McCain: Glavine got jobbed! (but, please, no grievance)
I'm pretty sure this guy had the deciding vote to release Tom Glavine.
Interesting few days last week. Tom Glavine got released and Braves’ management went to great lengths to convince everybody that they weren’t just cold, corporate, nickel-squeezing weasels who basically told a Hall of Famer to go pitch a game in Single A even though they had no intention of signing him (and he fell for it!).
I took a scientific sampling of readers’ comments and reached this conclusion: Half of you believe the Braves are cold, corporate, nickel-squeezing weasels — and one day, we will share several beers.
The other half of you have held a grudge against Glavine ever since he dared to accept a four-year, $42.5 million contract from the New York Mets, which was one year more and over $15 million higher than the Braves were willing to offer. (Why that capitalistic pig. How dare he!) So really, your mind already was made up.
Now the Braves are trying to cleanse themselves of another public relations face plant, which even drew the ire of Twitterer and former presidential candidate John McCain (see below). Glavine is still trying to decide whether he’s angry enough about this potential career ending to try a comeback with another team, which never was his intention.
Honestly, I have no idea which way Glavine’s leaning. But I did exchange text messages with him about something else: This concept of filing a grievance.
Bad idea, Tom.
The Tuesday Countdown continues . . .
10. “Why, you money-grubbing…”
In one of his last days as a Brave (Gwinnett), Glavine signed autographs for a team called the Red Sox. I think that's Smoltz on the left.
That is what Glavine will hear if he and the Players Association file a grievance against the Braves for releasing him, rather than paying him $1 million to make the active roster. The report on Foxsports.com said Gregg Clifton, Glavine’s agent, is exploring the possibility.
I’m no labor lawyer. But here’s the thing: Even if Glavine did have a chance to win — and I don’t think he does — he would look bad trying to claim a million bucks that he obviously doesn’t need. It doesn’t matter if he’s only trying to make a point. Perception is reality. The only way Glavine could lessen the PR hit by such a move would be to say that he would donate the $1 million to charity. But it still wouldn’t look good.
OK, that said …
9. Glavine: “I don’t know.”
I sent Glavine a text message asking him whether he would file the grievance. His answer: “Don’t know.”
I told him to let me know if he wanted to expound on that. His second response: “I really don’t know about it. I keep hearing about it and I know it’s an option but haven’t discussed it with anyone.”
By “anyone,” I’m assuming he means anyone other than his agent. So there you go. The grievance has gone nowhere. I’m guessing it goes nowhere. And nowhere is good.
8. Politicians limited to 140 characters?
Running for re-election as Arizona senator apparently doesn’t take up as much time as running for president, if John McCain’s Twittering is any indication. The man is a 140-character-typing machine, even on subjects like, yeah, Glavine. Monday morning, McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) Twittered: “Braves release Tom Glavine – not a great way to treat a class athlete.”
Famous Alaska biker chick and Twitterer Sarah Palin.
Wow. Somebody’s not going to be given free all-you-can-eat seats by Terry McGuirk next time he’s in town.
Funny thing. McCain’s next “Tweet,” an hour later, was: “Dr. Kissinger’s op-ed in the Washington Post on Pyongyang is a must read!” So clearly he has no future as a sportstalk radio host. He needs to work on his transitions.
7. Can she see Glavine from her backyard, too?
So I’m thinking, if McCain is pontificating on Glavine, maybe Sarah Palin is, too. But alas, this was the closest thing I could find on the Alaska governor’s Twitter site (@AKGovSarahPalin): “Here’s an interview w/Gary Olson, AK Moose Federation pres., on the Eddie Burke show re: orphaned moose calves.” I refuse to include the link. (Shameless self-promotion: Follow @SchultzAJC on Twitter! I promise to provide frequent updates on orphaned moose calves.)
6: Trivia Time.
Can you make out the pitcher standing behind Chuck Tanner? (AJC photo.)
