Glaus deserves credit for way he reacts to Braves’ trade
When the Braves decided to deal for Derrek Lee . . .
(Updated: 8:50 p.m.)
As someone who has taken his share of shots at Troy Glaus — like here and also here and maybe here — it’s only fair that I give credit to the Braves’ outgoing first baseman for something when it’s warranted.
When the Braves acquired Derrek Lee from the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, it would have been very easy for Glaus to throw a fit about the trade.
He could have told the Braves, “Just release me,” and they probably would have obliged. He could have publicly complained about going on the disabled and certainly about being sent to the minor leagues. Because folks, there’s a decent chance that Glaus, the Braves’ most important player over a six-week period in May and June, very well may have had his final significant at-bat in Atlanta.
But Glaus didn’t do that. He didn’t squawk. He acknowledged (in actions, if not words) that his knees are a major issue right now and agreed to go on the DL. For a guy who has made close to $80 million in his career and presumably doesn’t need the money, he’s also clearly determined to prove to doubters — maybe less to the Braves than all the other teams, as he looks ahead to this winter — that he is not finished and can still play third base (his preferred position).
A sampling of Glaus’s comments:
♦ “I’ll go down [to Gwinnett], play third and hopefully come back here and do that for this team.”
♦ “Obviously I don’t want to go on the DL, but at this time if we can get a little healthier, coming back in September [we can] make a good run at the end.”
♦ “I obviously don’t harbor any ill will. It’s something that made our team better. Hopefully I can come back in 15 days and be the third baseman and make us even better than that.”
The plan, as outlined by general manager Frank Wren, is for Glaus to rest for a week and then try to play some games at third for the G-Braves. Wren indicated then Glaus could be recalled when rosters expand Sept. 1.
But understand something: This ensures nothing for Glaus, as it pertains to this Braves’ season. He might get some at-bats off the bench and he conceivably could get a spot start. But playing time is not guaranteed, particularly during a pennant stretch, and there certainly are no assurances that he would be on the postseason roster if the Braves make the playoffs.
Glaus could have asked out and he chose not to. For that, he showed a lot more class and professionalism than many — if not most — in his position would.
Finally, credit to Wren for the way he handled this delicate matter. When he spoke of the Lee trade before Wednesday’s game, he made a point to first say that the deal would not have been possible without Glaus because it was he who helped put the Braves in this position for a trade in a pennant stretch. It was as nice a way as possible for a general manager to soften the blow.
Lee doesn’t come with any assurances, either. It’s never a good sign when somebody requires an epidural for a bulging disc in his back, even if that same player had just hit four home runs over three days. But it’s an inexpensive gamble by Wren — three low-level minor league prospects and some salary — and one that could wind up paying huge dividends.
Kudos all around.
♦
Last five posts on demand (and free)
♦ Poll time: If Braves get Lee, should they drop-kick Glaus?
♦ Prado has three hits in comeback — and why not him for MVP?
♦ We’re LIVE, as Braves try for something new — an early win
♦ Falcons and Patriots put aside NFL’s secret society (for a limited time)
♦ Countdown: Bikini-ball, Petrino’s death touch and ‘Real Housewife of Flowery Branch’
♦
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156 comments Add your comment
Tim
August 18th, 2010
11:26 pm
Glaus has shown more class in his pinky than many of the hacks on here could ever hope to show in a lifetime. I cannot imangine how so many of you got to be such experts on so many things. And, W.E.B., spare me the racist crap. I am one who is tired of it.
ronald
August 18th, 2010
11:30 pm
“Why no article about Escobar’s “class” in accepting his getting the boot?”
Escobar is a lazy bum. All that talent and he give 80% day in and day out. Escobar has no class.
BravesFAN
August 18th, 2010
11:33 pm
Sorry I’m not really seeing how glaus is such a great man for taking his demotion like a man and how a guy who has hit two hrs in 46 games should take this demotion…he doesn’t get any kudos for this he’s a pro he hasn’t produced in months he knows it’s a business and the best thing he can do is keep optimistic and hope he can comeback and help this team again besides coming out complaining about this wouldn’t help his case to get signed by any teams next year bottom line he’s a struggling pro he said what he’s supposed to say
WEB Dubois
August 18th, 2010
11:37 pm
Bloggers let’s respectfully disagree. No need to bash me. Bravos WIN! That’s all that matters. Troy Glaus’s class is simply an afterthought.
ronald
August 18th, 2010
11:37 pm
“Or is it becasue he did so for a better BLACK player? ”
No one said he was better. He’s just healthy, which Glaus isn’t.
ijudgenot
August 18th, 2010
11:49 pm
McLouth stinks up the place for half season with .173 average so Wren pulls him aside and says he wants him to voluntarily go to minors and work on his swing, but not to worry he just wanted him to get ready.(2) KK can’t go past 4 innings without giving up 4 runs in a 1-10 season, so Wren pulls him aside and says he wants him to voluntarily go to minors and work on his pitching, but not to worry he just wants him to get ready.(3) Glaus after carrying team in May and June has his knees go out on him so that he can’t hit a ball thats sitting on a tee if its higher than his knees, so Wren pulls him aside and says he wants him to go on DL then go to minors for rehab and work on playing 3rd base again, but not to worry he just wants him to be ready. Anyone else get the feeling that Wren would make a great used car salesman?
