When dealing with legends, there’s rarely an exit strategy

Two down, one to go (angry ex-Braves). What do you think is going to happen in four years when Chipper is 41 and wants to pitch two more years? Is ownership going to be the bad guy again? Probably. But only if you weasels keep caring more about the back of the jersey more than the front.

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If Chipper moved to the A.L., he’d finish his career with 500 HR.

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John Schuerholz showed great class. A simple gesture did more for my confidence in the Braves organization than any trade for a lifetime .261 hitter ever would. (And no, I’m not dissing McLouth. He’s a big upgrade for the outfield.) And this blog is way superior to the previous two. You don’t sound quite as much like a bitter sportswriter who had his feelings hurt years ago.

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I just hope the Braves win now. That would cure the ills of this Glavine/Smoltz drama.

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Like Schuerholz said, this one really didn’t feel good. The Braves were in a tough spot. Maybe they should’ve gone to Glavine to let him know their decision was to release him but they were willing to bring him up for a opportunity to pitch an inning or two in order to let the fans say goodbye IF he would forego the million. It would’ve been nice to let the fans say goodbye, but was it worth a cool million to the organization. I think not.

Glavine deserves better. I can understand the bad taste in his mouth. But, the circumstances were such that the Braves organization had to make a hard business decision. That’s what they are paid to do.

May Nate and Tommy Hanson help us to get over this as soon as possible!

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You handle it by avoiding the situation altogether. They knew what they were getting into when they signed him over a year ago…and I say this with the utmost respect as Glavine has been one of the most accomplished and respected Braves, but when he left the Mets, he was already in the twilight of his baseball career. If signing him was anything more than sentimental, then management needs to reassess themselves. I think they handled the Smoltz situation perfectly. You make him a decent offer, one that won’t break or strain the budget, but isn’t insulting either. If a team like the Red Sox comes in and offers him a more lucrative contract, so be it. They can say they tried, but couldn’t afford to spend as much on a pitcher that’s been in and out of the DL for the past few seasons. Bottom line, those two were a huge part of the 14 division title run, but it’s a business. Hopefully, one day, they will accept a role similar to Hank Aaron…one that isn’t a ceremonial position, but reflects the value of their place in Braves annals as well as their contributions to the community and the city of Atlanta.

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oh, the humanity! a possible toe injury in mclouth’s first game as a brave. toes are not to be trifled with.

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The Prez couldn’t sleep, then publicly apologized. Many national media outlets are making fun of the Braves for dozens of boneheaded moves over the past few years. Many national commentators have, fairly or unfairly, characterized the once proud Braves as a “classless” organization. Many believe the Braves have become undesireable in the eyes of top free agents (Peavy?) who do not want to suffer similar fates. The Braves paid a $15M premium over and above what a cash-loaded NY was team was offering their top pitcher (might seem ok now, but check back in 3 years). The Braves traded their CF leadoff hitter (.290 ave, 10 SBs) for a song before opening day — then had to give up 3 players to get another one. I think anyone who says that this club has handled everything as good as possible has very low expectations.

There is a common thread to all these mishaps — and we didn’t have this reputation when the current Prez was in charge. About 10,000 fantasy leaguers could have done a better job with this club than the current GM. He keeps making controversial moves “to make the ballclub better” — but they’re still a .500 team. And he mortgaged the future to save his own skin. I happen to agree with JS, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper . . . . My family will be enjoying games in Gwinnett until the key change is made in the front office.

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Will,

Forget it. Mark won’t. An otherwise fine journalist and person is cold-hearted when it comes to baseball business. What bothers me is that the Braves act like they all of a sudden realize they are a better team with Tommy Hanson. They would have been better off this entire time with Hanson, maybe even have five or so more wins. But no, they wanted to wait until after June 1st to save money in the future on Hanson, so in the meantime they let Jo-Jo Reyes and Kris Medlen get shelled time and time again (though Medlen showed improvement towards the end). However, the Braves feel it’s too risky to run a Hall of Fame pitcher out there now, because they don’t want to lose any more of the ground that Brave immortals Reyes and Medlen have already spotted the Mets and Phils.

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Oh Boo Hoo, Glavine should have never been allowed back in Atlanta.

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Mark, are you being paid by the word these days? Every time I refresh the page, you’ve written another column. Not complaining, but I’ve never seen a journalist crank ‘em out at this pace before.

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Glavines retirement makes me sad. I’m the same age as him and it somehow made adifference that an active Brave player from my generation was still on the team. Say farewell to the 80’s. Shuerholz apologized…enough said……. Tom should graciously accept the apology and move ahead…end of story.

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Actually, someone else mentioned this a while ago. I think the best thing the Braves should have done was release Glavine when he re-injured himself swinging the bat a few months ago. I imagine that the Braves were ready to take him on back then, before they thought Hanson would be ready. However, when he hurt himself, you gotta think that somewhere in the brain trust of Braves management, someone was saying “Hanson will be a Super 2 by the time Glav’s ready to pitch.”

and for all the folks talking about possible trades/future lineups/payroll… isn’t attendance sucking this year?? Payroll WILL drop, no question, unless we all get out to see the guys play!! I’m pissed, cause I bought tickets to see Hanson pitch tomorrow, and his debut was pushed back a day… but I’m not that pissed – I still get to see my team play.

that’s all I got.

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This is an impossible situation. In the case of Smoltz, in the case of Glavine, and I might even throw the Justice deal in there (a little different but some similarities given he hit the home run in Game 6) because of one thing – Emotion. These guys have been to war together “so to speak” (don’t want to slight the sacrifice of our real heros) but they were a huge part of turning the Atlanta Braves from perennial losers to perennial winners. Major trials and tribulations involved in making something like that happen. A lot of sweat equity together and the longer they did it the closer they got with each other and the organization. I think about how Cox might feel about all this. Sure, he was a part of this decision but you can’t tell me that inside the deal with Smoltz and this deal with Glavine isn’t killing him. You could just tell when he tried to answer questions about it Wednessday night. It is such a rarity in this day and age to find guys that spend as much time as these guys did with the same organization and no matter how much they try to deny it they feel a sense of ownership in what they helped build in Atlanta and when the organization is ready to turn to the next generation it is very understandable (at least to me) why they would feel some betrayal when they feel they can still be produictive. Its like being told that your family doesn’t want you anymore. People want to make a big deal about the money and it is a lot of money. I will probably never make as much in a lifetime as these make in one year but one million in baseball economics is about like 1,000 for most of the rest of us and really shouldn’t be the main focus of this discussion. This is different becasue these guys are exceptions. Since 1990, they are Hall of Famers who made the Braves who the Braves are (include Maddux of course). They do deserve a different level of respect becasue they have earned it on the field where they have performed at a level that only most wish they could.

