Troy Glaus - is he done?

[Bad Blood]

I know it's risky to make a post like this the day after he hit a tape-measure shot, but I really think Troy Glaus is toast. Washed up. Over the hill. Dude can't a fastball to save his life. It's like he's swinging a telephone pole out there.

I know some folks will object to this post after his good game last night, but if you'll notice, his single came on a change-up, and his homer was hit on a big, fat curveball. He was behind every fastball he saw, even from a soft-tosser like Gallagher.

I think, at best, the guy hits .250 this year with 15 homers. Does anyone else have the same gloomy outlook as me?

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

No...His current avg of .267 is about what you'd expect from him over 150 games...The HR's and Doubles will start to increase and he'll give us 25+ bombs with 30+ 2B's and with that increase the walks will come pushing his obp closer to the .350+ range...

Also regardless of what the pitches were...he hit them and hit them hard like he's expected to...And there was another pitch earlier in the night that he fouled off that was also a laser(I believe it came the AB he struck out)...The Guy already has more AB's this year then did last year(30 to 29) let's give him a couple more weeks before we throw him under the bus...

[wordslayer©]

I know it's risky to make a post like this the day after he hit a tape-measure shot, but I really think Troy Glaus is toast. Washed up. Over the hill. Dude can't a fastball to save his life. It's like he's swinging a telephone pole out there.

I know some folks will object to this post after his good game last night, but if you'll notice, his single came on a change-up, and his homer was hit on a big, fat curveball. He was behind every fastball he saw, even from a soft-tosser like Gallagher.

I think, at best, the guy hits .250 this year with 15 homers. Does anyone else have the same gloomy outlook as me?

I said earlier that he is the one that spooks me. I like our offense, but if there is an offensive player that I wish we could replace, he's the one.

The steroid issue in his past is a huge red flag for me.

[Dreamscape]

The steroid issue in his past is a huge red flag for me.
Agreed.

I would be very willing to see a Glaus/Hinske platoon at first. One thing I really hope to not see is Hinske being used strictly as a pinch hitter, see Greg Norton. Hinske brutalizes righties too much. Used in the right situation, he could be a real benefit for the team.

That said, I do think Glaus will post an OPS approaching his .855 career average. He projects to be a plus hitter in this lineup, albeit not so much for the position. Nevertheless, I think he will be fine as the placeholder.

[Bad Blood]

No...His current avg of .267 is about what you'd expect from him over 150 games...The HR's and Doubles will start to increase and he'll give us 25+ bombs with 30+ 2B's and with that increase the walks will come pushing his obp closer to the .350+ range...

Also regardless of what the pitches were...he hit them and hit them hard like he's expected to...And there was another pitch earlier in the night that he fouled off that was also a laser(I believe it came the AB he struck out)...The Guy already has more AB's this year then did last year(30 to 29) let's give him a couple more weeks before we throw him under the bus...

So basically you expect him to pick up his numbers once he gets more acclimated to daily AB's... I get that, and it's hard to argue expect for the fact that he can't hit fastballs. Even weak ones. So will frequent AB's improve his bat speed?

This is why I'm skeptical

[Agent-X-]

Agreed.

I would be very willing to see a Glaus/Hinske platoon at first. One thing I really hope to not see is Hinske being used strictly as a pinch hitter, see Greg Norton. Hinske brutalizes righties too much. Used in the right situation, he could be a real benefit for the team.

That said, I do think Glaus will post an OPS approaching his .855 career average. He projects to be a plus hitter in this lineup, albeit not so much for the position. Nevertheless, I think he will be fine as the placeholder.

I'd prefer to insert Hinske as vs RHP part of the Diaz platoon in LF. But that would take a ton of at bats away from Melky... :rolleyes:

[Dreamscape]

So basically you expect him to pick up his numbers once he gets more acclimated to daily AB's... I get that, and it's hard to argue expect for the fact that he can't hit fastballs. Even weak ones. So will frequent AB's improve his bat speed?
Not so much bat speed as it is timing. And yes, frequent AB's help out tremendously with timing.

[-Dr. Brave-]

I have more concerns about Chipper's ability to hit a fastball than I do Glaus'.