Jethro
August 18th, 2010
11:49 pm
No sir. Never an afterthought. Glaus carried the Braves for a month. He has earned every Braves fans’ respect. In a poet’s world, I could see Glaus do something a la Sid Bream – I don’t know. He’s a man that plays the game with pride, professionalism and grit. Regardless of what happens, the Braves would not be where they are without Glaus in May. I hope the DL is restorative.
longtime braves fan
August 18th, 2010
11:54 pm
For all those hating on Glaus, even when he displays his character and accepts this role – Have you forgotten that he STILL leads the team in RBI? Sure most of it was in two hot months, but no one else is close even though he has been struggling for quite some time.
I see this trade as a plus all around, but quite the ragging on Glaus. Like FW said, we wouldn’t be here if not for him.
dawg149
August 19th, 2010
12:33 am
Glaus is CLASS. Troy boy weathered all the critics in the begining, then carried the team after being booed at the Ted. Yeah, he’s had his cold moments at the plate, but the RBI’s he’s given this team……PLEASE. Get him some reps in Gwinnett. Get his ass back on the roster by 9/1, and get him in the lineup. He’s a friggin pro hitter, who knows these pitchers as good as anyone one the team. He’s got the experience, and the head for the stretch. DONT BLOW THIS ONE GUYS. WE NEED TROY BACK. PERIOD.
ContentCentral.com » Glaus deserves credit for way he responds to Braves' trade | Jeff …
August 19th, 2010
12:42 am
[...] View original post here: Glaus deserves credit for way he responds to Braves' trade | Jeff … [...]
Idot
August 19th, 2010
1:29 am
“he showed a lot more class and professionalism than many”, dang right he did.
Beginning with you Shultz.
Which Braves player will you and your followers pick to trash, now that Glaus is gone.
Idot
August 19th, 2010
1:36 am
And, unless Glaus’s knees just completely give out of him, you can bet that he will be on the playoff roster.
Idot
August 19th, 2010
1:37 am
give out ON him,
Jedi Falcon
August 19th, 2010
3:14 am
Wow Schultz. Are you really stupid? Glaus got hosed, and rightfully so. He has SUCKED latelly, and he is damaged goods. And he knows that. He is not EVER going to see that Plate Appearance Bonus. This was a logical business decision, and if Glaus doesnt like it – then kick him out the door. He doesnt matter to this team any more.
Jedi Falcon
August 19th, 2010
3:16 am
Glaus gave the Braves 1 good month. Yay. Thanks for the help, but you have done nothing to help this team since then. So bye. Cya.
TheAntiMe
August 19th, 2010
3:18 am
Wow, we got D. Lee for much less than I had anticipated. If nothing else, Derrek Lee brings a very good clubhouse presence that is always a helpful intangible for teams that win in the postseason.
And even a D. Lee at 50% to 75% of his career stats is nothing to sneeze at. Good job, Mr. Wren, and welcome aboard Derrek!
cooper
August 19th, 2010
3:25 am
This go’s along with exactly the way Cox manages . Cox believes in veteran players over rookies any day. Freeman would have been an obvious choice but experience tell Cox that during a play off the best pitchers in baseball will be giving it all they have and to have Glaus and Lee in the same line up will give the Braves the best chance for success. Freeman can handle AAA pitchers but pitchers like Wainwright, Halladay, Oswalt, Hamel and all the other top pitchers on the contending teams would have a field day with Freeman. I hope Glaus can come back healthy and help at 3rd . He is a very good 3rd baseman when healthy. Also a number one class act and deserves every opportunity to help Atlanta get to and win in the playoffs.
TheAntiMe
August 19th, 2010
3:29 am
Buzz29
August 18th, 2010
9:11 pm
Maybe Heyward could catch a ride with Troy. Hell, I can strike out 3 times a game with the occasional fly out to the warning track.
Hey, Buzz29, you will never guess who drove in the winning run for the Bravos tonight in walk-off fashion in the 9th. Just the guy who has 5 walk-off winning hits for the Braves so far this year. You know, Jason Heyward,the guy who you just trashed in your comments.
