Troy Glaus: The unlikely linchpin of an unlikely Braves team
Troy Glaus hit this two-run double in June, but not many since. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Troy Glaus was awful in April, and so was his team. Troy Glaus was terrific in May, and the Braves were likewise. He was OK in June, and the Braves made do. He has been bad again in July, and that’s a troubling sign.
Glaus in April: Nine RBIs, two home runs and a batting average of .194.
Glaus in May: Twenty-eight RBIs, six home runs and a batting average of .330.
Glaus in June: Nineteen RBIs, six home runs and a batting average of .237.
Glaus in July: Five RBIs, no home runs and a batting average of .200.
He was the reason the Braves sprang from fifth place to first in the space of two May weeks. Bobby Cox redid his batting order to get the four men with the best on-base percentage batting first through fourth, and Glaus brought them home. Just when we’d decided he was the worst acquisition of Frank Wren’s tenure, Glaus went out and became the National League’s player of the month.
But now it’s two months later, and Glaus bears scant resemblance to the colossus of May. He has four extra-base hits (all doubles) in July, with more strikeouts (14) than hits (13). From May 1 through June 19 he had 16 multiple-RBI games; he has had none since.
For this offense to hold up over the final 62 games, Glaus has to hold up his end. It’s unfair in a way: Nobody (except maybe Wren and Cox) expected great things from Glaus, and suddenly he became the linchpin of a surprisingly efficient offense. Generally speaking, your linchpin isn’t a 33-year-old coming off shoulder surgery signed at a bargain-basement rate, but that’s the way this careening season evolved.
Glaus wasn’t supposed to be The Man but, with Chipper Jones and Brian McCann off to slow starts, that’s what he became. To stay ahead of the Phillies, the Braves will need more of the Glaus of May. Otherwise opponents will pitch around Chipper and McCann and, as happened in April, nothing much will happen.
Troy Glaus had, we must all agree, one of the greatest months in Braves’ annals. But for this season to extend into October, he has to show he wasn’t just a one-month wonder. He has to get hot again, and soon.
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317 comments Add your comment
Bill Stanfill
July 29th, 2010
10:36 am
As someone commented awhile back–the Glaus has been half-empty.
bfred
July 29th, 2010
10:37 am
The most amazing thing I’ve heard about the Oswalt trade is that Houston may eat some of his salary. Why on God’s green earth would they do that? Your trading partner is a second-place team trying to run down a playoff spot (and spending boatloads to do it) and a rebuilding team is willing to compensate them to take the best pitcher on the market? No wonder Houston sucks.
Atlanta Sports fan...
July 29th, 2010
10:38 am
You actually wrote an article that I agree with. Wow! A little late to write the obvious, but Troy has become a liability with the bat. The big boy still flashes some leather.
I have never met Troy but he seems like a great guy. I really hope that he would hit again. I don’t think that it is going to happen though.
I say trade for Adam Dunn or bring up Freeman. Give Medlen, Blanco, Resop and another minor league pitcher.
I might even consider throw in Freeman. Sorry, but you ain’t gonna win too much without a valid 4-5-6 hitter.
Dunn or another 4 hitter would be a good start.
Carolina fan for Atlanta
July 29th, 2010
10:39 am
Inconsistency is tough for fans to take. Will the Glaus August be like the Glaus May? If it is, which Glaus do we get in September when needed the most during the stretch run? I hope Freeman is ready next season so we don’t have to go through another year of this.
TheAntiMe
July 29th, 2010
10:40 am
I really doubt that Prince Fielder is the long term answer to any NL team’s (teams without the DH) needs. Prince is doing okay for now, but like his father before him, Prince is in serious danger of eating himself out of a fine MLB career.
It’s actually pretty sad but unless Prince decides to play Nose Tackle for an NFL team in the near future I think he will be out of sports and will be showing a serious drop-off in his baseball skills due to his pronounced lack of physical fitness.