[Wahoo]

My concern with Glaus is that he's an all or nothing hitter. As long as he hits some longballs, I'm good, but he's probably going to need ot hit about 25 for him to a productive part of our lineup. Whether he can do that remains to be seen, but I too am a little skeptical of him.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

The way it looks right now, Hinske's a threat to be taking ABs from Glaus and Chipper. (And Diaz and McLouth and Cabrera and...) Seriously, I haven't been able to see much but from what I've seen Glaus and Chipper both seem to be swinging tree trunks at gnats. Glaus is really looking bad against heat and everyone knows it. He'll see tons of heaters and we'll see soon enough if more ABs will resolve the lack of batspeed.

[Andy G.]

It think that it's far, far too early to talk about Glaus being washed up. When you think about the fact that he basically missed the entire season in '09, you really can't make that kind of conclusion after only nine games.

[wordslayer©]

I admit that I am skeptical of him, but I don't buy into all the "he can't get around on the fastball thing" yet.

Even the good hitters don't hit the great pitches. Good hitters are just better able to take advantage of bad pitches.

I've seen great hitters that have terribly slow bat speed, and I've seen bad hitters that have good bat speed. The only thing that does concern me some is his potential loss of power and his risk of injury, and most of these concerns come from his possible steroid use.

[Wahoo]

It think that it's far, far too early to talk about Glaus being washed up. When you think about the fact that he basically missed the entire season in '09, you really can't make that kind of conclusion after only nine games.


Agreed, though I do have a big concern about his power.

[quick]

As players age, I think they should go to a lighter bat and choke up on it, too. F = MA, and acceleration is in feet per second per second, so an increase in accel can get an exponentially higher F than the linear increase caused by adding mass.

Plus, if you can speed up your bat a little, maybe you hit more balls. F = MA is irrelevant (except to your back and shoulders) if you hit nothing but air.

Glaus and Chipper (known for a heavy bat) should bear this in mind....

[Murphys#1Fan]

He's washed up...a defensive liability and strikes out way too much. Let him go and free the FREEMAN!!!:thumbsup:

[Wahoo]

The way it looks right now, Hinske's a threat to be taking ABs from Glaus and Chipper. (And Diaz and McLouth and Cabrera and...) Seriously, I haven't been able to see much but from what I've seen Glaus and Chipper both seem to be swinging tree trunks at gnats. Glaus is really looking bad against heat and everyone knows it. He'll see tons of heaters and we'll see soon enough if more ABs will resolve the lack of batspeed.

Chipper's doing fine. Chipper is 38 years old. We just can't rely on him the way we could before, but I am pretty sure he'll have an 875-900 ops at the end of the season. Problem being, are we too reliant on his production?

[Murphys#1Fan]

Chipper's doing fine. Chipper is 38 years old. We just can't rely on him the way we could before, but I am pretty sure he'll have an 875-900 ops at the end of the season. Problem being, are we too reliant on his production?

Depending on Chipper Jones at his age and production is a result of just how desperate this club has become offensively. I never thought I'd say it but it's about time for Chipper to hang it up and us start shopping for 3rd baseman. Let's not forget that we still need to find an outfielder or 2 after this season as well. Is there money to do all this...I think not.

[wordslayer©]

He's washed up...a defensive liability and strikes out way too much. Let him go and free the FREEMAN!!!:thumbsup:

I'm not a fan of Glaus, but there is no way that I would bring Freeman up yet.

Major league pitchers would treat him like Freddy Krueger would.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

The worst part of Glaus' failures is that he's not doing noticeably worse than a few other starters! Aside from struggling in the field, Glaus isn't content to fan in the clutch he's determined to take someone with him! I swear, any time I see Glaus headed to the plate with someone on first, I'd hit for him. Hmm, does that sound like I think he's done?

[Hobbes]

I think it's still way too early to be writing any player off, particularly one who is trying to get back in the groove after missing virtually an entire season.

[Dreamscape]

I think it's still way too early to be writing any player off, particularly one who is trying to get back in the groove after missing virtually an entire season.
Totally valid, but the unfortunate part for Glaus is with the majority of the lineup struggling, the Braves need to try to find a couple of guys hitting even if that comes at the expense of people who likely need time in the lineup.

On the brighter side, the Braves may benefit from a Glaus/Hinske platoon anyway. Though, depending on Chipper's injury, that is out the window. Oh, wait, Infante will get all the starts at third. Well, then, platoon on!

[quick]

After looking at Glaus hit in person and on TV, I think I would just pitch him at or about the knees and watch him swing over the ball. He may be able to golf a few somewhere in this range, but he is going to swing over the top of and hit ground outs from such pitches most of the time. Dude cannot bend his knees!!!!