If you hurry, Buzzkill, maybe you can catch a ride with Troy but I doubt he would want you.
Jedi Falcon
August 19th, 2010
3:31 am
You cannot keep relying on a 9th inning hit to keep winning games. This team relies too much on late inning luck. That wont last forever, and it certainly wont last into the post-season. The Braves are inconsistent in their hitting the stats prove that,. And how many saves has the Great Billy Wagner blown? This team wont make it past the 1st Round of the Playoffs with the way it is playing.
They should have DESTROYED this team tonight. But they didnt. They had to get a lucky swing in the 9th inning to beat a team that they should have beaten by 4 runs at least.
Jedi Falcon
August 19th, 2010
3:38 am
Glaus should be inducted into the Hall of Fame for how he handled the reality that he is expendable, worn out, and gave the Braves 1 solid month. I agree Jeff.
jayvee
August 19th, 2010
5:26 am
I have also been distressed by the moribund performance of Glaus. He’s been a rally killer for along time. But it’s undeniable that without him, the Braves would not be in first. I think he understands that he’s not going to be able to contribute at the level needed, so he’ll go to Gwinnett and give it a try. He looks brittle and clumsy and sore, and if the rest can provide some flexibility and get his bat speed up again, I have no doubt that he’ll play a role down the stretch. I hope so. This is the feel good season, and I don’t want anyone left out.
jayvee
August 19th, 2010
5:35 am
It’s also true that the Braves that with a couple of exceptions, the Braves have been in an offensive funk for some time. Other than Prado, Infante and sometimes Cabrera, nobody is consistently dangerous. It’s a credit to their tenacity — and exquisite pitching — that they’ve been able to win while their bats slumber. The bats of Heyward, McCann, Gonao and Dias are due to heat up, and if they do, the Braves could win this division by 6 or 7 games.
Meanwhile, I am finally beginning to grasp that the Padres are for real and probably will win the West. Bud Black should be hands down manager of the year. The additions of Ludwick and Tejada give them some needed pop. The Braves had better finish strong and get the home field, because methinks the Padres will be pretty salty on their home field in the playoffs.
jayvee
August 19th, 2010
5:46 am
And by the way, Yunel has 2 rbi in August for Toronto.
Southside Dawg
August 19th, 2010
6:11 am
You said the magic words “80 million”. Glaus is just another overpaid player that I don’t see anything noble about. Those of us in the real world do all sorts of grunt stuff and are humiliated along the way earning a living. I wish the guy well but as Glavine always used to say “it is a business”.
Trade Nate for a Bag of balls
August 19th, 2010
7:18 am
southside:
Glaus was an amazing player with the Angels, arizona and some of Toronto. He is a WS Champ
He did earn the 80 million unless other players .
Trade Nate for a Bag of balls
August 19th, 2010
7:18 am
unlike*
F-105 Thunderchief
August 19th, 2010
7:19 am
Troy Glaus is a good guy, who is a d@mn good Brave. A professional athlete behaving professionally, imagine that. Thanks, Troy. Hope to see you back and contributing when you get healed up a bit.
yeah c'mon
August 19th, 2010
7:21 am
robdawg08, I don’t see D-Lee staying 3 to 4 years.
Southside Dawg, that is 80 million over about 12 years. He put up some solid numbers and his career stats would have looked better if it werent for a few injury shortened seasons. I hope he can comeback and play alittle 3rd. If he can’t then he just be a RH power bat off the bench. I mean he couldnt be any worse than Greg Norton, right?
bob
August 19th, 2010
7:25 am
I like Glaus, and he has been playing hurt. But he is a college educated man playing for a new multimillion dollar contract, so it is more a good business move to get paid. Besides, $12k to heal up is not that bad. Also he still could be this year’s World Series MVP. So yes he deserves some credit, but let’s not throw a parade. If he was a NBA, then his actions would be considered extraordinary.
AOW
August 19th, 2010
7:36 am
What could he say? Who would have picked him up if he was a whiny, and gimp player?
TommyP
August 19th, 2010
7:37 am
What???? He deserves credit for not popping off because a better player is replacing him?
He hasn’t hit for months.
He hobbles around like he’s 60.
He’s basically entering journeyman status at this point in his career. (watch how many teams he plays with from here on out….there’s a reason the Braves got him so cheap)
What playoff team would pick him up to start if released? (crickets)
Why the hell is he to be lauded for being so classy?
STRINGER
August 19th, 2010
7:40 am
Being a sub is better than flipping burgers!
jeffrey d
August 19th, 2010
7:44 am
I don’t get why there’s so much hate for Troy Glaus. He wasn’t intentionally hurting the team. He was working his butt off and playing through enormous pain to try to help.
