Poll time: If Braves get Lee, should they drop-kick Glaus?
Troy Glaus homered against Los Angeles Sunday but he has only two in his last 46 games.
If the Braves acquire first baseman Derrek Lee — and that’s a good move only if the Chicago Cubs’ first baseman doesn’t arrive in traction for his bad back — general manager Frank Wren has a question: What does he do with Troy Glaus?
Glaus has been a lightning rod almost from Day 1. First, he was an embarrassment (.194 with nine RBIs in April). Then he was a Godsend (.330 with 28 RBI in May). Now he’s pretty much flotsam again (.174 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in his last 46 games). He has grounded into a team-high 16 double plays and struck out his first three times up Tuesday night against Washington (he wound up going 1-for-5, with a meaningless eighth-inning RBI double in a 10-2 win).
Manager Bobby Cox remains loyal to Glaus, but he’s in the minority. So what are the Braves to do? Here are the options:
♦ RELEASE HIM: Glaus can’t be traded. So if the Braves simply want him off the payroll, they’ll have to simply say goodbye. His base salary ($1.75 million) is a non-factor. But he already has made an additional $950,000 in bonuses for roster and plate appearances (that’s $2.7 million combined). He has 466 plate appearances. His next incentive bonus ($350,000) kicks in at 500 plate appearances. There are other plateaus at 550 PA ($400,000) and 600 PA, which isn’t likely ($550,000). So the Braves could save some money on incentives.
Loading ...♦ BENCH HIM: If the Braves want a potential power bat on the bench, they could simply make Glaus a reserve. This could appease Cox and leave open the possibility that extra rest would help Glaus’s ailing knees, potentially making him a viable option down the stretch. The built-in assumption there, however, is that he’s not already toast and still has something left to contribute. The other issue: Would you trust Glaus in a crucial at-bat in September or a postseason game?
♦ DISABLE HIM: Like benching Glaus, this would give him some needed rest. It also would put a stop sign on more incentive bonuses. If there comes a time when the Braves are confident Glaus is ready to contribute, then he could be activated, probably when rosters expand in September.
One final word on this subject: Many have you have screamed for the Braves to bring up prospect Freddie Freeman from Gwinnett. That’s understandable, given how he’s ripping up Triple-A. But it also seems clear that the Braves have some concerns about adding another 20-year-old to the roster during a playoff race (not to mention the financial aspect of starting the clock on Freeman’s arbitration window). Otherwise, Freeman would’ve been here already.
So what do you think? I’ll put up a poll but I also want to see your comments. If the Lee trade is completed, do the Braves release Glaus, bench him or disable him?
My vote, by the way: Disable him. It buys time and saves money.
♦
Miss the past few blogs? No problem
♦ 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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200 comments Add your comment
DCbravosfan
August 18th, 2010
1:07 pm
first . . . and keep glaus . . . spot starts at 3rd
Tim Tebow's Tears
August 18th, 2010
1:08 pm
I likey
Bryan G.
August 18th, 2010
1:09 pm
I think disable him would probably be the best bet. That way I don’t have to see him come up and hit into another late inning DP for at least 15 days.
DCbravosfan
August 18th, 2010
1:11 pm
also, any idea of how he would respond to a trip to the DL? Glaus seems like a class guy, but I worry that the Bravos putting him on a fake DL stint might be a shot at his ego that sinks him for the rest of the year
Braves fan80
August 18th, 2010
1:12 pm
Remember Lee has injury problems also would be smart to keep Glaus as a spot starter at first and also a bat off the bench.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
August 18th, 2010
1:12 pm
they should keep him. he was mvp for the world series at on point in time. if the brave are in the WS, he could be the DH. Resting him can only do good. GO BRAVES!!!
Brownie
August 18th, 2010
1:13 pm
If the Braves won’t have to send any minor leaguers to the Cubs to consummate this deal (just a financial deal), then I would be all for this. I unfortunately have no confidence that Glaus will get healthy enough to return to his May (or even June) form, if he plays every day. And if Lee’s back is iffy, platooning the two of them works for me – probably get more out of both of them that way.
The Braves should NOT just dump Troy – he has played very hurt all year, what a gamer with no complaints or requests to sit out. With rest, he might just give us some productivity in the stretch run and playoffs.
Ric Flair
August 18th, 2010
1:14 pm
I like the idea of disabling him….. If he has time to heal and he’s not playing every day, I still think he can help us.
Herschel Talker
August 18th, 2010
1:14 pm
Schultzie:
Just bench him. That May production means he shouldn’t be released. There’s always one roster spot that’s dead weight, so it should be him.
HT
Gary O.
August 18th, 2010
1:15 pm
Jeff,
The plan for the Braves is for Freeman to be the starting 1B next season. So my understanding is that if they bring him up now, or wait until next Spring, then his arbitration clock will be the same.
But they are probably waiting until rosters expand in September to bring him up.
As for Glaus, I say disable him. That will give him at least 2 weeks to rest, and I think his biggest problem is his legs/knees. He alsmost fell over on 3B last night, just trying to keep his balance.
Ree Roe
August 18th, 2010
1:15 pm
DL for Glaus. Jeff, what is the timetable for getting this trade done with Lee? By the end of the day? End of the week? And is there any real chance it doesn’t get done at this point?
-REEgal Roe!!!
PMC
August 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
We was thinking the Braves would get in trouble for assault if they was to disable somebody… That’s kind of mean isn’t it?
stevie zero
August 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
put him on the dl and let him rest. his body is obviously in need with or without derek lee. he is a hinderence in an already schizophrenic lineup. he hasn’t performed in two months and im sick of seeing him struggle EVERY GAME. derek lee is at least hitting (when healthy) and glaus is neither hitting nor healthy
joe
August 18th, 2010
1:17 pm
Keep him on the bench…might be again good after a loooooonnnngg rest.
ThreeDawgKnight
August 18th, 2010
1:18 pm
Loyalty: (not much left in today’s world)
BC’s greatest strength. That’s why everyone
in baseball [D.Lee] included wants to play
for the man.
We would not even be in the race w/o Troy.
His Big ‘May’ = key to season.
Willi
August 18th, 2010
1:19 pm
Glaus is another of Bobby’s worthless favorites, I don’t understand why he still is in the lineup, GET RID of him.
JoshTown
August 18th, 2010
1:20 pm
What if we get Lee, then a week and a half from now his back goes out? With Glaus on the DL, it’ll be harder to replace. I say bench him, use him late in the game for some pop, and have a back up in case Lee doesn’t work out.
Thoughtful
August 18th, 2010
1:21 pm
I agree with the comments. The Braves should definitely keep him. I would put him on the DL to give those knees some rest. The break would also give Cox time to get comfortable with Lee without the temptation of running Glaus back out there before he’s ready out of loyalty. If Glaus ready, bring him back the last couple weeks of the season to get his timing down and to see whether he has anything left. Worst case, if Lee’s back doesn’t recover, the Braves have a rested Glaus that has to be better than the one that is clearly running on empty at the moment.
Mr_Ed
August 18th, 2010
1:23 pm
Don’t trade for lee, and upset the cart let’s finish the dance with the one who has brought us this far
Sleeze
August 18th, 2010
1:23 pm
Willi, can the rest of us get rid of you?
BoroBall3
August 18th, 2010
1:23 pm
I thought that if you release someone, you’d still have to pay his contract? Yeah he wouldnt reach the incentives with AB’s, but he would still be owed about $250k in base salaray for the rest of the season (give or take)
Thoughtful
August 18th, 2010
1:25 pm
If we could keep Norton for a year, certainly we can carry Glaus for another couple months. If both knees failed and he lost his eyesight, Glaus still has a better chance of getting a hit (maybe even a blind-squirrel HR) than Norton did at any point last year. AND NORTON WAS HEALTHY!
John L
August 18th, 2010
1:25 pm
I’d bench him,pay him his bonus.The guy is terrible right now,but he did put this team on his back and carried it to first place.The man is trying his best,its painful to watch,but he is hurting the club.
Mike
August 18th, 2010
1:25 pm
Much effort for little/no reward?