[Wahoo]

After looking at Glaus hit in person and on TV, I think I would just pitch him at or about the knees and watch him swing over the ball. He may be able to golf a few somewhere in this range, but he is going to swing over the top of and hit ground outs from such pitches most of the time. Dude cannot bend his knees!!!!


Agreed. Hence all the damn double plays he hits into.

[quick]

Glaus hit pretty well against the "Stros. Heck, they were pitching him mid-thigh and up!! Either very bad scouting or their pitchers cannot locate NYC on a map!

[Andy G.]

You're all going to look silly at the end of the year in regards to the comments I'm reading about Diaz.

Before the season it was, "He shouldn't play everyday, but he's a heck of a fourth outfielder." I argued that he should be our everyday left fielder, and I still think that he can hit righties well enough to do so, but I've come to accept that his lack of consistency makes him better suited in the role he has now. I also read, and this is absolutely true, that many fans agreed that his production is actually worth far more than what the Braves pay him. There's no doubt about that.

He's still in that same role this year. He's going to get hot, put up excellent numbers, and everybody here will act like they never forgot how valuable he is in the platoon role.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

2011 is a little late, I'd like to see one of them off the roster by the Deadline...They cancel each other's usefullness out...

[Andy G.]

What about having a platoon in left field is nonsense? The only nonsense going on here is that Melky Cabrera is his platoon mate. Melky should not be getting regular playing time in a platoon or otherwise. Put a hitter like, say, Eric Hinske, in a platoon with Diaz and you're getting far more production than you're paying for.

Combine Hinske's numbers against righties with Diaz' numbers against righties and you'll get a player that puts up this line: .279/.350/.472. Based off their career numbers, a platoon of Diaz and Hinske would give us an .822 OPS out of left field. For the amount they're being paid, is that not good value? Furthermore, those numbers are brought down by Eric Hinske, as he has roughly 2,500 at bats against righties to Diaz' 636 at bats against lefties, and Hinske's OPS of .804 is more than .100 points lower than Diaz' OPS against lefties, which is .912.

What's more expensive, keeping Diaz and finding a suitable player to put into this platoon, or finding a player that is going to outproduce that platoon all by himself, as well as paying another outfielder to sit on the bench as a 'late inning defensive replacement'?

Matt Diaz is not the problem. We are lucky to have him. Any team would be. Fangraphs says he was worth $11.5 million last year and $12.2 million in '07. I'm not arguing for those numbers, but there is no doubt he produces more than what we pay him for. This is the type of player championship caliber teams DON'T get rid of.

[Chris_Moderato]

What about having a platoon in left field is nonsense? The only nonsense going on here is that Melky Cabrera is his platoon mate. Melky should not be getting regular playing time in a platoon or otherwise. Put a hitter like, say, Eric Hinske, in a platoon with Diaz and you're getting far more production than you're paying for.

Combine Hinske's numbers against righties with Diaz' numbers against righties and you'll get a player that puts up this line: .279/.350/.472. Based off their career numbers, a platoon of Diaz and Hinske would give us an .822 OPS out of left field. For the amount they're being paid, is that not good value? Furthermore, those numbers are brought down by Eric Hinske, as he has roughly 2,500 at bats against righties to Diaz' 636 at bats against lefties, and Hinske's OPS of .804 is more than .100 points lower than Diaz' OPS against lefties, which is .912.

What's more expensive, keeping Diaz and finding a suitable player to put into this platoon, or finding a player that is going to outproduce that platoon all by himself, as well as paying another outfielder to sit on the bench as a 'late inning defensive replacement'?

Matt Diaz is not the problem. We are lucky to have him. Any team would be. Fangraphs says he was worth $11.5 million last year and $12.2 million in '07. I'm not arguing for those numbers, but there is no doubt he produces more than what we pay him for. This is the type of player championship caliber teams DON'T get rid of.

*Cheap Response Warning*

- Yes, but of the two, Diaz and Melky, which of them actually has a ring?

- One of those championship caliber teams can have him.

*End Cheap Responses*

My honest response is really, where do we put a power bat? I've never really been big on the "he's playing a power position" thing, but the corner out and infielders typically are your power guys. Seems like we need at least another power guy, why not try to plug that player in in left field? We've got Heyward in right already, Chipper and Glaus for this season (at least)...I don't know. I think it's funny that we (and I'm as guilty as anyone) debate a guy like Diaz as much as we do. Arguing over a role player is funny.