The question was “What should the exit strategy be?” How about being honest from the start (all parties). When Glavine signed over the winter I do think the Braves had every intention of having him in the rotation if he was able to comeback but they were in a differnt position at that point. I think Hanson was just beginning to tear up the fall league and I don’t think they had KK or Vasquez yet. The Braves rotation didn’t really get all that crowded until Hanson, Medlen, and Morton started going gang busters. So from the Braves point of view – as soon as they knew that Glavine’s spot in the rotation might become a competitive situation they should have sat him down then and put the cards on the table. He can’t blame the Braves for trying to put the best 25 on the field. In January (assuming he would make it back to this point) Glavine was one of the best 25 but along about March I am willing to bet that Frank started to realize that Glavine might be number 26 or 27 given the development of the youngs guys. On the flip side, the Braves shouldn’t blame Glavine for feeling blindsided when (at least as it appears) there was no indication that things had changed. That is a slap in the face when you have made a living successfully competing at the level Glavine has competed at since high school. You can’t turn off the detemination of a Glavine or a Smoltz with a light switch. When you try to do that, the emotion of it all takes over and they start responding in ways that people do when suddenly, their fate is no longer controlled by their physical talents but by the guys in the fornt office.

I would say there in no one perfect exit strategy but in Glavine’s case(Smoltz too in my opinion) this should have been planned and thought out a lot better. It is painful to watch and frankly I am very disappointed and sad about the whole deal. Glavine and Smoltz should be finishing up their playing careers and planning their non-player roles in the organization and now Smoltz is in Boston and we don’t even know if Glavine is going to show up for Maddux’s jeresy retirement. This really sux for us fans.

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Glavine considered it a business decision when he left Atlanta to go to the Mets. The Braves are well within their right to make a business decision when it regards him as well. I would like to see the Braves not create public relations nightmare, but Glavine didn’t worry too much about Atlanta’s fans when he took more money to go to New York.

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Athletes are pampered far too much by our society, consequently we sholdn’t be surprised when they act like spoiled brats. I don’t recall any press conferences or appearances on TV/radio for any of the people that lost their job at the AJC where they whined PUBLICLY about the way they were treated. While I’m sure that there was some grumbling, most of those affected by job loss responded as adults and not over-grown adolescents. Glavine should look at it this way – He’s still part of an elite group – the 9.4% of Americans that are out of work. If he needs the number for the local Labor Dept. office, I’ll be glad to provide it.

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By the way, Mark, you’re definitely on fire these days. You keep me from actually having to work at work…

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If Glavine wanted to pitch here to be close to his family then why did he DUMP the Braves for the Mets? MONEY not family.

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I seem to be in the minority, but, while it was in a different environment than Phil Niekro did in 1987 for his “farewell game”, I would have given Tom the chance for one last big league start.

After 18 years, and all that Tom meant to this team, and this city, I thought the Braves did right by re-signing him last winter, even after the injury plagued 2008. The guy had never been on the disabled list for any extended period of time in a 22 year major league career, so the Braves thinking that 2008 was an aberration, and that Tom could help us in 2009, was the correct one.

When I read that Glavine pitched two outings of six scoreless innings each in his rehab starts, it really makes me wonder… Even if his velocity was a little slower than before, the guy is 43 years old, and coming off major arm surgery. Tom didnt throw 95 mph in his prime.

With as hard as Tom worked, and with the money the Braves paid, I dont think there would have been any harm in giving Tom a start for the major league club. I have a feeling that if Ted Turner was still the owner, he might have told John S and Wren that Tommy deserved that, like Phil Niekro did in 1987. While Braves attendance is down this year, we know it isnt as bad as in 1987, and that Ted also got a good gate turnout, on a Sunday afternoon, at a time the Braves were out of thr race, a Glavine start now, especially if it was his last, and fans thought that, would have brought people into the park.

Yes, Glavine is rich, and yes, athletes are often overpaid whiners, but I still think that out of respect for how hard Tom worked, and the fact that the Braves re signed him in the first place, he deserved one last start.

I know many dont agree, but this is how I see it.

Mitch

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There were 2 reasons, I believe, that the Braves were willing to re-sign Glavine this season. The first reason was that after the backlash that the front office was feeling from the Smoltz debacle, it would have been bad PR to let Glavine go that same route so soon after Smoltz appeared to many to have been mistreated.

The second reason was more of a practical reason as they were looking at Glavine as a hopefully adequate 5th starter to be able to hold the fort until either Tommy Hanson and/or Tim Hudson was able to be added to the rotation.

The sad thing for Glavine is that he didn’t seem to realize that he was no longer a focal point of the pitching staff. Part of it was probably him being in denial of his diminished skills, even when healthy, but I do think that part of it was also that the Braves took it to the limit and very muched allowed him to think that he was a part of their plans this season, even after the braintrust had pretty much already decided to cut him.

As it turned out, it has become sort of a Glavinegate, just like the earlier Smoltziegate that the front office was hoping to avoid.

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brewdawg…

I agree with what you said. Have Smoltz and Glavine let their egos get in the way? Yes. But one can make an argument that they are only being as egotistical has they have earned the right to be. Guys like Smoltz’s have put a lot of butts in the seats and have sold a ton of merchandise for the Braves over the years. The Braves have taken care of both of them, but Smoltz and Glavine have definately taken care of the Braves as well. The bottom line is those two are competitors. When some front office suit like Frank Wren tells them they are washed up, it’s in their nature to want to prove them wrong. It’s that competitve drive that has fueled them to great things. The fact is the Braves are a second tier organization and have been for a while now. Frank Wren better bring home a championship, because if he doesn’t he’ll be out the door too.