Trading for Lee makes me nervous b/c we can be sure we’re getting anything better than what we have with Glaus. I was one of the first to write Glaus off in April and had to shut up the following month, so I believe he can get hot again. Glaus would also make a pretty expensive bench player…kinda like when KK was in the bullpen. I have been a Derek Lee fan for years and when it comes to clubhouse atmosphere, I know he’d fit right in. But I still wonder if it’s going to be worth trading for him in the long run – not knowing if he’ll be an improvement. I say keep Glaus around.
brewhaha
August 18th, 2010
1:26 pm
Keep him, give him time off those gimpy knees and use him to spell Lee every few games. He’d also be a decent bat off the bench as well as insurance if Lee goes down
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
August 18th, 2010
1:26 pm
i believe it will be a win/win situation for the braves. they can rest one while the other get a chance to play. eventually both will get well from injury. then you can have a choice of an offensive threat of the plate.
Mike
August 18th, 2010
1:27 pm
sorry, that was supposed to say “Trading for Lee makes me nervous b/c we CAN’T be sure…”
typical poster on this blog
August 18th, 2010
1:28 pm
make him the manager since everyone thinks Cox is so bad…
Ramblin Wrecker
August 18th, 2010
1:29 pm
Jeff,
You are wrong about Freddie Freeman’s arb clock, and for some reason nobody at the AJC will inform the readers about the arb clock process.
Freeman could have been called up any time after June 1, 2010 and IF the Braves planned on him being the starting first baseman on opening day 2011, he would still not be eligible for arbitration any sooner than 2013 if he is a Super Two (which if he stayed on the roster that entire time, he would get Super Two).
I think what the Braves aren’t telling us, and the AJC is not bright enough to realize is that the reluctance the Braves are showing to bringing up Freeman is not about him being a rookie, because they don’t need him to be the starter, just a bench bat part time starter, but it’s because they don’t really plan on him starting from day one in 2011, but rather to keep him down until June (a la Stephen Strasburg) to keep him from reaching arb until 2014.
TF
August 18th, 2010
1:30 pm
Does DLee not have to clear waivers before a trade is completed? Will the Phils not block it?
As for Glaus, releasing him sends a clear message to the clubhouse that holes in the lineup will not be tolerated down the stretch.
Jt
August 18th, 2010
1:34 pm
I know loyalty supposedly means nothing to sports teams anymore, but you can’t just release Glaus. First of all the Braves would not be in first place if not for him. He carried them in May and early June. Secondly, Lee is as injury prone as Glaus is. I think some time on the DL would be good for him and then figuring out whether to use him to spell Lee or as a pinch hitter. Can’t be so cold as to release him- can they?
OldSkool
August 18th, 2010
1:36 pm
Are you kidding? This is a no-brainer… Bench the Biotch! Last night’s ABs are Glauses season in a microcosm: “Dude, you’ve got two strikes on you… Cut down your hack and simply put it in play.”
That’s my beef with his approach.
LCJ
August 18th, 2010
1:36 pm
I wouldn’t trade for Lee, but would more actively utilize Hinske against RHPs. Use Glaus only against Leftys. This would keep the team chemistry and also keep Hinske active. Somehow they keep winning with the current team. Don’t mess it up!
siskel_god
August 18th, 2010
1:36 pm
He could be a very dangerous bench bat in the playoffs if he gets hot again. Using him as a pinch hitter comes with the understanding that you can NEVER let him hit if there is a runner on first, I would rather let Peter Moylan hit with a runner at first. Troy can still run into one occasionally so keep him around, it really can’t hurt anything.
Clarence
August 18th, 2010
1:37 pm
c’mon. we’uns no want darius lee. git sumone good like that fat prince — fielder.
jsf3000
August 18th, 2010
1:37 pm
Disable him.
I don’t thik any pitcher would be scared to pitch to Glaus in the post season (or any season for that matter).
Derek Lee
August 18th, 2010
1:38 pm
Drop kick him.
F-105 Thunderchief
August 18th, 2010
1:38 pm
Move him to the bench and let him recuperate. With Lee being creaky, too, maybe you get one really good first baseman from the two of them.
Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:43 pm
Gary O. — If Freeman makes the team out of spring training next season, then you are correct. Personally, I never assume a prospect is going to make the team until he actually does. I’ve seen too many cases of a team deciding somebody wasn’t ready — and erring when they thought he was. The extreme example of this: Jordan Schafer. That’s why I wrote what I wrote (and this goes for the other commenter who thinks the rest of us are all idiots). Frank Wren himself reminded everybody the other day about how delicate the process is.
Mark's for the Braves
August 18th, 2010
1:43 pm
Keep Glaus. He’ll come around. Bring up Freeman in September and play them both. It’ll give Glaus some rest. Who needs another broken down firstbaseman in Lee? Now if you can land Ramirez from the Cubs, that’s a different story…
Najeh Davenpoop
August 18th, 2010
1:44 pm
I like the “disable him” option. It provides the Braves with the highest level of flexibility, and in the event Lee himself gets injured at some point the Braves may actually need Glaus back. A healthy, rested Glaus would only serve to deepen the bench come playoff time. I see no reason to release him unless he’s being a bad locker room guy, which is clearly not the case.
Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:45 pm
Ramblin Wrecker: See above.
Ralph
August 18th, 2010
1:45 pm
Why do you say they can not trade him? Is it a contract thing? The Cardinals would do anything to have him catching the ball at 3b for them.
Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:45 pm
Oldskool — His legs are gone. It’s obvious.
Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:47 pm
For those inquiring (here or via Twitter) on the disabling thing — It’s not like the Braves would be “faking” anything. Glaus is legitimately ailing — although he’s never admitted that publicly.
Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
1:48 pm
Ralph — I mean “can’t” as in nobody would give anything for him. And no, the Cardinals would not want him as their third basemen right not because he’s in NO condition to play third. He can barely play first, which isn’t nearly the strain on his knees.
Gman
August 18th, 2010
1:50 pm
Jeff,
Was watching the BC post-game interview on “Braves Live” last night and BC said something to the effect of, “Hi Jeff glad you made it before the end of the game” to which the barely audible response was, “had to go the Falcons…”
Was that you?
Ghostrider
August 18th, 2010
1:51 pm
Glaus has been up and down all season, but I still like him. He had a huge May and part of June. I just don’t think we should kick him to the curb, it just wouldn’t be right.
peter nincompoop
August 18th, 2010
1:51 pm
Wouldn’t the braves need a valid medical excuse to DL Glaus? I don’t know if bad knees really cuts it .
Traver
August 18th, 2010
1:52 pm
DL Then spot starts at 3rd and/or 1st. Derek Lee is no homerun health wise either. Together Lee and Glaus might give each other the rest they need to be productive.
Bill
August 18th, 2010
1:52 pm
Great move by Wren to get Lee. (If Back Ok) There’s your power from right side and great D plus good in clubhouse. Also sends a message the Braves intend to win this Race and on to WS.
From Insider its done and Lee will be here Thursday if approved.
Ice-Man
August 18th, 2010
1:53 pm
Agree Ghostrider-we wouldn’t be anywhere near first place without Glaus’
May production. The Braves moved into first on May 31st and have been hanging on ever since.
Chief Pitchanono
August 18th, 2010
1:53 pm
No way you dump him, without his bat during May/June we wouldn’t be in first place. Yes he has been anything but consistent this season, and know one can know what kind of September or October to expect from him. At the least he could be valuable off the bench, maybe spot start at third and or platoon at first if we get Derek Lee. I think the key to getting the most out of Glaus is rest. I don’ t think you have to DL him to do that, but you could. Point is he needs some time off before the craziness of September/October baseball starts and If we get lee or call up Freeman the Braves can afford to do that. Lee is not exactly the healthiest guy either so he’s gonna need some regular timeoff too so these guys will be good for each other.
ShaunC
August 18th, 2010
1:53 pm
Glaus is a big part of why we are in first place. Don’t release the guy. Get him some rest. He smoked spring training. I’d trust him in Sept and beyond. But only with rest.