I don’t do this very often, because, frankly, I find sports trivia kind of hokey and geeky and, well, I’d just rather not think that much. But here goes. You may have heard or read that when the Braves released Glavine, it marked the first time since 1987 that neither he nor John Smoltz were on the Braves’ roster. So here’s the question: How many starting pitchers from the last non-Glavine/Smoltz rotation in 1987 can you name? (One hint on the left. Answers down below.)
5. Oh no — PETA’s back
But without pickets. PETA announced Turner Field placed fourth in its annual rankings of the top 10 vegetarian-friendly ballparks. PETA spokesman Dan Shannon said, ”The fact is, anyone who improves his or her health, helps protect the planet, and saves animals’ lives by going vegetarian is a winner.” The Braves would’ve finished first in PETA’s rankings. But they lost points in caring for dogs when they dropped Bob Wickman from the roster.
4. So Vikes are waiting for Favre why?
The Minnesota Vikings are giving Brett Favre a deadline this week, according to ESPN: make a decision on whether he wants to play or they move on. Favre reportedly is reluctant to make a commitment without being certain that his recent double-secret shoulder surgery fixed problems related to his recently torn biceps. But a report on Sirius radio refutes that deadline. Here’s a thought: Any GM considering signing Favre is the one who needs surgery — on his head. Favre’s a Hall of Fame quarterback. Or was. But he’s evolved into arguably the most selfish athlete in league history. His annual Hamlet act caused problems in the locker room in Green Bay and New York. I can imagine how this is going over with the players going through OTAs right now in Minnesota (particularly incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson). More importantly, Favre’s arm is dead (two touchdowns, nine interceptions in his final five starts last season) and he’s won exactly one playoff game in the last five years, which means the only starting quarterback who looks up to him is Tony Romo (no playoff wins).
3. UFL (what?) would love name-recognition (Vick)
The fledgling United Football League’s commissioner, Michael Huyghue, reaffirmed that he would love Michael Vick to use the UFL as a stepping stone for his return to the NFL. Huyghue says he gauged fan reaction and that “over 80 percent” would be in favor of Vick playing in the league. The only reason I have trouble believing that is there’s a built-in assumption that anybody knows what the UFL is. On a related note, Vick is due in court today in Norfolk, Va., for a bankruptcy hearing. I believe the UFL’s bankruptcy hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday.
2. New Bengals’ sponsor: Chico’s Bail Bonds?
The Bad News . . . Bengals?
There’s apparently a new NFL rule that allows teams to place a sponsor on practice jerseys. According to the Indianapolis Star, only one sponsor is allowed per team, and the patch can be no larger than 3 1/2 inches high and 4 1/2 inches wide. Yeah. For now. Colts senior vice president Pete Ward said, “Things evolve and you’re always looking for ways to maximize revenue without compromising the integrity of the game.” Rules apparently prohibit teams from endorsement deals with companies dealing with firearms, ammunition, gambling, distilled spirits and strip clubs. Just guessing here, but the Bengals, Ravens and Cowboys will need to find other sources of income.
1. And the All-Star rotation is …
The ace in 1987: Zane Smith.
The Braves’ dreadful starting rotation for most of 1987: Zane Smith (who led the staff at 15-10, 4.10) Rick Mahler (who’s pictured above), David Palmer, Doyle Alexander and Randy O’Neal (or Charlie Puleo).
Mahler actually threw an Opening Day shutout against Philadelphia. But the Braves went 69-92 that year, and the pitching staff had the fewest shutouts in the National League (four), highest ERA (4.63), fewest strikeouts (837), most hit batters (39) and third most walks (587). It also was the league’s third-oldest staff (29.2 years).
Glavine was called up from the minors in August of that season. In nine starts, he went 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA. Fortunately, he didn’t get cut.
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155 comments Add your comment
Steve
June 9th, 2009
8:02 am
Just admit it. You have a man crush on Tommy.
bali
June 9th, 2009
8:10 am
good article. I disagree with the half and half take 0n the glavine situation, but i would still like to have a sit down and drink a few beers with ya provided you buy the first round
brewdawg
June 9th, 2009
8:17 am
Only got Zane Smith and Doyle Alexander, but in my defense, I was only seven years old at the time.