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You, “he took more money to go to NY” fans need to get over it. Glavine didn’t come out afterwords and say, “if the Braves paid me what I was worth, I’d still be Brave”. The truth is the Braves low-balled him and he went somewhere else. I would have done the same. This is an entirely different situation. And even though he was low-balled, he didn’t bad mouth the organization. They’ve done this twice now. How many times before someone notices a pattern?

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Our Braves are in disarray fromt he top down. Shurholtz admits he didn’t step up in the meeting with Glavine. Wren is making trades and pulling strings in a daze. The players get nicked and disappear for a week or two. This ship is taking on water from a public relations and field product perspectives. Let’s lower expectations by admitting we’re going with kids and going to take our lumps. By owning up to this reality we can shift from expecting wins and competing for the division to making sure the kids play the game right and learn from mistakes and successes. Neither Bobby nor TP are teachers and it will hurt the youngsters for the good ole boys to not show them how to “man up, show up, and step up”. I like the young faces now let’s let them play. Win, lose, or draw just show me improvement each week. How about Willie Randolph for Bobby? Get the fat guy and TP out and let’s get some teachers and some fire in the dugout.

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Dear Tom:

I’m sorry for not appreciating your hard work and dedication in defending the abused and misused millionaires of the Major Leagues back in 1994. All I wanted was to enjoy some baseball that season and I realize now that I showed no concern in the least for the most abused minority in the country: the Major League baseball player.

So I’m sorry.

I’m also sorry for no longer caring a whit how you pitched or whether or not you won 300 games after you left for the Mets. That whole “agreement in principle” you had with John Schuerholz prior to your bolting for the Mets? It doesn’t reflect in the least on your personal integrity. And, after all, you only left the Braves because of the highest principle of them all for the Major League baseball player: money.

So, again, I am so very sorry for thinking less of you.

And, finally, I am also sorry for having no consideration for your feelings this week, here at the twilight of your career. I never realized you were so sensitive about how a certain club treated YOU after you had made it so clear year after year in the past that how you treated that certain club in return was JUST BUSINESS. Nothing personal!

How dare that certain club just CUT you from their roster with no regard for your feelings after giving you only ONE MILLION DOLLARS to get healthy and rehab! Shocking, shocking behavior… and they should be ashamed of themselves.

And I’m ashamed for them.

I’m sorry, Tommy… you are a paragon of virtue. And I only belittle myself for thinking less of you.

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Is everyone forgetting that Glavine turned his back on the Braves a few years ago because the Braves ONLY offered $10 million a year when the Mets offered him $11 million? He had no loyalty then. Why should the Braves be the bad guys now. This guy did great things for the Braves for a very long time, and I will always be appreciative that. However, he also proved to be greedy and all about the green for two reasons; 1) he left the Braves for a few dollars to play for the hated rivals and 2) he was the player’s representative on the union and always fought to increase pay for players, even when people like Pay-Rod quarter of a BILLION dollar contracts. He and his ilk continue to push salary numbers higher and higher. WE pay those salaries through increased ticket prices and longer commercial breaks. Glavine was the poster child for that salary growth.

End of story – he turned his back on the Braves – he shouldn’t be allowed to get upset with this latest turn.

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“Well, our scouts all agreed that [Brooking] couldn’t tackle anybody anymore.”

I think the entire City of Atlanta (and the State of Arizona) would agree. Glad he’s gone!!

GO BIRDS GO!!!

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**Mark Bradley**, thanks for giving me more than my fair share of sports articles to read. It really helps the scotch go down while I mourn the loss of Glavine (and the eventual “release” of Chipper Jones). I love ya, man!! *hiccup!*

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Money says he ends up with Stan Kasten in DC and ends up with the most wins in their rotation with 8. Just one man’s guess!

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“Man, if I made one million dollars I would come in at six in the morning, sweep the stands, wash the uniforms, clean out the office, manage the team and play the games.”
- Duke Snider

And to think Richie Hebner used to spend his offseason as a gravedigger.

Tom, I understand you’re hurt. But please look at this from more perspectives than your own.

Let us start with the team perspective.
- Dumping your salary (in your opinion) got us someone who we think can hit and field. Apparently, you haven’t been watching our offense or Jordan Schafer this year, sir. Offense is our issue. The Braves want to win games. The fans want to win games.
- The Braves have several arms younger than yours. Medlen, Jurrjens, and Hanson are the young ones. Vazquez isn’t bad and some of us still hold out hope of Kawikami. Hudson may be coming back this summer. Sir, do you think that you deserved a slot over all these gentlemen? Could you contribute more than them?

Personal/fan perspective
- Did you watch the end of the careers of Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Phil Niekro, and the ongoing saga that is Brett Favre? You should at least be familiar with Favre. Big gala, lots of tears shed, and it hasn’t registered with him that he isn’t nearly as good as he used to be. I won’t deny that either of you love your chosen sport, but sometimes you have to let it go.
- If you skip the retiring of Greg Maddux’s number, you’re not sticking it to the Braves. You know who you’re sticking it to? Maddux. The fans. Yourself. Maddux isn’t the reason you’re currently unemployed. I’m not the reason you’re currently unemployed.
- Please remember, Mr. Glavine that the vast majority of us make far less money than you did for playing a kid’s game. You haven’t lashed out at us, but most of us still remember that you jilted us for New York for more money that most of us will make in 20 years.

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quick question? Is this the same jackass that said screw to atlanta and bolted for the cash in flushing, NY. Thought so…….Dont let the door hit ya, where the good Lord split ya. good riddance….buh bye.

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Hey Tom Glavine I felt betrayed when you signed with the freaking New York Mets in 2002!!!!! So get over it and go enjoy life in the rich atlanta suburbs and spend the rest of your days counting your money in your mansion.

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Bradley isn’t a legend and his exit strategy isn’t impressive.

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Mark, you and Furman are the yin and the yang of this one. But, I think you got it right.