RIlo Johnson
August 18th, 2010
1:56 pm
By Troy Glaus do you me “The Eraser” or “The Liability” Why on earth would you get rid of a guy that has given us 1 good month in a 5 month season so far. (Please pick up on the Sarcasm) If I hear one more person defending “the Eraser’s” efforts this season I’m going to get physically sick. He is a liability at the plate and in the field.
We haven’t had a quality 1st Baseman since the Crime Dog and Lee would be a great addition. I hope he can clear waivers.
ShaunC
August 18th, 2010
1:57 pm
Could the Lee interest be coming from Glaus acknowledging that his knees are hurting him and he needs a rest to Bobby?
Boss
August 18th, 2010
1:58 pm
Some of you forget this is a business…You are paid to produce and win just like your on job. Glaus is not producing now, you are out to win, give him time on DL and when he can produce he’ll be ready. BUSINESS is key word! He is hurting the team now..Business is Business.
Boss
August 18th, 2010
2:00 pm
Lee has to approve the deal.
Mike in NC
August 18th, 2010
2:01 pm
I say put him on the DL to rest up for now. Once he’s healthy, I’d use him as a pinch-hitter or a spot start for D-Lee. If the Bravos make a run to the World Series, then I’d look at him to DH as well.
LuisG
August 18th, 2010
2:07 pm
If we do get Lee and we bench Glaus, that would compromise our bench, since we’d have to demote Diory Hernandez, who can play the infield. I’d say, we could disable him, to give him some time to rest his knees or whatever is affecting him. We can’t drop him now, that’s not the right thing to do. He deserves another chance to prove he’s not done and that he can contribute for this team down the stretch.
JG
August 18th, 2010
2:08 pm
KEEP GLAUS. Play the hot hitter, releasing him is RIDICULOUS. The Braves would probably be 3-4 games behind the Phillies without Glaus, he carried this team in May.
D. Lee at best will be with the braves for 78 more days if they go to game 7 of the WS. He is always hurt, has no better numbers than Glaus & could definitely screw up the chemistry in the clubhouse.
Teams win the WS with great pitching, great chemistry and timely hitting. To dump the guy that got you there for a rental guy that is not a “true brave” and has no intentions to be is dangerous. The Marlins have more WS titles than us and don’t always have the big power hitting, big money lineups.
Win or lose the Braves should be LOYAL and treat the players right, screw the Teixeira’s of the league and Yankees who buy a title. I would rather have 1 title with home grown kid’s and guys you have had from day one than 10 with a bunch of greedy and ME FIRST ATTITUDE auction players. You only remember and respect the player’s and teams that choose to do it the right way!
Najeh Davenpoop
August 18th, 2010
2:11 pm
“If we do get Lee and we bench Glaus, that would compromise our bench, since we’d have to demote Diory Hernandez, who can play the infield”
Wouldn’t Brandon Hicks get sent down first?
Ed
August 18th, 2010
2:11 pm
We would be 8 games out if not for Troy. And the numbers for both are similar. I say play them both.
Nope
August 18th, 2010
2:12 pm
Disable him, because he is disabled. Have you seen the guy run lately??? It hurts my knees just watching him try to waddle out of the batters box.
coach k
August 18th, 2010
2:12 pm
quit screwing with the chemistry, give him some days off, platoon him with hinski. lee will only mess up or kama. keep omar in the one hole, put prado in the 2 spot and heward in the 3 hole and turn him loose. this team is fine just the way it is. glaus will be fine with some rest, hell he missed all last yr was player of the month in may
Yunel Asscobar
August 18th, 2010
2:12 pm
Chief Pitchanono may be smoking an illegal substance in the ol teepee if he’s suggesting a spot start for Glaus at 3rd. The guy’s like a redwood tree…if every ball is hit right at his face, perhaps it would work.
Bob Horner
August 18th, 2010
2:13 pm
Glaus was a huge asset in May…he’s part of the team…I say keep him on as a reserve..I don’t believe they should just cut him…but I’m soft hearted..(and I’ve been let go before) not fun
GoBraves!
August 18th, 2010
2:13 pm
Why would Braves want Ramirez from Cubs? He’s hitting below .230 and owed close to $15 mil next season. Some people here have no idea what they’re talking about.
observor
August 18th, 2010
2:15 pm
To me the obvious solution is to DL him for 15 days. This allows you to bring up another player that can contribute off the bench. Once the DL stint expires, the September roster expansion would of already taken effect so you won’t have to send anybody down and lose someone off the bench.
Lastly, should the Braves make it to the World Series, Glaus would make an ideal DH hitter. You could bat him 8th or 9th in the order, which wouldn’t be a spot you depend on for production, but he is still capable of hitting a ball out any at bat, which is a lot better then having a pitcher bat (with the exception of Hudson).
boots
August 18th, 2010
2:18 pm
DL and then rest him a lot. He can be a good power bat off the bench if he gets his bat speed back up after a rest. If he really does find it impossible to run, then I would consider just releasing him, but that is not good karma for the Bravos. He is part of the team and has helped us get where we are, so keep him.
Bob Horner had a big fro
August 18th, 2010
2:19 pm
I would not put him at third. If Lee is injury prone, we can use him as a backup first baseman.
coach k
August 18th, 2010
2:19 pm
we don’t need anybody from the Cubs, just say no thank you.
Steve
August 18th, 2010
2:22 pm
I say keep him on the bench. We know he could play third and he can still hit. I think his knees are killing him and he definitely would be fresher coming off the bench. Besides there is no guarantee that Lee’s back would hold up through the Postseason. Oh and I would sign Henski to a 3 year deal right now!!!!!
Mitchell
August 18th, 2010
2:26 pm
As bad as the Braves have looked at times (or perhaps have played), as hard as it is to believe that this bunch is really in first place what with scrubs like Nate McLouth, Rick Ankiel, Diory Hernandez, Troy Glaus and the late Jesse Chavez taking up space on the roster and as much reason as there is to believe that they’ll still find a way to choke with everything on the line (seriously, am I the only one who remembers that last week of 2009 at this point?)… they have 70 wins.
They’ve won three fewer games than the Yankees and have lost three fewer games as well. Really, the Yankees should be ashamed of themselves.
The fact that the Braves are even in the same neighborhood with the Yankees given the disparity in payroll is freakish.
This team continues to win in spite of major injuries to key players and the repeated transgressions of their Hall of Fame manager. They can play sub .500 ball the rest of the way and still feasibly win the wild card. If they play just slightly above .500 they are assured of winning 90 plus games.
To go about trading away even more prospects for a rental player, who until Friday had fewer home runs than Martin Prado, so our beloved Bobby Cox can go out a “winner” when he had ample opportunities to win it all with far superior teams and failed miserably thirteen times out of fourteen is unbelievable.
This team’s best years lay ahead but not if we continue to give away the future.
It’s not worth it. Frankly, he doesn’t deserve to win a World Series and Derrek Lee doesn’t guarantee anything.
The fact is this they can still win the division with Troy Glaus and winning the division is a major accomplishment in itself.
There’s almost no doubt they’ll lose in the playoffs. I don’t see the worth in making this trade.
Archie
August 18th, 2010
2:28 pm
Platoon Glaus with Derek Lee. Give Lee 4 starts a week with Glaus being the pinch hitter, then give Glaus the other 2 or 3 starts. Both are injury prone and always carry nagging injuries, so each could use the weekly rest that the other provides. Both guys are simply being overworked, it’s not talent or experience holding them back. With lightened workloads, both guys could get better quality at-bats in the games which they play. With their similar styles, they’re perfect compliments to each other. Same style hitters, both right handed, both are power hitters, both could hit in the 4-5-6 spots to break up our string of lefties at the plate.
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 18th, 2010
2:29 pm
I saw somebody say they would rather have Ramirez than Lee, from the Cubs. As a Cub fan, I’d think you need to take another look at that. Both have had down years but Ramirez has been awful, most of the year. That doesn’t even take into account the contract you’d be buying into. Lee has a lot more potential upside than Ramirez.