Joey
July 29th, 2010
10:41 am
bob: “Do not panic and pick up another guy who averages 270 and hits 20 home runs a year.”
***********************************************
bob, do we have anybody right now who does that?
myra
July 29th, 2010
10:43 am
Mark B. or others,
No sarcasm here..
Why wouldn’t the Braves bring up Freeman to help the club. I understand he’s a rookie. I understand he’s not on 40man roster.
Would it be because he would miss the hoopla
of “the Rookie Season”? Or he would be freaked by live MLB pitching? Just askin..
Bobby's Cox
July 29th, 2010
10:44 am
Any Hot Fuzz movie fans out there??? This Braves message is for you…Spot a bother at Turner Field, ole Man Cox is starting players that don’t belong in there…That’s All….Braves, wilting in the heat, Ed Mangun and his grounds crew have a cure for that…Cheers
Andy
July 29th, 2010
10:45 am
We just need Glaus to get hot in September and hopefully October. It looks as though Freeman will be ready next season to take over so there is very little chance that he will be back next season. By the way, it is too soon for Freeman. You can’t call him up in a pennant race as a rookie and expect him to perform. Can’t do it.
TOMY FOURNIER
July 29th, 2010
10:48 am
IF…AND I SAY…”IF” ATLANTA WANT TO DANCE IN THE LAST PARTY…HAVE TO MAKE A “MOVE”…RIGHT NOW AND THE BEST “MOVE”…GET ADAM DUNN TO PLAY RIGHT FIELD AND CALL FREEMAN TO PLAY FIRST AND GLAUD WITH OLD “JONES” TO THIRD….THAT THE BEST CHOICE TO DO…IF NOT…IN TWO WEEK…ATLANTA THIRD OR FOUR…FOR SURE…YOU BET!!!!!
don
July 29th, 2010
10:52 am
Looks like Phillies will get Oswalt. If history repeats itself, it is time for the management of the Braves to make a panic move. they always react rather than act and, with rare exceptions, the reaction results in a longterm disaster.
Sam
July 29th, 2010
10:55 am
We need to trade for Prince Fielder… Brewers will surely want to deal him at this stage of the season..
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
10:56 am
The Braves acquired second baseman Michael Noboa from the Diamondbacks for a player to be named later or cash, MLBTR has learned.
Turtsnap
July 29th, 2010
10:57 am
If we trade for Fielder, we should put his locker next to Venters…… I hear they are great friends.
heymmered
July 29th, 2010
11:01 am
who the hell is Michael Noboa
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
11:04 am
Bruce Mac:
I agree with you 100% about not trading Teheran, Delgado, Vizcaino or possibly even Minor for a “rental player”. This smacks of the stupidity of the Texeira deal all over. On the other hand, I heard that Tampa was kicking the tires on whether Greinke might be available. If he is (and if the Phillies get Oswalt), I would trade Medlen and perhaps any of those 3 except Teheran in a hearbeat to get Greinke. The kid is nasty, has already won a Cy Young in the AL, doesn’t turn 27 until October and should pitch even better in the NL.
P.S. In anticipation of those who will complain about his 4.01 ERA that is the product of two things: (1) absolutely no run support when he pitches; and (2) 2 bad outings.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:05 am
never heard of him
Chief Nock A Homa
July 29th, 2010
11:06 am
You know… Noboa is the our big bat pickup for the stretch run!
heymmered
July 29th, 2010
11:07 am
Anyone know why Sea Bass was scratched from the lineup?
Chief Nock A Homa
July 29th, 2010
11:08 am
bvillebaron
How is a 4.01 ERA the result of “absolutely no run support??”
Did I miss something – did they change the rules that if your team scores more runs, your runs given up go down???