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I remember when he was the union rep during the strike in the early 90s.

I remember when he left for the Mets for minimally more money.

Pay me millions of dollars and cut me any way you want.

Check me out at libertarianhumor.com

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The Braves should have never hired Glavine back. He and Smoltzy should take their rocks and scram. Go find another sandbox to play in. They are past their prime and have had their day in the spotlight.

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Hey Bradley don’t you think Schurholtz damaged Wren by coming out with an apology? I almost swallowed a fly when I heard Holtz apologizy. I’m still waiting for the apology for Justice, Gant, Jordan, Nixon, Harris, Lofton, etc.

After that act by Schurholtz if I was Wren I’d give him the keys. This organization is heading in the wrong direction and has been for a number of years.

Keep up the good work Mark enjoying the tweets as well.

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Mr. Bradley, I applaud your columns on this issue. Glavine was given another run with the Braves when they took him back after bolting for the Mets for a better deal (guess it was ok for him to make a business decision but not the Braves). Nine million bucks later, they got 5 wins out of him and a washed up arm. That’s just the reality of it. I heard Glavine on the radio all this past winter telling everyone he was “ready to pitch”. Well – he wasn’t. Now instead of taking the retirement with dignity route or tipping his cap and hawking his wares elsewhere, he runs around whining publicly and tearing down the organization who has paid him so well and gave him his start. I enjoyed the 90’s Braves immensely but that era is over. We need the excitement and hope of seeing new young arms develop and become aces. We don’t need nostlagia tours, that’s what DVDs and VCRs and youtube is for.

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I really don’t remember any great loyalty from Glavine. I saw more from Smoltz and Chipper so am more sympathic to their complaints (if any). But Glavine was adversarial with the Braves when he pitched for us. He pitched well. We paid him well. Then he left for more money. He came back a washed up and hurt pitcher. So what is it exactly that ole Tom thinks we owe him?

And Smoltz is just bitter. Maybe justly so.

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Ok you don’t like how they did it how would you have done it different. Would you have not resigned him at the beginning when you had nobody signed yet? I don’t think you would. Pretty much signing him was out of necessity then he became an insurance policy as pitchers get injured all the time. Finally I guess I ask those fans who wanted to keep Glavine for nostalgia why? Are the Braves really competing for something this year probably not. We all know Braves attendance is bad. Here you have our biggest attraction Hanson is drawing as many people to the Gwinnett team to see him as are seeing the Braves now. The Reason why Hanson over Glavine is to try to get the excitement back to the Braves to build attendance. Glavine was a rerun of an old movie during a rain out rather than seeing a summer premier of the latest blockbuster we have been waiting to see. Some of you don’t know when to say when on Glavine or Smoltz you care more about the final hurrah than the Braves looking to our future rather than our past. I bet if they had Glavine pitch his final game for the Braves few would go because they would expect another lose. The real reason for all this is attendance it is Glavine vs Hanson. Mark Bradley has it right. Maybe reality is he cares more about the Braves than you nostalgia freeks. Ok here is you test for you Glavine loyalists CSS will rerun Glavines last game he pitched at Gwinnett at 1:00 today Saturday I bet those who wanted to see Glavine one last time can’t even be bothered to watch even this chance to see him and missed it before.

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mark, a “best of cox award” is in the bradley future. would have gone to chop chick this year but only one post. chop chick has now been eliminated (may have been eliminated during the cuts, not sure) for consideration. yes, a best of cox. not many journalists left at cox but always nice to be the best. keep up the good blogging. and please, no pet names for the players. must keep dignity intact. respectfully, journalist jimmy smith

and one more thing . . . this is a different organization now. new owners. same name. the only basis for loyalty is that shown to them and by them since acquiring the team. looks like the team offered a chance when the mets were no longer interested in an aging junkballer. injuries occur. this team was bitten by hampton – no need to be bitten again (while fully recognizing tom glavine is missing tom glavine’s front teeth – only being colloquial – realize fully tom glavine will be doing no biting with no front teeth). watching the holes in the lineup (still there) it may not matter who is pitching for the braves.

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Oops, a double “Mark” and now I’m not sure if apathy was the correct word to use!

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The Braves made a bad decision. The organization is lost. The Braves will not make the playoffs for several years.

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I think Dave and MB are correct. No matter how and when the team cut Glavine (and they would of had to at some point-no way was he retiring) it would of come off badly. The team did what it had to do in order to put the best athletes on the field to win games. you can’t sacrifice a single game if you are trying to compete. Just ask the Mets the past two years.

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I was sitting in section 336, row 9, seat 13 on October 28, 1995 when Tom threw 8 innings of 1 hit ball against a very strong Cleveland Indians line-up. That was the game of his life. It is that memory that I wish all Braves fans will remember, not of him leaving for the hated Mets, or some of his comments these last couple days. I hated when he left, and I hated it even more when he got his 300th victory in a Mets uniform. The Braves Nation has taken some pretty bad body shots recently (Smoltz leaving, Skip passing, Pete retiring), and now this. Now we are left with Bobby Cox and Chipper as the last remaining pieces of the ‘Braves Dynasty’. Remember the days when winning the division was a given?

While I have never been in Tom Glavine’s position, I understand his disappointment and anger in the organization, but I also can see it from the Brave’s point of view. How do you tell a Hall of Famer that he no longer has the skill to get major league batters out? I hope that time will heal the wounds, and that Tom will remain in the organization.

I hope to see the number ‘47′ in left field one day, and I can tell my grandchildren that I was at old Fulton County stadium watching him pitch the game of his life, and possibly the greatest game ever in Atlanta Braves history. Good luck Tommy, you will be missed.

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What’s wrong with firing Frank Wren & giving Glavine his job? It is just a matter of time for Wren anyway.

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I usually agree with the majority of your columns/blogs but I really feel you’re off on this one, Mark. The Braves/Wren blew it with this one. Big time. And, unlike you, Glavine is not an all-time favorite Brave of mine. (I’d go with many before him…Andruw, Otis Nixon, Smoltz, Maddux to name a few)

Wren deserves a lot of grief here. You’d like to give him a fresh slate but it’s hard to forget that he started his GM career in Baltimore and that hardly went well.