Max Sizemore
June 9th, 2009
8:17 am
Uh, Jeff, the Braves struck out 837 batters in 1987. Yes, Mabel, there used to be such a thing as a copy editor.
Sam Everyman, Citizen Journalist
June 9th, 2009
8:20 am
Surely this is a Best of Cox effort. Chuck Tanner, Rick Mahler, Dr. Kissinger, orphaned moose cows, Zane Smith, John & Sarah, and Michael Vick. This is some heady stuff. Can’t wait to see if it fits in the new and improved AJC narrow-columns, narrow-page print edition. $1,000 prize to the winner, Jeff.
Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2009
8:29 am
Steve — actually, the Sarah Palin photo got me going just a little.
Bali — Deal! After 3-4 beers, I’ll forget what my position was anyway.
Brewdawg – at 2, you’re the leader in the clubhouse!
Max — or yeah, dropped a character. 83 would be REALLY bad. Thanks, I’ll fix that.
Sam Everyman — I won Best of Cox last year. They didn’t have awards this year. Guess they figured they had already hit bottom. But the $1,000 was spent.
Sam Everyman, Citizen Journalist
June 9th, 2009
8:46 am
Whoa! It could have been two years in a row. Well, we all know where the awards money went this year . . . splashes of color add up.
Seriously, you do a nice, job, Jeff. We jounalists have to have some fun with each other now and then.
NC Braves Fan
June 9th, 2009
9:00 am
Well-known fact: John McCain has a lot fewer beans to count than Tom Glavine(if you subtract Mrs. Mc’s largesse).
On the other hand, McCain has a better fastball, so he’s got that goin’ for him.
Cheri Myers
June 9th, 2009
9:01 am
Have to say I still remember the first time Glavine pitched. He was so cocky but we all knew he was something special. The Braves did him wrong. I support him 100%. He deserved so much better. This has all broke my heart and has made me not like baseball anymore. I lost all respect for it. Great article though.
Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2009
9:08 am
NC Braves Fan — I could see where Cindy’s probably a little high maintenance. Did you know that she also was addicted to Vicodin at one time? So she’s got something in common with Brett Favre.
Willy Wally
June 9th, 2009
9:14 am
David Palmer wasn’t much of a pitcher, but he was a helluva President on 24.
Joey
June 9th, 2009
9:15 am
The only thing I disliked about the Glavine decision is the Braves feeling they owe an explanation for the decision. They don’t owe Tom Glavine anything!!! He signed the contract and knew it was performance-based. If anyone owes someone something, Glavine owes the Braves for last season, what 8M for a couple of wins? Enough about it already…. Oh, and I don’t but that 50-50 poll either…
E
June 9th, 2009
9:19 am
who gives a flying f*** what john mccain thinks about it?
NC Braves Fan
June 9th, 2009
9:21 am
@Jeff Schultz: Are we gonna work our way back to Kevin Bacon?
Seriously though, I agree with you that he should not file a grievance. I wonder if that’s a bit of a PR smokescreen on his part so he can make the case that he is indeed ready to go pitch for someone?
Willy Wally
June 9th, 2009
9:21 am
Did McCain point at Wren and say “THAT ONE OVER THERE!”?
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 9th, 2009
9:21 am
Palin is definately a political hottie.
dap01
June 9th, 2009
9:22 am
Glavine left the Braves because of the money. Tex left the Braves because of the money.
Smoltz and Glavine need to get over themselves. Enough of this story.
Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2009
9:25 am
Willy Wally — Ding! Ding! Ding!
Joey — I can’t debate this any more. Be well, my son.
E — he’s on Twitter! Everything matters on Twitter! Where have you been?