Toy Gunn
August 18th, 2010
2:30 pm
I would definately keep Glaus on the bench with some starts to dispell Lee. It would be stupid to get rid of Glaus, his veteran playoff experience is needed on the bench and when rested he can still rake. Plus it would be bad kharma considering he is a major reason they went on the tear and have the division lead.
MP
August 18th, 2010
2:31 pm
at this point disable the guy. let him rest his knees. maybe platoon him once he comes off DL and if it looks like he’s not gonna be the same ole rally-killing, DP machine he’s been for two months put him wherever they hid kawakami a month ago!!!
Mitchell
August 18th, 2010
2:33 pm
ThreeDawgKnight
August 18th, 2010
1:18 pm
Loyalty: (not much left in today’s world)
BC’s greatest strength. That’s why everyone
in baseball [D.Lee] included wants to play
for the man.
Except Johnny Damon, Ken Griffey Jr., Jake Peavy and others.
Loyalty is Bobby Cox’s weakness. It’s why he won only one World Series in five tries.
Naf Sevarb
August 18th, 2010
2:33 pm
Glaus is already on my disabled list
PDOG
August 18th, 2010
2:37 pm
You would have to keep Glaus. 1) With Lee’s back issues you need some insurance 2) If the Braves make it to the WS and Glaus gets some rest he could be great as the right handed DH and 3) The guy played his heart out for the Braves, he carried this team for a month and half. Don’t drop him like an old shoe.
Mr. Sunshine
August 18th, 2010
2:38 pm
how many 1st basemen do we need? Trade for Lee disable Glaus if Lee needs a break we have Hinske who bats left which is ideal in a semi platoon situation. Prado can play first and after sept. 1st we can call up Freeman. I would love to see Glaus get healthy and be productive like he was in May but I think his knees were in alot better shape then.
Pepe Frias played here.
August 18th, 2010
2:40 pm
Put Glaus on the DL,which if you do it today, he will be eligible to come off when they expand the rosters on Sept. 1.
Mike in NC
August 18th, 2010
2:40 pm
@ Mitchell
Loyalty is why Bobby only won 1 World Series in 5 tries? I think it has something to do with running into a Yankees dynasty twice. I suppose Bobby Cox’s loyalty is why Chipper has a postseason batting average 20 points below his career regular season average too, huh?
Brave Dawg
August 18th, 2010
2:43 pm
I favor disabling him. My only fear is that Bobby later would let him pinch hit with men on base. He bats much better with no one on base and no pressure but has a tendency to strike out or ground into a double play with men on
richard
August 18th, 2010
2:44 pm
Sub with Lee. It is not like Lee is at his best anyway. Use Lee against right hander, Glaus against righthander.
DawgDad
August 18th, 2010
2:44 pm
Disable him. Frees up a roster spot for Lee, Glaus can be re-activated after 15 days and that being September he can be added back to the roster with both he and Lee playoff-eligible.
Cutting him is truly a bit cold-hearted and might not play well in the locker room. The team could elect to pay all or part of missed incentives to soothe over any bad feelings. That said, McLouth and KK were “cut” for performance reasons.
Disabling Troy at this point is doing him a huge favor. He can rest the legs and be back for the stretch run and as an available option for a playoff roster spot. Lee’s back might be an issue while Troy is on the DL but Canizares and/or Freeman are available as fall-back options.
I actually think disabling Glaus might happen even if the Lee trade falls through. We’re past the point where Canizares or Freeman is a better option at first base with Glaus hobbling around the way he is.
Bob Horners emotional issues
August 18th, 2010
2:44 pm
Gotta keep Glauss on the team-but will rest really help his wheels? How badly is he hurt?
All I'm Saying...
August 18th, 2010
2:45 pm
Trading for Lee makes sense. Lee is available, a good clubhouse guy, and a steady hitter with far more power than Glaus. Not much demand for Lee either since he’s 35 and in last year of his multi-million dollar per year deal. And, as if you needed more convincing, Cubs are way out of it and even Pinella is leaving town. So, Braves can get him (Phillies don’t need to do anything with all their guys including Ryan Howard coming back from DL) and probably do the proverbial player to be named later—much later—to pick him up.
As for Glaus, I’ll go with what you are able to see much closer Schultz and assume his health is questionable and a stint on the DL would do his body good (along with a cortisone shot too?—not sure and by no means a doctor–just asking). No need to jettison him as we need to load up on veterans who ought to be able to come off the bench and give a good at bat as you need them for the playoffs and rookies and September call-ups usually don’t know how to handle spot duty or pinch hitting.
LET’S GO BRAVES!
World's #1 Hoveround Salesman
August 18th, 2010
2:45 pm
Glaus will not be released. Stupid to even bring this up. When is the last time Cox let that happen. Glaus plays with you all year…hurt most of the time and you release him. C’mon.
If they get Lee that will afford Wren some time to put Glaus on the DL, let him gets some shots in his knees and get well.
Lee isn’t much better. Back issues don’t go away (just ask Randy Johnson and David Wells), especially when your job is to swing a baseball bat hundreds of times a day. We can still have Hinske as a fill-in guy at first if Lee gets hurt. Plus Prado has played first a few this year as well.
When rosters expand, Freeman will be here and he could get a little bit of time as well.
To all the idiots still saying put Glaus at 3rd…get a clue and watch a game or two.
Zebra Fields
August 18th, 2010
2:48 pm
I kind of like the idea of rotating the two creaky first basemen in and out… maybe Glaus and Lee would be extremely productive down the stretch giving each other plenty of days to rest. However, it seems like a better idea to bring the young guy up (Freeman) to spell the creaky guy (Glaus), rather than trade for another creak guy (Lee), though.
IceColdATLien
August 18th, 2010
2:49 pm
I say move Glaus to 3rd base… as in “3rd base coach”
Mark (another one)
August 18th, 2010
2:49 pm
Put Glaus on the bench but don’t DL him. If Lee’s back flares up, Glaus plays 1st. Otherwise, he rests his knees and is available for pinch hitting. Surely Glaus is worth the 25th spot on the roster. Also, it is 8/18 so rosters expand in less than two weeks.
I don’t know what is wrong with Glaus’ knees but he appears to be in pain, and rest may help. If not, he has obviously decided to await the off season for any repairs. The point is that the Braves know the situation and their options, and Glaus is the best option at 1st right now.
With Lee currently hitting over .300, that would represent an upgrade from the present situaiton, and even Glaus would respect that move. At the end of the day, these guys want to win, and he knows he isn’t 100%.
Give the man some credit
August 18th, 2010
2:51 pm
My oh my,
Glaus CANNOT and [most likely] WILL NOT play at third for the remainder of the year (barring something extremely tragic). If the trade for Derek Lee goes through, which I hope it does, you slide Glaus to the bench.
You might DL him for a bit to at least keep him on the roster so that he can eligible for the postseason.
Here’s the things, folks: Troy Glaus has 70 RBIs (34 of which came with two outs). There are still six weeks left in the season [give or take], and he has more than held up his obligation to the contract. Any team in the league would take his numbers for THAT salary.
Regardless of his OPS, AVG, SLG, wOBA, and whatever else you want to gripe about, he still is performing rather well. And he even has had quite a fair share of stellar defensive plays.
DawgDad
August 18th, 2010
2:52 pm
“They can play sub .500 ball the rest of the way and still feasibly win the wild card.”
Far more likely they could play .575 ball the rest of the way and MISS the playoffs. All it takes is for the Phillies to play to their potential and one team in another Division to get hot.
GTI in Chicago
August 18th, 2010
2:52 pm
I think you simply disable Troy. I think his legs are in bad shape and this has a lot to do with his vanishing power. Maybe it doesn’t explain everything about the long slump, but he’s definitely hurting. (Look at the effect a bad thumb had on Heyward for over a month.) Disable him, give him a chance to get healthy. Whenever he’s had a little rest, he’s come back swinging better for a little while.
Bring up Freddie on the 1st. Use him here and there to spell Lee and or Glaus. Give him a taste.
Yes, it’s 1st Base by committee, but with each of them getting their days off, I think they all (and the Braves) benefit.