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:10 am
They need to get out there and make a move happen. If they just sit there and watch the Phillies acquire what they need and do nothing they will undo every bit of what the have accomplished this year as far as looking like they can keep up with the big boys, we were America’s team again, the team to beat, if philly gets Oswalt and we do nothing we will be the little team that could and who gave a valiant effort. Frank needs to forget the Texiera deal and get out there and get Kemp, Spilboroghs, or Willingham. The only two prospects that should be off limits to the point of not being discussed are Mike Minor and Freddie Freeman, period. Put it on the table and compete. I am so freakin tired of the same ol crap since the Texiera trade of this team learning its lesson and building for a future that never seems to get here, how about this why dont you just focus on winning some baseball games THIS YEAR. I could be dead by next season, i dont care about next season and i care even less about any season after that.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:12 am
Mark tell us something about Noboa. I’ve never heard of him and I’m pretty sure none of your readers have either.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:15 am
We have waited 5 years for our first taste of post season baseball. I had so much faith in this team I have put all fall football travel plans on hold until i see the Braves post season schedule, but I am quickly losing faith. I guess i’ll go ahead and see what rooms in Jacksonville are running.
Roberta
July 29th, 2010
11:15 am
The biggest trouble with Glaus is that his feet and knees need some rest. He is in pain, and it shows, but he goes out there every day if his name is on the lineup sheet. He has not complained about it once. He simply needs a few days off and we have a couple of guys who can play first base if Bobby would just use them.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:15 am
sorry our “next” taste of post season baseball
WTF
July 29th, 2010
11:16 am
Never heard of Noboa. Maybe he will be part of trade for a bat. Hopefully, Wrenn will do something now that it looks likely the Phils will get Oswalt. Too bad the Braves couldn’t trade Lowe. I have a feeling a loss is order for today.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:17 am
Michael Noboa appears to be a nobody minor leaguer. only 6 ABs in 2010
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:18 am
I wonder why the Braves are messin around with this instead of viable help?
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:18 am
No reason for the Lowe bashing. I have come to feel better when he is on the mound this year than say the golden boy and mr. hyde Tommy Hanson. I even felt better about Lowe than Jurjens early in the season. The only pitchers who have been more solid than Lowe are Hudson and Medlen. Lowe’s game in that day game to clinch the series sweep of the phillies was nothing short of an ace performance.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:19 am
Noboa- .196 career BA and .336 career OBP. No career HR
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:19 am
I think the Brave could have traded Lowe if they shopped him. It seems they don’t want to.
TommyJack
July 29th, 2010
11:20 am
Baseball posting fans are the least knowledgeable of any sport. If you don’t know the game, stay the hell off.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:20 am
No reason to shop Lowe. You are in a penant race do you really want to depend on Kawakami or an unknown Mike Minor?
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:21 am
Those are the kind of minor league numbers that have you filling out applications at State Farm.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:22 am
Thanks Tommy Jack, but hey you better go, i think someone is at the drive-thru. Take their order then you can go back to expressing your angst towards humanity.
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
11:25 am
Chief Nock A Homa:
I didn’t realize you were still around; would like to see you out in the teepee in left field but we both knew that is not possible these days.
You chose to selectively read my comments. I also said that Greinke’s inflated ERA was the product of a couple bad outings, including his most recent one when he gave up 8 earned in 4 innings (before that it was 3.58 in the AL which, based on the general rule of thumb equates to an ERA of slightly over 3.00 in the NL). Perhaps you might have heard about this long standing bromide that even the best pitchers struggle when they don’t get run support; you know, try to be perfect with every pitch, fall behind and then give up key hits. FWIW there was a stretch of 4 or 5 games this season when the Royals scored exactly ZERO (that’s right gooseegg) runs while Greinke was still in the game pitching.
I realize that I am not as smart as you, but why don’t we conduct a poll of major league general managers and see how many of them would love to have a not yet 27 year old Greinke on their team despite his season so far, not only for this year, but the next 5 years or more. How many favorable votes do you think we would get? Better yet why don’t you tell me if there would be any negative votes?