Reality Time
June 9th, 2009
9:27 am
Mr. Schultz, you might want to add a category 3 to your unofficial poll. Tom Glavine signed with the Mets for more money. That’s a business decision, I accept it, don’t hate the guy cause I don’t know him. If he pitched well when he came back to Atlanta, glad to have him. Since he didn’t, albeit due to injury, we need to evaluate his position with the team. As to the last game he pitched in the minors, that was just another chance for him to prove he still had it. I think the million he was paid covers that outing. A decision was made that, in the opinion of other professionals who are paid to evaluate talent, that he no longer had what was required to help the team. That’s also a business decision. Why can’t he (and you) accept that?
Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2009
9:28 am
The_Superhoo — Sh’s definitely hotter than McCain. And defnitely gets the nod over Geraldine Ferraro back in 1984 (for the youngsters here).
Paul From Milton
June 9th, 2009
9:30 am
I still don’t understand what the Braves options were if they decided they would rather have Hanson pitch for them. Glavine wasn’t going to retire so what were the options – trade him? Put him in the bullpen? Release someone else so he could sit on the bench? It seems to me that selfishness and greed works both ways here. Glavine used up his Braves entitlement quota when he took the $15 and left for New York. I don’t begrudge him that, just don’t return and act like the Braves owe you something.
Dtruth
June 9th, 2009
9:30 am
The Braves did what they had to do, Glavine is no better than anyone else. He is not entitled to be handled with kid gloves. He has made a lot of money and was blessed to play a game for a living, be idolized by many and walk away with millions. Be grateful for what you got and move on to the next thing. Even though the Braves more than likely lied to him, the same thing happens everyday in the workplace to harder working people than Glavine and we don’t get to walk away with millions.
Paul From Milton
June 9th, 2009
9:31 am
Sorry, $15 million…
Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2009
9:33 am
Paul: I knew what you meant. But I do think $15 will still get you a corned beef on rye in Manhattan (chips extra).
Jim n Buckhead
June 9th, 2009
9:34 am
Hey union man welcome to getting laid off like a lot of other americans…….the braves didnt want you….im sowwy now grow up….
Reality Time
June 9th, 2009
9:37 am
One more thing, the Braves played 15 innings last night and won a hard-fought game. Chris Medlen pitched three scoreless innings in relief. Our new center fielder got his first home run with the Braves. Chipper Jones and Brian McCann continue to produce. Thought that might have made it into your column, however it appears that all things Glavine are more important. I know that you are an “opinion” columnist, not a facts man, but believe me, by now I believe everyone knows what your opinion is. Enough.
NC Braves Fan
June 9th, 2009
9:39 am
Paul from Milton: I don’t think the issue is THAT the Braves did what they did, it’s HOW they went about it.
Why make him make especially that final rehab start in Rome if they already knew what they were going to do? It’s not like a 43-y-o guy popping a 78 mph fastball is suddenly going to gas it up to 90, or even 85.
The point is the Braves aren’t being completely honest here, and they should have communicated their concerns to Tommy a lot earlier.
BBrown
June 9th, 2009
9:44 am
Ok, which is the most unlikely pair – John McCain & Terry McGuirk or your AJC colleague Mark Bradley & John Smoltz?
By the way, this “unanimous” decision among Braves management is the biggest joke. I just can’t see Mr. Loyal Bobby Cox showing Glavine the door, especially after saying that he was “throwing hard” and threw 11 straight scoreless innings. By the way, who cares about his velocity. He has never been a Nolan Ryan thrower. Rather, it’s been location, location, location.
Sorry Terry, McCain was right!
NC Braves Fan
June 9th, 2009
9:47 am
To my previous post I would add the point that the proper time to communicate their concerns to Glavine would have been when he had his setback and said he was contemplating retirement. The Braves should have called a meeting right then and there and let him know that with Hanson progressing in the minors, they were not altogether sure that Tommy G would make the team if the rehab process dragged on much longer.