The Glavine signing was a PR move from the start. He completely blew it with the Smoltz negotiations and after the public outcry he decided that signing Glavine would be damage control. But why? We KNEW Hanson would be pitching this year. With Kawakami, we already had 4 other slots penciled in. The 5th spot could be occupied by any number of guys. Just a horrible signing from the start.

Then he exasperates the situation by telling Glavine the path to Atlanta and what they want him to do. Glavine does that. He even throws 11 shutout innings his last 2 rehab starts to prove he’s ready. (yeah, one start was vs. A-ball but the other was AAA…I’ve seen guys get lit up for 7 runs in a final rehab start and be in the rotation their next turn)

After reports that Glavine was throwing in the low 80s and even hit 86 (I think that was the reading reported), the Braves say that was inaccurate. Oh really? Please.

Again, Wren mutilated this situation. And this comes from a guy not exactly enamored with Tom Glavine over the years but one that respects what he’s done for the organization.

Will we ever see 3 pitchers like Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux do what they did for one team over that long a period of time? Probably not.

So treat them differently no matter how difficult it becomes.

I’m just tired of the way Wren does things.

The Lowe signing? The idiot had him fall into his lap. He didn’t want him and proved it by the way he pursued other pitchers instead. Lowe was the last “ace” left so he felt he HAD to sign him when he was the smart choice all along.

Glavine signing? PR move and this past week proves it. And he butchered it at both ends.

I could go on and on but I’ve gone too long already.

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Mark, right on again. KEEP up your great insight into the vanity of these (all time great) Prima Donnas. It is especially refreshing to hear someone speak with a voice from the common fan, and bring some common sense, balance and a little reality to the conversation regarding these narcissistic great ball players. It’s obvious they cannot bear to even look at their own “re-introduction” back into real life as just “regular people”, not “special people”. Yet though as HOF’ers, they’ll never be regular (some relief to them I’m sure). This happens SO much in pro-sports it has become a time-honored tradition, and quite literally, an annual “clock-watch” on Who-this-Year-is-Going-to-Turn-on-Their-Franchise-at-Retirement routine. And yes get Ready, for as much as I admire Chipper (my 2nd all-time favorite Brave), mark it down now, book it, set it in stone….he WILL trash Atlanta and the Braves organization on the way out, it’s already pre-ordained. Simply because they’re the organization that’s paid him all his millions.

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The Braves made the right decision in letting Glavine go. Six shutout innings at Rome is better than a punch in the face, but it doesnt translate to much in Atlanta. Tommy Hanson is a better pitcher in 2009 than Tommy Glavine. As Mark noted, a handful of five inning, six run starts from Glavine could be the difference between Braves baseball in October or not.

Glavine is right to be upset about being let go. Hes a competitor and a guy who has succeeded in large part because of his intensity and grit and his absolute refusal to give in to anyone on the mound. Do you think he would just step aside or admit that after 6 shutout innings he was past it?

The Braves handled this situation horribly. Glavine did deserve better. Much better. And Im glad Mr. Schuerholz stepped up and did the right thing. In this case, better late than never.

Unfortunately, this situation has once again revealed that Frank Wren is a deeply flawed general manager. He may know baseball–and I think he has done an admirable enough job of upgrading the Braves this year from last–but there are some very distressing trends that he doesnt know how to be a General Manager.

Even discounting Smoltz’s and Glavine’s ego and their innate competitiveness, Wren and the Braves handled these situations poorly. At least when Bobby Cox traded Dale Murphy in 1990 it was handled in a way that acknowledged who Murphy was and what he had contributed to Atlanta (as an aside one of my most vivid memories from 1991 was the Braves-Phillies fight on Dale Murphy day and Tommy Glavine having to “brush back” Murphy when he led off the Phillies half of an inning after the Phillies pitcher had gone head hunting in the Braves’ half. He lobbed four soft-toss pitches vaguely near Murphy. It was one of the classiest moves I have seen on a baseball field. Good on you, Tommy).

When you combine the mishandling of Smoltz and Glavine’s departure with the Furcal and Griffey mess, the Tex trade and the fact that Wren somehow managed to alienate Cal Ripken–Cal Ripken!–when he was GM of Baltimore and you have a picture of a guy who is simply not be cut out to be the face of the Braves or any other organization; of a man who has no problem making tough decisions, but who has a shcoking lack of ability to make those decisions palatable to the people he relies on for his livelihood, namely players–who are not flocking to Atlanta these days–and fans–who have a right to be upset about the debasing of a once proud franchise.

Glavine did deserve better than what Wren provided. So does Atlanta. So do Braves fans.

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Let’s not forget that Smoltz and Glavine chose to be on the Braves and presumably signed on a dotted line. Smoltz acted as if he had sacrificed some productive years to be loyal to the Braves and that we owed him. But, come on…everyone wants to play for Cox and most of these guys like the warm weather and golf courses around the city. If the Braves had played like the Pirates (from 1993 until present) and Smoltz and Glavine had stayed with us throughout that time span (at a competitive or lower salary) then I’d say they took one for the team. But, they got to win a World Series and made the playoffs a record number of times. Imagine if we were still waiting on Smoltz to return to our rotation and hadn’t gotten Lowe? We’d be toast right now.

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By the way, good luck to Tommy Hanson in his 1st big league start Sunday. I predict he’ll pitch six innings of scoreless baseball before being taken out of the game. Of course, and unfortunately for Hanson, he’ll most probably get a no-decision.

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Savings in not re-signing Smoltz? $1 million. Savings in avoiding Glavine bonus? $1 million. Damage to management’s reputation with loyal fans? Priceless.

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If Tom still has the stuff he thinks he does, then someone will pick him up and he’ll be successful. If he retires or if he sits out there and gets no phone calls, then Wren’s right.
Nobody in their right mind is going to throw a lot of money to him right now to see what he’s got. I think he’s about to learn a big lesson on how he’s perceived by MLB regarding his ability.
But then, that will probably be the Braves fault, also, in his opinion.