BigD
August 18th, 2010
2:52 pm
Keep him. Put him on the DL for 2 weeks to heal up. Then he and Lee could play like three days in a row resting the other and using him to PH. That way they both could rest their ailing parts and be ready for the playoffs. GO BRAVES
Daniel
August 18th, 2010
2:55 pm
DL till roster expands to 40. Then include on the playoff roster. We need an experienced RH power bat coming off the bench. Plus if we make it to the World Series, he’d be valuable as the DH against a lefty.
Keith
August 18th, 2010
2:57 pm
Bye Bye Glaus! It’s time to go.
Braves Fan
August 18th, 2010
2:58 pm
Glaus can not be blamed for his legs giving out. He has shown a lot of intestinal fortitude by giving his best efforts every game at first base, even though in pain. Not many players can you say that about. This dedication deserves some respect. Cutting him loose would be a slap in the face for this dedication. We have plenty of players who will releive Lee. Cutting Glaus loose or not giving him some much needed rest would be a scumbag thing to do.
Freddy Freeman
August 18th, 2010
2:58 pm
Huh?
RichieRich86
August 18th, 2010
2:59 pm
I hate to say this I’ve been a Glaus supporter but if we can get Derek Lee I’d say we have to just cut our loses and dump Glaus. I wouldn’t want him coming up to bat/pinch hitting in any situation where we need a big hit. I apprecaite what he’s done for us this year but if we want to win the World Series for Bobby gotta get rid of ole glaus.
steveh
August 18th, 2010
2:59 pm
I’m afraid of this deal. I love Derrek Lee and a couple of seasons ago (even last year), I wanted the Braves to go after him. Now that he has suffered through a season with serious back ailments, I am not sure he is worth giving up any prospects for. He and Glaus have very similar numbers. Why give up any talent for a guy that has produced no better than the guy you already have?
By the way, if the deal happens, I would keep Glaus. He could be a useful power bat coming off the bench or a replacement for Lee if Lee’s back goes out again.
Asheville Dawg
August 18th, 2010
2:59 pm
Freddy Freeman seems to be best option. Glaus is really down for the “count”(like how i worked that in?). I still remember the horrible deal we made for Texeira, and don’t want to give up many good prospects for six weeks of action with Lee.
Freddy Freeman
August 18th, 2010
3:00 pm
You’re right, Daniel. Nothing like an automatic doubles hitter coming off the bench like Glaus… except with him we’re talking about double plays…
JASon
August 18th, 2010
3:01 pm
I don’t understand the hesitation to bench a player who is not producing. Glaus is an embarassment to the game of baseball.
cubsfan
August 18th, 2010
3:01 pm
I say Derek stays and Troy goes! Troy has just worked out. Braves can get someone else from their own system cheaper and just as good.
Bravo Indy
August 18th, 2010
3:02 pm
GLAUS CANNOT PLAY 3RD BASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT EVEN AN OPTION. IMAGINE HIM FIELDING A BUNT……….THE OTHER TEAM COULD BUNT THE BASES LOADED.
Spider29
August 18th, 2010
3:02 pm
If the Braves get Lee, keep Glaus and let them spell each other. That way, they both get playing time and rest time. Maybe that will help them to each be productive and valuable to the team. Also they are insurance for the other should one of them get hurt. Freeman should be kept in AAA for the remainder of its season. I may be in the minority on that. I’d rather have veteran players for the stretch run. Both Glaus and Lee have play-off experience.
RM
August 18th, 2010
3:04 pm
He could be valuable off the bench but remembering his earlier comments I’m not sure he’d be up to it. May be a club house problem.
cubsfan
August 18th, 2010
3:04 pm
Typo!!! I say Derek stays and Troy goes! Troy has not worked out for the Braves. Braves can get someone else from their own system cheaper and just as good.
Larry Wayne
August 18th, 2010
3:05 pm
Hell, you might as well put me back out at 3rd with crutches if you’re thinking about Glaussy at 3rd.
Bobby Cox 4 Govenor
August 18th, 2010
3:06 pm
Why not include him in the trade?
Jack Nine Offsuit
August 18th, 2010
3:06 pm
Definitely DO NOT release him. Lee (bad back) is hardly a sure thing. Keep Glaus on the bench and start him at first 2 days a week….this will help him with his knees (relatively) and also reduces stress on Lee’s bad back. Neither one is probably physically capable of playing everyday, but if you add them together……..
I look at this as almost a platoon situation–Lee gets the majority of the time, but Glaus shouldn’t just be discarded. Combine the 2 and we get what we need–a right-handed bat with power potential for the middle of the order.
Troy's Legs
August 18th, 2010
3:09 pm
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TRADE FOR LEE!!!!
TampaBrave
August 18th, 2010
3:09 pm
right on spider
Giirly girl
August 18th, 2010
3:10 pm
Benching or DL sounds about right. The last thing I want to see in late September is Greg Norton reincarnated in Glaus’ uniform. We are in it to win it – go Braves!!
Gonna Miss Bobby, That's For Darn Sure
August 18th, 2010
3:13 pm
Dude’s a former World Series MVP. Keep him for October and maybe he can get well and help us.
Blackberry Cobbler
August 18th, 2010
3:19 pm
Keep Glaus.
For Lee, trade KK, McOUT, and 1 or 2 minor leaguers and a case of sunflower seeds.
James
August 18th, 2010
3:27 pm
1B – Derrek Lee
2B – Martin Prado
SS – Alex Gonzalez
3B – Troy Glaus
GT Alum
August 18th, 2010
3:28 pm
I just saw this and, based on all the criticism he’s been drawing, am surprised there wasn’t an overwhelming response to tell Glaus “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
GT Alum
August 18th, 2010
3:36 pm
As far as what the Braves would have to give up to do this deal, here’s a link to one of the blogs where this trade was first reported – http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/david-kaplan-chicago-sports/. I quote,
The trade is not expected to land the Cubs much in the way of talent because of Lee’s subpar 2010 season but it will provide some salary relief as Lee makes 13 million dollars and the Braves are expected to assume most if not all of his remaining money.
The Braves are not intending on trading top minor league talent for a couple months of Lee. This is not going to be another Mark Teixeira trade (part of the reason the Braves gave up so much for Tex is he had a year left on his contract, so the Braves were supposed to get a season and 2+ months of Tex, not just 2 months).
Bobby's Cox
August 18th, 2010
3:37 pm
Schultz: not to mention the financial aspect of starting the clock on Freeman’s arbitration window
The Braves are planning on Freeman being their 1st basemen next April. Whether he is brought up now or April, his clock on arb is the same. They’d have to wait to promote him after next June 1 to save another year on the arb clock.
Bobby's Cox
August 18th, 2010
3:38 pm
Glaus can be this year’s Kirk Gibson.
Jim
August 18th, 2010
3:47 pm
Of course they are going to keep Glaus. As others have said, this man has left it all on the field for us. You know Bobby wants him on the team down the stretch and hopefully into the post-season. He may be done as far as playing every day but I have a good feeling that Glaus is going to get more clutch hits for the Braves. A little rest should help him heal his body and be more productive.
Nick P.
August 18th, 2010
3:47 pm
i say keep him and have him come off the bench! you can never have too many veteran power bats, even if his is a real has been, i still think he can have May like moments again, but platoon him between first and third base and give those guys a break!
Mathman
August 18th, 2010
3:51 pm
Several good reasons for trading for Lee. #1 he is much better than Glaus. #2. If Lee gets hurt, they have no choice but to go to Freeman. Glaus is horrible. What is not mentioned is that his 2 HR’s and the bulk of his RBI’s lately have been with the game already over. He is hitting virtually nothing in the clutch.
Mathman
August 18th, 2010
3:54 pm
WHAT is it that posters don’t understand about Glaus? He CANNOT play 3B. We don’t need him to. Prado, Conrad, and Infante are better. But, he CANNOT PLAY 3B. Have you seen his mobility at 1B? They would but the heck out of him, no range, and can’t bend over to tag anyone, can’t catch popups. See Minor’s game in H’town when he couldn’t get to a popup. Get rid of him.
Marc in FL
August 18th, 2010
3:54 pm
Indeed, it is all about getting to and winning the WS. We will need a DH, by then Glaus should be rested and could be a fierce DH. Hinske could still platoon with Diaz/Melky and Lee time to time as well.