DirtyDawg
June 9th, 2009
9:50 am
I’ve never begrudged Glavine’s taking the money and runnin’ to NY. However, as soon as he did, his claim that the Braves now owe him something for all those previous years of (fully compensated) service – like an extra million after they’d already paid him one mil just for trying to get himself back into shape following elbow and shoulder surgeries at the ripe-old-age of 43, and eight mil last year just to pitch 63 innings. All bets were off then Tom, and as for McCain’s comment on this, all one has to do is recall his choice of running-mate to appreciate the quality of his judgment.
Paul H
June 9th, 2009
9:57 am
Jeff – just playing devil’s advocate on Favre, but is there something wrong with just wanting to play football?
SimpleDawg
June 9th, 2009
9:58 am
Too bad for Tommy, but didn’t he receive $1 million for rehabbing and pitching in a few minor league games? Where do I sign up for this mistreatment? So what if he didn’t receive an additional $1 million for getting shelled in a few major league games….unless he’s as stupid as Mike Vick, he should have plenty of money to retire on and continue a lavish lifestyle.
Smoltzie and Glavine are history….Happy Trails, to you….
Spud Webb
June 9th, 2009
10:02 am
GOOD LORD, if I have to hear anymore crap from the two sissies Smoltz & Glaving I’m going to puke. Can you two shut your pieholes? MOVE ON. IT’S A BUSINESS. Tommy, didn’t you walk to the METS for a million or so more than the Braves were offering a few years ago?? YES, it’s a BUSINESS, take your ball and go play somewhere else. Quit crying and man up. Goodness, Smoltz, you TOOK the money and ran, so shut up and pitch in beantown. NOBODY here in Atlanta CARES ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY. Please, Please I hope you get to start in the new yankee stadium at some point this year so you can get BOMBED. Enough already, here is the bottom line, the Braves are a BETTER team with Glavine gone and Smoltz in boston. PERIOD.
june_baby
June 9th, 2009
10:05 am
half the people comdemming tom glavine for taking 15 million more from the mets than the braves, are also people who rant against support for citizens, or agree that banks and other corps should max their profits to the expense of bankrupting the country.
Reality Time
June 9th, 2009
10:06 am
NC Fan: #1 I don’t take everything that the Atlanta Braves say as gospel, #2 I don’t take everything that Tom Glavine says as gospel. We don’t know when concerns were expressed, or what concerns were expressed. If the Braves had not allowed Glavine to pitch the rehab starts in the minors, then the complaint would be they didn’t give him a chance to show what he could do. Since they gave him that opportunity, now it is being said they demeaned him by not accepting his own statement that he was ready to pitch. My point is this, there would have been no good time and no good way, when one of the parties is unwilling, either rightly or wrongly, to admit that perhaps his time is past. Many great players have done this, Tom Glavine wouldn’t be the first. There are no good guys, there are no bad guys, there’s just this: life is hard and then you die.
JSS
June 9th, 2009
10:08 am
What’s that foul and rancid smell floating from Marietta St.? One guess, two words, one starts with a J and the other with an S….
Tom Glavine Scorned
June 9th, 2009
10:09 am
I haf cole ringfinga. I am coming off suhgawee. Gif me a bweak. I haf to go get my teef.
Old Blue
June 9th, 2009
10:11 am
Schultz. . . Move over and let Spud Webb do the editorilizing. He may not be as funny, but He puts the facts right on . . .well. . . the money!!
NC Braves Fan
June 9th, 2009
10:12 am
Reality – I hear you, but the Braves’ public statements on this pretty much confirm that no communication of this nature took place until “the meeting”.
My overall point is that if a guy is contemplating retirement, the Braves could have looked a little better in the long run by having a heart-to-heart with Tommy G at that point. I mean, they had to know this was possible – perhaps even probable – months ago.
fifthbusiness
June 9th, 2009
10:16 am
You know it all boils down to if one or two million is significant in baseball Monopoly money. I say it would be for me if I was the owner, I would be pissed at paying Tom $9 mil for 1.5 months of work the last few years. Let Tom go pitch for someone else this summer and prove mean old Frank Wren wrong.
The Truth
June 9th, 2009
10:19 am
The comment about Farve is pretty ignorant. A torn bicep in the latter half of the year does not equate to a dead arm.