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The problem with famous atheletes is that they develop a sense of entitlement. They forget that they were adequately compensated for their years of service. When they abruptly leave their organization and go to another team, they complain that their original organization did not pay enough. It is just pure greed for atheletes that are grossly overpaid to keep demanding more money and talk about respect and such. Glavine and Smolotz are doing exactly that.

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I’m just flabergasted when these jocks scream “loyalty” when they are washed up. You’re kidding right? I mean, you’ve made millions for all these years and everyone knows you would have jumped if the team didn’t pay. Now that you’re washed up, you think the team should pay you more millions to hang around the minors taking up roster space? Give me a break! You were great but you are a commodity. Sure, we all fall in love with you while you are here but face it, you are replacable, just like the rest of us. When my company no longer needs me they will get rid of me, plain and simple. Go gracefully and don’t embarass yourselves.

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John, Greg, and Tom will be in the Hall of Fame. So will Bobby and Schuerholz. The bottom line is the Braves made sound business decisions on the future of each of these players and gave them th opportunity to stay. Greg left first for more money. Tom left too and was welcomed back with open arms and his bad shoulder. John left to see if one more ring was in the offing. No matter what happens they will all go into the Hall wearing Braves uniforms. Like Glavine said when he went to New York, business is business……….

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Any chance Glavine goes into the Hall as a Met?

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This was simply a business move. Glavine made a similar choice when deciding to play for the Mets. Get over it, Glavine. Teams and players should always do what’s best for themselves.

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Loyalty is a two way street and Glavine and Smoltz didn’t seem to have any when the money came a callin. As much as I loved the guys, their time has come. Is there anything more selfish than two forty somethings with washed up arms asking for millions more than they are worth? (no, is the answer to that by the way) As for all your “fans” complaining that the Braves didn’t bring up Hanson before June (the same “fans” who think TG and JS were mistreated I’m sure) need to get in the stands and quit solidifying Atlanta’s spot at the top of the “city with the worst fans.” So what if it was a business decision. Most of y’all sit back and watch from afar instead of showing up in the stands and really “supporting” the team. This is capitalism folks. The Braves organization is a BUSINESS. If they choose to do something for business reasons, they that’s their choice. If you don’t like it, don’t show up AND don’t get on this blog and b**** about what they are or aren’t doing. I, for one, hope this team wins and wins big whether it be with or without TG and JS (personally I’m glad it’s without after seeing their true character).

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Glavine is the one who should be apologizing. He got at least two million last year and he won TWO games!!! He says he wanted to stay in Atlanta because, ” as everbody knows his family is most important.” Then why did you leave to go to the Mets?

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I’m sure ex-GM CEO Wagoner would be happy to give a speech to the Braves organization, fans, and has-beens Smoltz and Glavine, on how it feels to get your butt kicked to the curb in less than ideal fashion. The bottom line is: if you don’t cut the mustard, you’re outa here, whether you’re a lowly painter or an overpaid baseball player. The big mistake in this soap opera fiasco is in the Braves taking Glavine back from the Mets anyway. That money wasted on him could’ve been used in a younger pitcher.

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“Whining”

By Tom Glavine

Whining, nothing more than whining

Just a little whining

When I left the Braves

Million$ went into my checkbook

Yet I deserve respect, look

When I left the Braves

Whining, at least it’s not defining

Although I’m quite a whiner

I’ll make the Hall of Fame

Whining, Oh-Oh-Oh, whining

Wo-Oh-Oh, whining,

Wish I could feel my arm

Whining, when I deserve enshrining

(So what if I’m declining)

I’m still a goldmine to the Braves

Whining, soon Frank Wren will be all pining

And I was really shining

Two strikeouts in Mobile

Whining, they treated me like chattel

So now I’ll run and tattle

(It’s like they think I’m cattle)

Whining, Oh-Oh-Oh, whining

Wo-Oh-Oh, whining,

Wish I could feel my arm

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Frank Wren gone…….. Tom Glavine new GM!!!.

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Frank Wren is slowly eroding the Braves class organization. The way Tom Glavine was treated was pathetic. Smoltz leaving the team upset. I wonder now about the Furcal debacle, was that more of Wren’s bad handling than we were led to believe? Having a day 1 centerfielder with less than 100 games at the double A level.
Sometimes a bad GM can have a negative effect on the 25 players and the way they perform. I hope this isn’t the case here.

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Stop whining, Glavine. It’s a job, and you made tens of millions of dollars at it. Now you’re washed up. Enjoy your wealth and deal with it.

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Bradley, what ever happened to pride, honor and dignity. If it’s all about winning games and championships then why do the Cubs have any fans at all? You just don’t get it. You don’t.

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Bradley,

Looks to me as if you’re trying to score some points with Braves management. Seems you’ve got your mind made up that the front office perspective is the proper one. Why write the column if you feel that way already? Most you’ve written on the topic so far is pro-Braves front office; negative-players. Why’s that?

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I think that the emotional response and current thread of defensiveness and guilt are all real, but unnecessary. I also think that people are missing a grand point here, that Mr. Bradley mentioned. Glavine has made more money in a Braves uniform that 99.9% of people in the world. His release wasn’t pretty, but should HE be thankful for everything that the braves and us (the fans) have given HIM over the years. We bought the tickets, paid for concessions, and cheered him on throughout his career. I can’t feel too sorry for a major league ballplayer gets released after loosing his stuff. I am glad that people feel so strongly in favor of Glavine, it shows our loyalty, but Glavine should show more loyalty to us. I think it is the fans who deserve an apology, from Tommy G.

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“money1,” please tell me you are kidding. You honestly believe Tom Glavine owes the fans an apology? While the fans were indeed buy tickets and concessions, he was a big part of one of the most dominant streaks in professional sports history. Period.

It is because of Glavine, Smoltz and others that folks started climbing back on the Braves’ bandwagon.

As far as whether or not he has lost his stuff, I am certainly in no position to know whether he has or not – just like most fans here.

I also think John Schuerholz showed a lot of class with his apology (Frank Wren could take a lesson). Regardless of what they were trying to accomplish, the Braves could have handled this situation a lot better.

