustments to his swing (mostly focusing on keeping his hands back, staying balanced, and having a shorter stride), and he’s lost weight. Francoeur will be back this year, and I can’t wait to see it. He’s a great guy, a hometown personality, and I want to see him succeed. I’m not going to predict numbers, but I’m not alone in thinking he’ll be back.
In a bit of other news today, the Braves are working their way towards establishing a new radio broadcast team to replace Pete Van Wieren and Skip Caray. Pete retired at the end of last season following Skip’s unexpected death. According to a few sources, the Braves are in talks with the Washington Nationals to bring Don Sutton back to Atlanta after a two-year absence.
Sutton served as an announcer in Atlanta from 1996-2006 before heading north to serve as a member of the Nationals’ broadcast team for the past two seasons. Though he still has two years left on his contract with the Nationals, many of Sutton’s colleagues have indicated that he would love the opportunity to return to the Braves organization.
The Braves have already hired Jim Powell, who has been a part of the Brewers’ broadcast team the past 13 years, to be the second member of the radio duo.
Tags: Don Sutton, Jeff Francoeur, Pete Van Wieren, Skip Caray
Posted in General | 7 Comments »