Our key to a good year is DEPTH, we keep Glaus on the bench, what do we have in the playoffs? DEPTH.
Dozer
August 18th, 2010
3:54 pm
Keep Troy – you never know when you’ll need that late inning GIDP……..
GT Alum
August 18th, 2010
4:00 pm
As far as why the Braves would want to do this deal, take a look at Lee and Glaus’ splits over time this season.
Lee
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS
April 88 10 18 1 0 4 12 15 21 .205 .327 .352 .679
May 105 14 27 7 0 2 11 16 25 .257 .352 .381 .733
June 93 11 22 3 0 4 13 9 27 .237 .308 .398 .706
July 96 19 27 8 0 2 12 7 17 .281 .330 .427 .757
August 36 9 11 2 0 4 8 5 11 .306 .381 .694 1.075
Last 7 Days 11 5 5 1 0 4 4 0 4 .455 .455 1.636 2.091
Pre All-Star 322 42 75 13 0 10 36 45 82 .233 .329 .366 .695
Post All-Star 96 21 30 8 0 6 20 7 19 .313 .356 .583 .939
Glaus
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS
April 72 8 14 1 0 2 9 11 21 .194 .310 .292 .602
May 103 17 34 3 0 6 28 15 21 .330 .408 .534 .942
June 97 16 23 8 0 6 19 19 23 .237 .364 .505 .869
July 77 7 14 4 0 0 5 13 15 .182 .312 .234 .546
August 48 3 10 2 0 2 9 3 15 .208 .255 .375 .630
Last 7 Days 25 2 4 2 0 1 5 1 8 .160 .192 .360 .552
Pre All-Star 295 43 75 13 0 14 58 49 70 .254 .361 .441 .802
Post All-Star 102 8 20 5 0 2 12 12 25 .196 .291 .304 .595
Lee’s basically been consistently getting better as the season progresses, and had been on fire so far this month. Glaus basically had that hot stretch in May and June and hasn’t done anything since. The signs he’s been showing lately are that he’s doing a slightly less bad version of terrible, but there’s nothing there to indicate he’s about to catch fire.
Jeff
August 18th, 2010
4:11 pm
I agree with Braves fan. Productive or not, the guy has busted his butt all year and has contributed. He deserves an Atlanta Braves World Series ring. Fans want players to be loyal, where’s our loyalty?
Navigator
August 18th, 2010
4:13 pm
Don’t worry, if they get Lee, BCox will insert Glaus at third base (over weight, slow, no bat) because he’s an old veteran. Cox will just move the problem to somewhere else in the line up. It’s obvious to me that he doesn’t hold certain players in high regard, and it will show if the trade is made.
bravesfanbob
August 18th, 2010
4:18 pm
If you can get Lee, then you DL Glaus. You can bring him off in early to mid Sept, and see if the time off those knees would allow him to regain that pop he had in May. Do not release him. He is the main reason we got so hot in May, and got back in the race. We owe him the opportunity to be here all year. He would be a valuable DH in the World Series if and when we get there. He gives 100% every time he is out there, and I grimace watching him run. Take a little time off those knees, and hit us a couple homers in the Series.
damn yankee
August 18th, 2010
4:19 pm
Everytime I hear jim powell describe Troy running the bases as hobbling is evidence enough for me… Whether we get Lee or not the answer is to disable Troy and get them aching knees quieted down and for all you yeehaws that keep saying move him to third… my goodness think about all them doubles down the third base line the other teams would be bunting because Troy couldnt get to them
Derek Lee
August 18th, 2010
4:20 pm
[...] their bench. While Troy Glaus is almost a year younger than Derrek Lee, his offensive output is gettDerek Lee – By acquiring Derrek Lee from the Chicago Cubs, the Braves would upgrade their offense, defense, [...]
Blueberry in Asheville
August 18th, 2010
4:22 pm
Buy Lee’c contract, bench Glaus for occasions when Lee needs to rest and bring up Freeman on Sept. 1st. Heyward and Minor are handling the pressure, and I think Freeman could handle it, too.
MitchC
August 18th, 2010
4:25 pm
Jeff, I voted on the poll to bench Glaus, but, after thinking it over further, 15 day DL would be good.
The only problem is: If you DL him now, he cant play in the postseason, because rosters have to be set by Sept 1. Bobby would have to be sure he doesnt want to play Troy in October, before making that move.
Also, why do you seem so against bringing up Freddie Freeman? I mean, if we have Lee, and Glaus, we potentially have a logjam at first base, but, I remind you, we brought up a 19 year old, at just about this time of the season in 1996. His name was Andruw Jones, and, as I recall, he hit two homers in Game One of The 1996 WS at Yankee Staidum, to win us the ball game.
Hopefully getting Lee will solve the Glaus situation. I’d like to see Freeman get some at bats in September. It might serve as a good learning experience.
Keith
August 18th, 2010
4:28 pm
Chipper done for the year. Meds out for the year.
Infante starts, Minor called up. Problem solved for the starting rosters….except our bench is weakened.
Glaus off the bench is a great idea, and that is where he will be placed.
LWells2000
August 18th, 2010
4:30 pm
Whatever it takes, bring in Lee. Enough Glaus already~!
Let's Go Bravos!
August 18th, 2010
4:31 pm
ANyone that thinks Glaus should play 3rd is insane. And anyone who would rather have Arasmis Ramirez at 3rd is also insane. Take last night for example; Infante had several hits and Prado had several hits and RBI’s. We have to keep both of them in the lineup to score more runs. Look at what Glaus did last night 1-5 and the hit was meaningless, when the game was over. I say bring in Derrick Lee for some no name prospects, put Glaus on DL to let him rest, then bring him back in September. It will be good to have both of them in the playoffs with their postseason experience. Glaus was the World Series MVP in 2002 and Derrick Lee is generally a really good hitter.
Will
August 18th, 2010
4:31 pm
we need STARTERS, not role players. this is a classic example of what’s plagued the braves since the early 2000s. we have people like melky, ankiel, diaz, hinske, glaus, etc…these players are good, collectively, and do well enough to keep us afloat, but aren’t consistent game changers.
we’re still hurting from the franceour, escobar debacles. those players were supposed to develop into everyday starters, so we wouldn’t have to make desperate trades like this. gone are the days of gary sheffield and andruw jones. we need a power homerun hitter that can play everyday and be that consistent threat in our lineup, not a bunch of past their prime .250, 10HR, 30RBI guys that don’t get consistent ABs by not playing everyday.
GT Alum
August 18th, 2010
4:32 pm
MitchC,
But it also seems clear that the Braves have some concerns about adding another 20-year-old to the roster during a playoff race (not to mention the financial aspect of starting the clock on Freeman’s arbitration window). Otherwise, Freeman would’ve been here already
How do you interpret that as JS is against bringing up Freeman? He’s saying this is the impression he’s getting from the Braves organization, and it’s also the impression I’ve gotten. If you read the comments Bobby and FW have made recently regarding bringing Freeman up, they’re basically saying he’ll probably get called up on Sep 1 when rosters expand, but not before.
Susan Caston
August 18th, 2010
4:39 pm
Wouldn’t be smart to get rid of Glaus. Get Lee, assuming his back is OK and platoon Glaus at 1st or as a pinch hitter. If Glaus gets hot again, we want him on our team.
Braves afficionado
August 18th, 2010
4:41 pm
Who else can we get other than Lee?
the real Old Gold
August 18th, 2010
4:42 pm
It’s time to free the Freebird!
The Dude
August 18th, 2010
4:45 pm
As bad as he’s been, the Braves would not be where they are without him. Atlanta has always been a class organization, with the exception of how the Glavine situation was handled. Bench the guy and let him play out the rest of the season. Maybe some rest would allow those knees to heal and maybe his bat speed will improve. A power bat off the bench is never bad to have.