Reality Time
June 9th, 2009
10:21 am
NC Braves Fan: Surely Glavine also knew this was possible, even probable. Again to my point, if they had talked about it at an earlier time, Glavine’s tale of woe would have been they weren’t giving him a chance. Look, the guy isn’t objective. His pride has been wounded. No one wants to hear, at any time, they aren’t good enough any more. There is no easy, or good, way to do it. It’s like pulling a band aid off a wound, slow or fast, it still hurts.
Dennis
June 9th, 2009
10:24 am
A year from now we will be reading about the horrendous treatment of Glavine by Schultz. It is over and there has to be something else you can write about. Glavine is gone, and I for one believe it was entirely appropriate. Do I believe the Braves could have been more gentlemanly in the way it was handled…yes. The action was correct and it is over. I look forward to seeing Glavine enter the Hall of Fame and I will always be thankful for the time he spent in Atlanta, but it is time to move on.
Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2009
10:30 am
Reality Time: Thanks for the tremendous insight.
NC Braves Fan: Thanks for saying what I’m tired of saying.
BBrown: I think Mark and John would both tell you it’s Bradley/Smoltz. But you’ll have to check with them.
Paul H: Not at all. Just don’t keep telling somebody you’re retiring, having tearful press conferences and forcing a team to change directions and release you, after which you change your mind again. Bottom line Paul: He’s a liar. He wanted out of Green Bay and he never really wanted to play for the Jets.
NC Braves Fan
June 9th, 2009
10:33 am
Reality – I don’t think he would be able to come back with that kind of claim. If a guy says he’s contemplating retirement after his shoulder flares up and the team says, “hey, we aren’t altogether sure you fit into our plans,” seems like Glavine could make a more informed (albeit quite difficult) decision whether to press on with the rehab.
It wouldn’t necessarily be any easier, but the Braves would look a little better at this point.
CharlotteDave
June 9th, 2009
10:37 am
Glavine is one of my favorite all time Braves, and I never blamed him for what happened when he went to the Mets. I also don’t have any problem with the decison the Braves made to release him. Those who say the Braves should have let him pitch a game or two before making the decision are not being realistic or thinking things through: If they let Glavine pitch a game or few and he does a decent job, then what? Wouldn’t that make it even more awkward to release him? Or should they leave Hanson in the minors the rest of the year just for sentimental reasons? I’ve still yet to hear anyone explain what other reasonable or responsible alternative the Braves had.
Ted Striker
June 9th, 2009
10:41 am
A guy who still uses a 20 lb. black rotary dial telephone Twitters? Yeah, right. If that Werthers original eating m_ is doing his own Tweeting, I’m filming a sex tape with Paris Hilton while Britney Spears holds the camera.
Observation: Jeff like dead-arm pitcher. Jeff no like dead-arm QB.
(Spike TV Pros vs. Joes — where they both belong — like both).
Gene
June 9th, 2009
10:45 am
Glavin has been a target of criticism since the players’ strike, and I think that younger fans just don’t know what he contributed. Now the character attacks have extended to Smoltz. I don’t recall Smoltz whining about his own treatment. The point is, Glavin should have had a chance. He couldn’t have done worse than Hanson. If he failed, give him his million dollars and a gold watch at Tom Glavin Day. The last week will cloud everything that happens in the future regarding the Braves and Tommy Glavin, including admission to the Hall of Fame, where Glavin is sure to end up in spite of Scheurholtz and Wren’s duplicity. Secondly, I wonder how the shabby treatment of Glavin will affect player morale. It certainly won’t help. This situation with Glavin is just another indication that the Braves’ front office is in serious disarray.
Johnny Quest
June 9th, 2009
10:50 am
Which team jersey will Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux wear when they are inducted into the HOF?
chipperjonesrules
June 9th, 2009
10:50 am
is there any sane person who thinks Glaving gives the braves a better chance to win than Hanson?
anyone? Bueller?
case closed.