[Andy G.]

*Cheap Response Warning*

- Yes, but of the two, Diaz and Melky, which of them actually has a ring?

- One of those championship caliber teams can have him.

*End Cheap Responses*

My honest response is really, where do we put a power bat? I've never really been big on the "he's playing a power position" thing, but the corner out and infielders typically are your power guys. Seems like we need at least another power guy, why not try to plug that player in in left field? We've got Heyward in right already, Chipper and Glaus for this season (at least)...I don't know
If Frank Wren can find room in the budget to somehow get this power hitting left fielder that will produce more than a platoon with Diaz and a competent, left handed hitter, then by all means we should do it. I just hate how fans are always saying platoons are "nonsense". Having two role players splitting time at a position does not necessarily mean that this position is a weakness on your team. It's an annoying misconception that I see even the smartest baseball fans believing in.

Also, Matt Diaz is not just a good guy who plays hard. He's also a pretty good hitter, and he absolutely is the type of player that winning teams need. Role players are important, because in the real world, one, two or three hitters don't provide the offense for an entire team.

I think it's funny that we (and I'm as guilty as anyone) debate a guy like Diaz as much as we do. Arguing over a role player is funny.
I've been trying to figure that one out too. Escobar, Prado, KJ, McLouth... they all get talked about more than anybody else. I guess it's because fans want to either like or dislike a player, and if you're just a role player, there will always be people on both sides arguing about your worth to the team.

[wordslayer©]

I will never understand the hate that Diaz gets. If they just use him right, in a platoon, what more could you really want? I think people just naturally have a bias against platoons. I wish we had enough players to platoon every position.

[bravos4evr]

Ya know, I'm starting to think that we may want to stick Jermaine Dye in LF and trade Diaz and/or Cabrera for a prospect or a pen arm.... Yeah his D ain't great but in LF he should be close to average.
Let's say we move Diaz, we could then move Mclouth at the deadline and plug in Cabrera in CF(or Schafer if he's ready).Mclouth (if he is hitting his normal level by then) should bring a good prospect at least.

Potential lineup:

Prado
Heyward
Chip
Dye
McCann
Escobar
Glaus
Cabrera

That looks a hell of a lot better to me and balances out our lineup nicely.... which of course means it won't happen.

P.S. I like Diaz as much as the next guy, but he seems to be the odd man out here as he just doesn't have enough power to fill OUR needs. Plus, he has a much brighter track record for any GM's out there willing to make a deal for him.

P.P.S hahahaha I didn't read yer post BFH when I made mine! looks like we are thinking along similar lines here! :-)

[Andy G.]

It might be true that in 2011, a platoon will not be the best way for Atlanta to go. We could use some power, but I still say it's easier to find a good platoon mate for Diaz than it is to find that power hitter. If the money really is there, we might as well use it to get that bat, assuming he's out there.

That said, the fact that the Braves' attempt to find that platoon partner over the past three or four seasons have failed does not mean that it's difficult to do. We got Hinske for $1 million this offseason, and I don't think Bobby will continue using Melky in that role for the entire season unless he starts hitting much better than he is now. He may do that. If Melky can hit .300 he'll be a useful hitter. His career is an odd one because the Yankees inexplicably rushed him to the majors at such a young age. In the minors he was a .300 hitter, and he's still just 25 years old. I'm not saying that we should count on it happening, but it's certainly not impossible that Melky will put up good numbers and make that platoon in left worthwhile. Even if he doesn't, like I said, Bobby will go to Hinske eventually.

I understand what you and Chris are saying. It might not the best decision for the Braves, with the players that we have, to continue utilizing a platoon in left field beyond this season. The only reason being the need for some more power in our lineup. That said, it's not like the Braves can't score runs with that platoon. Left field won't be a black hole all season. I'm pretty confident about that.

[Wahoo]

I have no problem with a platoon, if it can be productive, but we are talking about a platoon of Melky Cabrera and Matt Diaz. Even if Diaz turns it around, how productive do you expect Melky to be?

Even if you take the average OPS of Melky's 3 year avg against righties (.678) and Diaz's 3 year average against lefties (.975), that's an OPS of .826, which granted is productive. However, by all accounts Matt Diaz's splits over the same period show that he actually hits righties better than Melky does. So by the numbers, our starting outfielder should be Matt Diaz. However, I can't help but wonder what's wrong with the Diaz. I am trying to remember back to 2008. Wasn't there an injury that sidelined him for most of the year?