Pittsburgh Al
August 18th, 2010
4:45 pm
The real question is what do the Braves give up to get Lee for 6 weeks and hopefully post season. If it helps win a WS that’s great. But we have had plenty of rent a players and given up a lot of prospects for nothing but another Division title. A good prospect has already been given up for Ankiel who looks a lot like McLouth. And Lee has a bulging disk!!! They better know that he is healthy enough to play for the rest of the year. Glaus has certainly become an automatic out 85% of the time and seems to have lost his power. The Braves continue to win with nothing from 1B or CF. Amazing! This could be the year and if Lee can help win it all it is worth whatever it takes outside of a PRIME prospect.
Mike Smith
August 18th, 2010
4:48 pm
I say bench him. It’s no secret his legs have been failing him lately. His troubles are because everyone knows this. They are pitching him up because they know his legs arent good enough to help him go get it.
Rather than put him on the DL, I would let him be a pinch hitter for a while. Lets face it, the Braves would not be where they are right now without Glaus getting hot in May and June. He was a big part of starting this run when most of the everyday lineup seemingly hadnt gotten out of bed yet.
Money isnt a concern. Hes not making THAT much in incentives. Let him rest out of the everyday lineup. His bat might return as well and give us a key pinch hit when we need it.
Morons, your bus is leaving...
August 18th, 2010
4:48 pm
Sometimes I wonder why I even bother reading these comments. I think one thing is obvious here. Troy Glaus is one of the main reasons that the Braves are on top of the division, but he’s not the same guy he was a few months ago. He needs to get healthy, and he can’t do that if he’s playing. As long as the Braves review D Lee and say he’s healthy enough, it’s a good substitute. Disable Glaus for a few weeks and use him when he’s needed. But not at 3rd base. His body is way too worn out for that. It’s like watching Gary Busey at the end of “Rookie of The Year.”
59bulldawg
August 18th, 2010
4:51 pm
What a bunch of thankless ingrates! Some of you calling on the Braves to just dump Glaus would probably be some of the same fans to rip an athlete for leaving one team for another. Good thing you guys were not around when George Washington was getting his butt kicked by the British. Glaus is a key reason why the Braves are in first right now. He’s giving us all that he has left. He’s not complained about playing on his bad knees and he’s not asked for less playing time. He’s not able to play the more physically demanding position at third base but probably wouldn’t complain if asked. Glaus is the consummate team player giving it all that he has left each and every night. If we can get Lee without giving up much in return I wouldn’t mind platooning him with Glaus at first but just dumping the guy would be one of the most classless acts ever committed by a sports team. You know, if money were no object we could probably upgrade to superstar status at every position on the team. But it wouldn’t be THIS BRAVES TEAM that we’ve grown to love this season. You can buy a championship but you can’t buy fan admiration. I love the guys on this team. They work hard each night and are the most entertaining bunch we’ve had in quite a while. If we can add a player here and there without taking away a big piece of the reason why we’re in first to begin with, I don’t have a problem with it. Otherwise I say don’t mess with team chemistry.
steve brown
August 18th, 2010
4:52 pm
The mention of Kirk Gibson is right on. Get Lee keep Glaus. They’ve both got aches and pains but together they may make a whole player. More importantly it sets up the final scene of the final act of this surreal season we are living. Whichever one is hurting more will get the key at bat in a pinch hitting role at the key moment this fall. Keep the dream alive!
N
August 18th, 2010
4:56 pm
Wow. Release your leading RBI man in a pennant race. Never heard of such a thing before.
DogTheMan
August 18th, 2010
4:56 pm
The man should be released and Freeman inserted in the line up. I mean he might as well get his feet wet now as opposed to later. If we continue to wait till next year, next year will never arrive.
Marvel Goose
August 18th, 2010
4:57 pm
I like Glaus and I’m still pulling for him. I like DL because he can rest his knee and be back for September. How would any of YOU writing in like to have the entire City of Atlanta invited to vote on whether or not you get to keep your job? That’s a lotta cheek there, Jeff. To be fair, you should open up a poll on yourself….
While I’m on the subject of pols — could you fix the poll so that it limits you on other criteria than your ip? 4000 workers on this network and only one person gets to vote — if they are first.
Nevada Roy
August 18th, 2010
5:00 pm
[1] Send down the 12th pitcher to make room for Lee. For the short time left in August we can get by with 11-pitchers and don’t need 12 for the playoffs. [2] Lee plays 5-days/week and rests 2-days, Glaus plays 1-2 days/week.
N
August 18th, 2010
5:00 pm
DogtheMan — no one is waiting until next year and that is the reason Freeman is not in the bigs (no on the job training allowed) — because the Braves are a top 5 team and playing to win it this year.
bronkelliott
August 18th, 2010
5:01 pm
I think disabling or benching him are both viable options. It would be nice to have Derek Lee on the team. It is hopeful that he can contribute his services if (healthy) concern! Otherwise somehting Has to be done with Glauss. Awful to watch and it hurts my knees watching him play each day!
Luv 2 Hate Me
August 18th, 2010
5:12 pm
Santa Glaus is hurting and you can tell. The Braves know it and they aren’t telling the media. The big guy is playing in pain and you can see it (bad knees). He needs to rest for a bit and I think he will be able to contribute later down the stretch. Getting Lee is a good thing for the Braves because the answer isn’t Freddie Freeman. They need a vet at first and throughout the playoffs.
Bone Meal
August 18th, 2010
5:12 pm
Problem with Freeman is he’s another lefty. We need a right-handed bat in the lineup to go to the big dance. Lee is that righty. Get him NOW. Put Glaus on the DL for 15 days and let him rest up and repair for the stretch run. We’ll need him at the end of the season when we play 6 with the Phils. The wheels are about to fall off of him if we continue to trot him out there every night.
Phil
August 18th, 2010
5:16 pm
Umm, why is the most likely option missing? Put him at 3rd (natural position), Infante in Left, and that leaves Diaz to pinch against lefties and Conrad against righties. Seriously, it’s the perfect scenario. 1-Prado, 2-Heyward, 3-Prado, 4-McCann, 5-Lee, 6-Glaus, 7-Infante, 8-Ankiel, 9-Pitcher/Diaz/Conrad. World Series lineup. Oh yeah, and don’t forget Chipper coming in for a pinch hit Kurt Gibson in the Series.
Reid Adair
August 18th, 2010
5:19 pm
Troy Glaus should never have been here in the first place. May and the early part of June was a fluke; April, most of June, July and thus far through August are indicative of his potential performance.
Mr Charlie
August 18th, 2010
5:31 pm
So were are replacing a worn out player with bad knees, with a worn out player with a bad back. Is this really being discussed?
Mr Charlie
August 18th, 2010
5:32 pm
Without Troy, this team is 6 games out. He stepped up and showed this team how to win. No way BC dumps him. I say they share 1st.
Mr Charlie
August 18th, 2010
5:34 pm
Glaus reminds me of the catcher in Major League, actually, this entire team reminds me of the Indians in Major League.
nique
August 18th, 2010
5:34 pm
easy call – bench him and use him when d-lee needs a spell or when we need a rh ph – i’d think paying his incentives wouldn’t be a big deal at this point since the bravos appear focused on winning the WS this year
John
August 18th, 2010
5:42 pm
Hey mr. Charlie. Looks like the Braves are thinking a lot like me, and you are lookin’ awfully stupid 12 hours removed from telling me I know nothing about baseball.
John
August 18th, 2010
5:42 pm
The deal is done
John
August 18th, 2010
5:43 pm
We only gave up one good prospect…Tyrelle Harris. That stings a little. Would’ve rather shipped them Scott diamond, but we got Derek Lee. It’s done
Mr Charlie
August 18th, 2010
5:49 pm
Lets just wait and see how the season plays our before you gloat. Not sure swaping a one washed up player for another with identical stats represents and upgrade.
John
August 18th, 2010
5:53 pm
It doesn’t matter what Lee does, Charlie. The point is, you insisted we had to stick with Glaus to the bitter end. You said the Braves felt the same way and that I knew nothing about baseball. The point is, Wren/Cox and the Braves agreed with me. They were thinking the same thoughts I was last night (not about your silly “karma”), and you look awfully stupid today.
mikedw
August 18th, 2010
5:56 pm
Why the hell do people think Glaus could play 3rd? Really.