Maybe they’ll learn from it, but I doubt it. Wren has lied publicly now twice (first Smoltz and now Glavine).

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[...] So, when is the time right? How should the Braves have handled Glavine? Here’s one perspective from AJC sports columnist Mark Bradley. [...]

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All this buyer’s remorse about paying millions of dollars to a 43-year-old coming off surgery is fine and dandy. It strikes a chord with the proletariat and plays well on the blogs and talk radio.

But the Braves knew Glavine was a 40-something pitcher coming off surgery back last winter, when they put pen to paper. That was the point when it would have been good business to just say no.

Now, just 1 day before activation, it made the Braves front office look shabby.

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Sorry for your release, Glavine. Opportunities tend to go down hill after the age of 40. More opportunities for less pay when recruiting the younger teammates.

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@ OldTimer
June 6th, 2009
12:20 pm

The question about “pride, honor, and dignity” could be applied to Tom Glavine in this case. He could have stayed a Brave for life, he could have not been a leader during the strike, and he could have taken being released with some class, especially after making $9 million over the past year or so from the Braves. Instead, he whines like a little brat. My question to all of the Glavine apologists is this: if the Braves had done this when they were on pace to win the division instead of being .500, would you still be so ticked off? Or do you just hate Frank Wren because the Braves aren’t winning?

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An underlying issue here is the general lack of quality pitching across the Major Leagues. That is why there are some many pitchers going deep into their 40s these days. Teams are so desperate for pitching that they virtually drag any old pitcher who can lift their arm onto the mound…….and stop calling Glavine a legend…..he’s a whining crybaby…good riddance.

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If I were Frank Wren I’d quit and call out Shearholz – ever how he spells it – for his lack of support. JS was in the damn meeting, if he’d felt so strongly about it he would have discussed the process with Wren beforehand and/or would have spoken up before they all walked out. And these sports-talk guys, all wanting to be buddies with the players, are taking Glavine’s side and reporting how ‘baseball’ thinks that the Braves blew it. Well I say to hell with ‘em all. Tom Glavine has pitched a total of 63 innings for the Braves over the past six years – all last year – so just where does this thing about what the Braves owe him come from? I mean he’s the one that told them that he wanted to try and come back ‘one more time’…he’s the one that agreed to the deal that meant if he wasn’t activated (and you know that if the Braves brain-trust had thought he had anything left, or at the least was ‘as good as’ the other choices – which he ain’t – they would have given him the extra million so he could come back and get his rear-end handed to him in front of ESPN and everybody) he wouldn’t have been paid the performance bonus.

I’m tired of these prima-donnas making more money than God and thinking that everybody owes them something for all the money they’ve been paid over the years. I’m serious, let ‘em leave now – just make sure your alimony checks show up on time – Atlanta and the Braves will try and get along without you somehow. By the way, who wants to bet that with all his new ‘life-style’ (and bride) Smoltz joins the ‘hair-club for men’?

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Mark, this has been a busy week! Thanks again for letting the fans participate in the discussions via these blogs. On Sports Talk radio, a limited number of callers can get through to express an opinion. Many times the hosts won’t let someone speak unless they agree with that point of view. Everyone can share their thoughts in this forum.
There have been some ‘interesting’ posts but for the most part this has been a self policing blog.

Can’t wait to see what next weeks topics will be!

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And while I’m at it, did it occur to Glavine that he should have returned any of last year’s $8 million…let’s see, if he pitched 63 innings before his arm went lame, that would have been right at $127 thousand per inning…$42 thousand an out…seems to me if anybody owed anything to anybody else it was him. Oh, by the way, by signing for a million this year and not pitching in any games, just add that to the pot as well.

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TR,

I was just commenting on MB’s line about what if Glavine started and was shelled and we ended up missing the playoffs by a game. I think the same can be more accurately said of the decision to avoid arbitration with Hanson, if we end up missing the playoffs by a game.

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Did Tom Glavine care about the fans when he exited for New York, in the same division as your beloved Braves? Who really cares what Glavine thinks?

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And one more thing, if I had Glavine’s money and he had a feather up his butt, we’d both be tickled.

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Glavine is acting like a spoiler brat. I didn’t what I wanted so I’m don’t like you anymore!!!!!
He has become a very rich man because of baseball, but he is acting like a little child.
This the reason I won’t pay to go to any professional sports. If the players had to survive in the real world, most would be saying “Would you like fries with that order”.

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When one of these million dollar athletes begin whining about how they are treated, I want to ask them to come over to my house. My mother would put them back to earth in a minute. If they’re looking for sympathy, it’s in the dictionary between s*it and syphilis.

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By the way, just how many people will buy tickets just to see Lowe or Vasquez or Jurjiens, or some of the other duds pitch? Zero.

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I have a feeling Chipper isn’t going to want to PITCH ever.

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Mark’s right on! The way John and Tom have handled things, I don’t think they could make the necessary tough decisions to be a manager or GM…maybe they could be a coach.

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Very good comments Mark. I just commented on the other column and had a real problem with the idea that we needed to play Glavine at least one game for “goodwill”. You are correct here, there’s no easy way to do it.

The stars like Smoltz and Glavine rarely give the CLUBS a break for “goodwill” when they are in their prime.

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“So will Bobby and Schuerholz.”

I’ve said it before and will say it again. Electing Cox to the Hall of Fame would be the equivalent of defecating on the Mona Lisa. Let the man buy a ticket and see the museum if he likes, but he is the next to last man in the door as far as election to the Hall (ahead only of Pete Rose )

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Give me a break. The Braves organization paid Glavine and Smoltz enough money over their careers to retire without ever having to work again. They showed their appreciation to the organization and the fans by leaving for more money. They are mercenaries with no loyalty.

Now that one reaps what he sows, they both whine about it. Go away and never come back.