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:27 am
bville baron- Yes, we would all love to have Greinke, but did a double-take on the ERA-run support thing. It is not rare to see a starter have a poor record, yet a good ERA.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:30 am
The Dodgers say they aren’t trading Kemp, I dont believe it especially with the addition of Podsednik. Id say with our excess of outfielders and elite pitching prospects you could put something together that looks good to them. I mean what does Frank think he is going to do with all these pitchers? The future of the Braves rotation is Hanson, Jurjens, Medlen and Minor. Huddy will be around a few more years and there will be no room for these other guys, besides if they are as good as advertised this team can’t afford 5 ace quality starters later on anyway. Decide which ones will be your future core and use the rest to fill other needs.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:34 am
Hanson and Jurjens have Scott Boras as an agent we won’t have them very long probably just a couple more years.
southga brave
July 29th, 2010
11:37 am
Wow everyone missed the BIG trade, Frank made a trade with Diamondbacks for minor league second baseman! He has no speed as he has more caught stealing than successful ones. No power as he has no hr’s but his average most be great huh? NOOOO! He hasn’t hit over 230 in his entire minor league career! Yea it was for a player to be named or cash. That should put the Braves in the WS!
So Mark have you heard what the plans are for McLouth now that he was demoted? I am sure no team will jump on a chance at him. They can’t afford to pay him his money to play AAA. I hope we dont see him back anytime soon. I will not miss his non-throws to the plate on plays at home!
One other question Mark, why wasn’t Blanco called up to play cf?
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:39 am
You must stay down for 10 days before you are recalled.
Chief Nock A Homa
July 29th, 2010
11:39 am
bvillebaron
Wow – nice reply….
Don’t think I mentioned anything about not wanting a Greinke… Quite the opposite – would love to have him… Don’t think we really need a starting pitcher though, do we???
Maybe you have some insight that none of us are aware of though… By all means, please feel free to enlighten us…
And, no I didn’t selectively read your post… You mentioned, and I quote, “P.S. In anticipation of those who will complain about his 4.01 ERA that is the product of two things: (1) absolutely no run support when he pitches; and (2) 2 bad outings.”
That is the product of two things specifically speaks to your concern about complaints about his 4.01 era – does it not… Did it get read wrong???
BTW – how did you realize so quickly that you are not as smart as me?? I have to give you more credit than I did before…
Navigator
July 29th, 2010
11:39 am
Better look at his whole season, very slow start, very hot for a month, and now back to slow production again. The Braves had a chance to keep Adam LaRoche, who’s history always is slow start hot summer and good finisher. However, Chipper didn’t like Adam and neither did the ancient one BCox. Hopefully, both of these guys will be gone next year and the Braves can properly evaluate talent and bring in/keep the best available. Philly is signing Oswalt and the Braves are, well a, playing for the wild card (maybe) or another season like last, promise but that’s all.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:40 am
If we cant getting a starting caliber corner outfielder then here is my question…why not Andruw? he is a better answer than what we have in center…his power and melky’s contact hitting make for a perfect platoon. The only that will make the end to this year more special would be Andruw Jones.
Puppet Please!!
July 29th, 2010
11:40 am
The problem is we need Infante to play CF, LF and 3rd at the same time. That would solve the Glaus problem. We could put Hinske in there and let Troy have some rest and let the Say-Ouch kid (chippa) run down his team mates from the whirlpool. How is that clone technology coming along anyway? Do you think we might be able to get a couple of good working Infante’s by the 2nd week of August?
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:41 am
uhhh check your facts Navigator Chipper and Adam are best friends, they own a ranch together.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:44 am
navigator- Chipper and laRoche are very close. To say Chipper doesn’t like him is false.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:45 am
They are even mentioned together in one of Smoltzie’s dry jokes.
fieldofdreams
July 29th, 2010
11:45 am
Braves can’t win the division unless the big guy gets going again. His knee looks gimp. Give him a 15 day to rehab. He ain’t doing nothing right now. Need him for the stretch run.
CSpin
July 29th, 2010
11:49 am
Wasn’t A. Gonzalez supposed to be the “bat” we needed?
And what’s up w/ his injury that’s got him out today? Any updates there MB?