John
August 18th, 2010
6:00 pm
Mikedw, they’re delusional Braves fans who think everyone on our roster is great. They only change their tune when we finally cut them loose. It’s called homerism, and there’s something to be said for it. Any true fan is a homer to some degree, but there comes a time when performance has to prevail. The one thing people aren’t considering is that we need Glaus’ roster spot for a utility infielder. We would only have Conrad as a backup infielder and he can’t really play short. We’ll be forced to either disable Glaus or demote diory hernandez today. We could DL glaus and see if he gets any healthier by mid september and then just suck it up and go into the post season with only 1 backup middle infielder on the roster.
Jack Fate
August 18th, 2010
6:09 pm
These polls need an option that reads, Dumb F’in Question
steve
August 18th, 2010
6:13 pm
DL Glaus as his injured knee and ankle are doing him and the Braves no good; Lee was brought in to help us win so he needs to play every day and Glaus cannot get down or move well enough anymore to play 3rd base. I understand it is a tough thing to do in replacing Glaus at this time but when you cannot produce and help the team win but he was given ample time to make it happen plus a nice fat salary to boot.
TampaGator
August 18th, 2010
6:22 pm
Rest him….then tune him up in AAA…and bring him back on September 1 as a pinch hitter down the stretch and in the playoffs…..and hopefully the WS. If rested and healthier…Glaus would be a good bat off the bench. I am just glad he isn’t playing first base any longer. Derrick Lee can move around at first. Go Braves.
Jason
August 18th, 2010
6:28 pm
I have been a Glaus supporter the entire year, but I believe in who’s HOTT and who’s NOT! Rite now, Troy is NOT HOTT @ all! D. Lee coming in off of a 4 HR series against STL! I think Glaus either needs to be put on the DL or bench him! We don’t want to release him and have another contender pick him up and use him against us! That would be the last thing that we need! His bat has come around in last 5 games and he could be a great Pinch Hitter come playoff time! Leave Omar’s bat in the lineup though, PLEASE BOBBY PLEASE! Infante, Heyward, Prado, Lee or McCann(either or), then the rest of the crew! Tell me that isn’t the most intimidating first 5 in the NL! Let’s Go Braves!
James
August 18th, 2010
6:42 pm
I’m glad we got Derrek Lee but I’m also glad we kept Troy Glaus we can use Troy bat when he returns from the DL.
Stratocaster
August 18th, 2010
6:48 pm
The problem with the idea of Glaus as a pinch hitter is that he doesn’t make contact and he can’t run. Maybe I’d put him on a home run derby roster, but that’s it…..
povox
August 18th, 2010
6:54 pm
I just thought everybody would get a kick out of this quote from Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Breaking News website:
“The Braves have received good production from Troy Glaus at first base, but announced that he will go on the 15-day disabled list to rest his legs for a week, then report to Triple-A Gwinnett to practice playing his former position (and Jones’), third base. ”
I think the first sentence can be filed under: One Man’s Trash…
john sanew
August 18th, 2010
6:55 pm
Be careful what you wish for. As a cub fan i have watched this guy all year long stink it up. Even the 2 years the Cubs won their division and D Lee was in the line up he disappeared. He is the king of leaving runners in scoring position when games are on the line. Double play is his middle name. A heck of a nice guy it seems from his time in Chicago, but a clutch hitter he is not.
Lobosolo
August 18th, 2010
6:56 pm
I say the Braves outta dump all of you pseudo fans… Why do some of you even bother to calls yourselves that? You don’t pull for the TEAM… What is your point? You do nothing but feed the stereotypes of Braves fans being lousy… I say keep Glaus because he is one of the main reasons we are in first and you don’t do that if you have an iota of class. some of you pricks need to find you another team to “root” for… Classless jerks….
povox
August 18th, 2010
6:58 pm
By the way…for my two cents, I keep Glaus on the bench to let him rest.
Ross
August 18th, 2010
6:59 pm
Classy Schultz – yeah, let’s “drop kick” him, and pull the wings off some flies too. You go first.
Will
August 18th, 2010
7:29 pm
How long have you been covering baseball, Jeff? Releasing him would be stupid with rosters about to expand. STUPID. He’s a valid option off the bench and a backup plan if Lee goes down with injury.
ALLOW ME TO REPEAT MYSELF…STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!
And no, I wasn’t calling you STUPID, Jeff. Nonetheless, I should have been a sports journalist. I’d never be out of job here in Atlanta with the talent I’d have to compete against.
gcs
August 18th, 2010
7:34 pm
People, chill. There is no reason to rush Freddie Freeman.
.
dawg4u
August 18th, 2010
7:37 pm
I am really glad that Troy Glaus contributed to the Braves team in May and early June in a big way. I think the Braves should be loyal to Glaus by benching him some once Lee gets here rather than disabling him. Let’s not forget that Glaus has made millions in his career plus has already earned an additional $700 thou in incentives this year with an additional 350 thou possible. The guy has two home runs since June and is playing with bad knees. He has been given every benefit of the doubt and is making money that most people would consider a winning lottery amount. I helped my company very well in May and June and have had down months in July and August and it is constantly being stressed to me to improve and get back to former status or else. I’m not making near the money that Glaus is so let’s just keep everything in perspective. He needs to produce or move on just like the rest of us and I salute him for what he did earlier but I’ll take a page out of my boss’s book – Troy you need to step it up!!
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August 18th, 2010
7:44 pm
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Dealarue
August 18th, 2010
7:55 pm
Just remember this….Troy Glaus is a winner in October. Everytime the team he is on goes to the playoffs…and most of the time to the WS. Glaus will make the Braves a winner in October!!!
jim f
August 18th, 2010
8:02 pm
The guy is obviously hurt. Disable him, give him a chance to rest, Don’t forget: Without him, the Braves aren’t in first. He’s played hurt, and done everything that’s been asked of him.
If he’s got a future, it’ll likely be in the AL as a DH, with spot starts in the field. Let him finish his time in Atl. with some class,
jumbeauxtiger
August 18th, 2010
8:06 pm
No way I’d release Glaus. Lee is a nice pick up and Glaus would be a good backup after going on the DL.
gumnamjanu
August 18th, 2010
8:39 pm
Nice post! GA is also my biggest earning. However, it’s not a much.
Glaus deserves credit for way he reacts to Braves' trade | Jeff Schultz
August 18th, 2010
8:59 pm
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August 18th, 2010
9:36 pm
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Jon
August 18th, 2010
11:06 pm
I would rest Glaus and keep him as a bench player. I would not dump him because he is a power bat and he helped us out a lot in May and June. He’s just has bad knees, so he is mainly a pinch hitting option. I might call up Freeman if I was Bobby and try Freeman at third base or in left field. Just remember to keep Hinske. He and Glaus know about going to the World Series.
bubba
August 19th, 2010
12:27 pm
Glaus still leads the team in RBI’S (soon to be passed by McCann now that he is on the DL) Derek Lee is no Fred McGriff and despite his latest surge he is still far behind Glaus in production. Just remember what Lee did in the 2007 playoffs against the Dodgers (a pause as I await your thoughts on his not so Adam LaRoche performance against LA). Just think Wren could have swallowed his pride and traded for both K.Johnson and LaRoche and still wouldn’t have given up anything to the last place Diamondbacks.
bubba
August 19th, 2010
12:38 pm
Remember Glaus hates playing first anyway and will be with someone else next year at third. Glaus could play short ,his favorite position, and could do no worse than what Escobar/Gonzalez have done.
Brady and Patriots show Ryan and Falcons how it's done | Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
11:16 pm
[...] ♦ Poll time: If Braves get Lee, should they drop-kick Glaus? [...]
guerillatraveler
August 21st, 2010
7:05 am
Gentlemen:
Glaus is cool baby and personality goes a long way, not to mention bargain basement salaries (his) and ripping stints at the plate (his). Give him a break. Let him sit. Guts cut the mustard when it comes to the tensest moments and there will be plenty to come this year. Oh yeah.
mode20100
August 26th, 2010
5:41 am
A+ would read again