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Mark at 6:22 I AGREE

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HEY – DID GLAVINE FEEL SORRY FOR THE BRAVES WHEN HE GOT OFFERED MORE MONEY TO JOIN THE FRIGGING MUTS? JUST WHO THE HELL DID HE APOLOGISE TO IN THE BRAVES? AND AS FOR SMOLTZE HE JUST REALLY NEED’S TO SHUT-UP. IF HE’ NOT LIEING ABOUT GETTING BETTER OFFER’S WHILE HE WAS HURT, AND EARLY IN HIS CARRER JUST
HOW BIG OF A FOOL WAS HE? OH I KNOW THE ANSWER HE COULD NOT GO ANY WHERE ELSE, AND RUN THE FRIGGING BALLTEAM, AND PLAY MORE GOLF THAN GET READY IN SPRING TRANING,NO OTHER TEAM WOULD HAVE LET HIM GO OFF AND GET READY IN
SPRING TRANING ON HIS ON. AND THEN HURT HIMSELF BEFORE THE ALL-STAR BREAK.
FUNNY HE’S NOT TELLING THE REDSOX WHEN HE WILL PITCH THE REDOSX ARE TELLING
HIM.

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I’ve been a Braves fan since 1969. Anyone who has been with this team since that time knows and values what homegrown talents such as Justice and Glavine and Smoltz too (who we picked up almost ready for the big leagues in the Doyle Alexander trade) did for this team. Same thing goes for Aaron, Phil Niekro, and Dale Murphy. And I also know how Aaron, Phil, and Dale exited the franchise. Aaron was traded to Milwaukee to allow him to finish his career where he started and he was the only one afforded such respect.

Despite the best efforts of many and aside from 1982 and 1983, the Braves were largely a laughingstock from inception until our run began in 1991. And given what Glavine and Justice in particular meant and the fact they were products of our farm system, an enlightened owner (i.e. a person not a corporation) would have taken steps to ensure they finished their careers as Braves and retired as Braves. Does this need to be done for any athlete? No, of course not. They are well compensated and free to play for the highest bidder and there is nothing wrong with that as that is free enterprise which is the cornerstone of capitalism.

All I’m Saying Is, if I were the owner, I would have made sure that my employees handled this with Glavine, Smoltz, and Justice differently not because they alone deserved it but because I would have wanted them to be treated in a special manner because they brought this town its second (and for many only as most (not me) disregard the Atlanta Chiefs NASL title) championship and ended a dreary history for the franchise and because I would want others to know that I ran a first-class organization.

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As far as this grievance against the Braves – It hass now reached the point where all I have to say is F*** Tom Glavine – You Fn cry-baby

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Last year was the year that Braves management wasted money on injured pitchers like Tom Glavine ($8 mil), John Smoltz ($13 mil), Mike Hampton ($18 mil) and Tim Hudson ($13 mil). Hudson’s $13 mil comes off the books after this season. Going into this off season, Braves management knew that they had $13 mil of the payroll that was going to be paid to an injured player (Hudson). The Braves could not afford to give money (and valuable roster spots) to 2, injured, old, past their prime pitchers (Smoltz and Glavine). The Braves had a $97 mil payroll when the season started (with an additional $3.5 mil budgeted to adding Tom Glavine to the roster). It was essential that the Braves spend money on players who had a history of staying healthy. Other than Jair Jurrgens, the Braves had no one who could get into th 6th-7th innings consistently last year. This year, that is the norm. By the way, how many innings has John Smoltz pitched this year? ZERO. Frank Wren wisely retooled the rotation. Our starting pitching this year is not the problem. OFFENSE is the problem. Yet many of you morons cry about not having Smoltz and Glavine. As a TRUE Braves fan, all I can say is that I am so glad that some of you morons will never run the Braves. Some of you would rather go to the ball park and watch an “old timers game” where the Braves get rocked….than you would see the Braves win without your favorite players. Be honest and admit that you have more loyalty to the player than the team. I’ll stick to being loyal to the TEAM.

I, for one, am pretty happy with how Frank Wren has retooled the team. One move I would not have made was signing Tom Glavine to begin with. However, the team protected themselves with only guaranteeing the $1 mil signing bonus. Another move I would have made was getting rid of Franceour long ago. There is NO way that the Braves can make a run at this without getting a power hitting right handed right fielder. Also, while Garrett Anderson has been a cheap, serviceable left fielder, the move I would have made was signing Orlando Hudson (which I advocated for in January and February on this website), and put him at second base (lead-off hitter) and put Kelly Johnson in left field. Hudson signed a 1 year, $3.3 mil contract with the Dodgers. What a BARGAIN!

Still, no use in crying over spilled milk. Frank Wren ended up doing the right thing for the Braves team by cutting Glavine. He also made a fantastic move in acquiring Nate McLouth, who by the way is having a nice game right now. He’s 1-2 with a walk and a stolen base (should be 2-2 if Escobar hadnt made that base running blunder).

I think it is great that the Braves have a chance to go from dishing out almost $50 mil to injured players last year….to not having any really bad contracts going into this off season (provided they dont tender Jeff Franceour and get rid of him. I’d had to see how much he’ll end up getting in salary arbitration).

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Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Glavine give the Braves the heave-ho a couple of years ago to join the Mets — not just a division rival but a team in a cold-weather city where Glavine statistically has struggled. His motivation clearly was about one thing: his wallet.

Why does Atlanta owe Glavine, Smoltz or Maddux anything? They all had very successful careers that created significant bank accounts, brought the city one whopping World Series championship, then left for big bucks once other teams were willing to overpay for their deteriorating services.

Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux all had good runs in Atlanta, and all were generously compensated during that time. Unfortunately, each has demonstrated that they didn’t know when to pull their snouts from the trough. Major League Baseball is a business, not an entitlement program for aging stars. If Braves fans want winning teams to become the norm once again, they need to understand that players past their prime don’t warrant overinflated contracts, which undermine teams’ ability to sign rising and current stars.

Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux were paid handsomely when they actually contributed something positive to the Braves’ win-loss record. Am I the only blogger on this site who doesn’t expect to get a huge signing bonus and an obsene salary when I’m 60 just because I was really successful in my 30s and 40s?

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And Chipper, only 37, left tonight’s game with dizziness. Age plays a part in this game; although I would love to be 37 again.

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Baseball players are the biggest cry babies in sports! I don’t feel sorry for Glavine one bit, maybe he should work a real job and stop living in La LA Land.
What a joke.

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