Joey
August 19th, 2010
7:47 am
Good luck Troy. Rehab those knees and come back with a May/June like hot bat!
suwaneedawg
August 19th, 2010
7:57 am
Buzz29
August 18th, 2010
9:11 pm
“Maybe Heyward could catch a ride with Troy. Hell, I can strike out 3 times a game with the occasional fly out to the warning track”.
Typical techie, foot in mouth, head in butt.
Craig
August 19th, 2010
8:00 am
I hope Lee gives us that boost for consistency in hitting that we need going into the playoffs. Glaus is a class guy but, I am glad he will be sitting for a while. Getting him to start feeling better can only help us in the last 3 weeks of the season.
Blackberry Cobbler
August 19th, 2010
8:05 am
As bad as Glaus has been, Ankiel has been much worse. I would have more happy with keeping Glaus and getting a power bat in the outfield. Ankiel sux.
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
August 19th, 2010
8:18 am
I don’t get people who bash their team’s players, manager, etc. We’re in first place, but Glaus and Bobby Cox had nothing to do with it. Ankiel plays good D and has hit enough, but he’s bashed, too. Unless a guy is dogging it, I support my team and bash the other guy’s team. Like I said, I don’t get it. Some people like to feel like know-it-alls, I guess.
Idot
August 19th, 2010
8:20 am
Ankiel scored the winning run last night.
It is probably impossible for people, that do not have any class, to recognize it in others.
Navigator
August 19th, 2010
8:20 am
Glaus should consider retiring after this season, as his demeanor in the dugout is reflecting that he doesn’t want to be here. He’s slow, many times can’t handle the double play situations (started by him), and he’s out of shape (overweight). Maybe another team might help him, but who would want him now? Ankiel is gone after the season (or sooner), with the trade being a bad investment. I just hope they haven’t given away the farm to get all of the old veterans, and Lee may not be the player they need either, just hope he is. I think the infield gets better now than it’s been the whole season, and maybe for seasons to come. Now if Chipper would decide not to come back and rob the Braves for another $14M, maybe this is the beginning of 1991 all over again.
Tami
August 19th, 2010
8:21 am
I’d like to ask this question of the bloggers, and Jeff: Since the Braves will be in Chicago (probably tonight) for tomorrow’s game 1 of the weekend series and Derrek is not joining the team until the team arrives there, what happens with Derrek? I am assuming that he’s no longer a Cub as of yesterday’s announcement. So, does he just get the day off today?
GOBOSOX
August 19th, 2010
8:25 am
Ok….. Bravos fans this summer has been very fun!! But after this summer WATCH OUT!! There are so many free agents on this team that it is not funny!! As a Braves and Red Sox fan i am concerned that after this year the Braves are going to be a team that cuts pay roll down to $80 million!! Cox will be gone and they can put some no name in there and feel they are going to be doing Atl proud…
Craig
August 19th, 2010
8:38 am
Tami, Lee having another day off is a good thing. The guys back has been hurting and it gives him another day to get his “stuff” together involving his family. This is a pretty big move for this guy considering he has been with the Cubs for some time.
Alan
August 19th, 2010
8:50 am
Thanks Troy for another example of what the Atlanta Braves are all about, thanks for your efforts, thanks for starting the ball rolling and thanks for going with the program ao that you can come back and continue to make us even better.
ramblingman
August 19th, 2010
8:51 am
Tami – yes D Lee will get the day off, an extra day to rest his back.
GOBOSOX – what free agents are you referring to? I see some of the outfielders (Melky, Ankiel) and some in the bullpen (Wags if he indeed retires but replaced by Venters, Saito, Farnsworth), Glaus (replaced by Freeman), Hinske (possibly resigned or replaced), and two team options that will be definitely picked up – Infante and Gonzo. That’s not an extreme amount of FA’s.
meh
August 19th, 2010
8:55 am
if Glaus can get his knees feeling good he’ll be beast coming off the bench.
keith
August 19th, 2010
9:04 am
I like the trade, and I like Glaus coming off the bench….
There is NO WAY Glaus works out at the “hot corner.” Wren is delusional if he thinks that he can play 3rd after struggling at 1st at times. And I’m a Wren-supporter.
welikebaseball2
August 19th, 2010
9:11 am
Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t think Glaus’ knees have anything to do with his failure to produce at the plate. His “knees” are the reason we had to make a move? Really? Wow. Way to sugarcoat it folks. Face it, knees aside, he was a hole in the lineup & we simply couldn’t go on with him as our starting first baseman.
Eraserhead
August 19th, 2010
9:12 am
Troy Glaus is a true professional!
Chip
August 19th, 2010
9:14 am
Braves choke,Braves choke,Braves choke. as usual