[Andy G.]

I have no problem with a platoon, if it can be productive, but we are talking about a platoon of Melky Cabrera and Matt Diaz. Even if Diaz turns it around, how productive do you expect Melky to be?

Even if you take the average OPS of Melky's 3 year avg against righties (.678) and Diaz's 3 year average against lefties (.975), that's an OPS of .826, which granted is productive. However, by all accounts Matt Diaz's splits over the same period show that he actually hits righties better than Melky does. So by the numbers, our starting outfielder should be Matt Diaz. However, I can't help but wonder what's wrong with the Diaz. I am trying to remember back to 2008. Wasn't there an injury that sidelined him for most of the year?
In '08 Diaz messed up his knee while attempting to make a sliding catch in Milwaukee. He slid into the wall down in the left field corner and his knee hit the gate beneath where the padding stopped a few inches off the ground.

[Wahoo]

In '08 Diaz messed up his knee while attempting to make a sliding catch in Milwaukee. He slid into the wall down in the left field corner and his knee hit the gate beneath where the padding stopped a few inches off the ground.


Thanks for the recall Gilley. Going strictly by the numbers, I'm inclined to give Diaz a shot to hit his way out of a slump by starting him every day. If at the end of May, we haven't seen improvement, I think we have no choice but to go out and find a left fielder.

[KB 34]

One of the positives of the never ending LF platoons was the finances involved. For a million or two the Braves could get some production out of LF and a backup outfielder and pinch hitter. Even if the production could have been better the money went elsewhere to strengthen other positions. This season Cabrera gets $3.1 million and Diaz gets $2.55 million. The question becomes are Cabrera and Diaz worth $5.65 million to patrol LF and serve as a combined backup outfielder? Given their production so far the answer would be no, and I don't forsee enough of a production increase to get me excited. If they were making a million at least there would be another $4 million to make some improvements with. While there are a variety of factors to consider with a platoon I have to think money is important to consider since contracts add up whether they're spread evenly or not.

[Andy G.]

I've thought about it some more and, as usual, I've come much closer to seeing it your way BFH.

I believe Schafer will be our centerfielder next year. Combined, McLouth and Diaz could end up making more than $10 million next year (correct me if I'm wrong). If you trade McLouth and Diaz, and you have Schafer's inexpensive salary in center, then you have enough money to get a pretty good left fielder. Hopefully a left fielder with power. Then you keep Melky as the fourth guy, and the outfield should be set. Plug Freeman in at first base, trade Lowe, insert Medlen or Minor into the rotation, spend some cash on the bullpen with Kimbrel likely taking over as set up man if not closer, and you've got a pretty bada$$ group of young players, with more set to come in 2012 and 2013. (at least to the rotation, anyway).

Before I do this, I'm not looking past 2010 because I don't like our chances. This conversation just has me thinking about what the team will look like in the next couple of years.

2011 Lineup:
Schafer
Prado
Chipper
Heyward
Jayson Werth - That's right.
McCann
Escobar
Freeman
Pitcher

2011 Rotation:
Hanson
Jurrjens
Hudson
Kawakami
Minor

2011 Bullpen:
John Rauch - Yep
Kimbrel
Moylan
O'Flaherty
Medlen
Lee Hyde
Jesse Chavez

After that, it shouldn't be long until Randall Delgado breaks into the major leagues, provided he turns into the player his potential suggests he could be. He could replace Kawakami in 2012. After that will be Teheran and Vizcaino, but I'm really getting ahead of myself at this point.

[Hillbilly]

Thanks for the recall Gilley. Going strictly by the numbers, I'm inclined to give Diaz a shot to hit his way out of a slump by starting him every day. If at the end of May, we haven't seen improvement, I think we have no choice but to go out and find a left fielder.

Diaz had a miserable start in 2009 also. He hit .216 with a .317 OBP/ .392 SLG/ for a .709 OPS in the month of April. Then, he busted out for a .378/.439/.514/.953 month of May. And just because it caught my eye while I was looking those numbers up, I'll add that he tore through August like a scalded dog: .404/.467/.681/1.148 with 6 of his 13 HRs and 6 of his 18 doubles coming in that month.

[The Rap]

Bigger worry right now is McCann who is having vision problems again and will be wearing glasses again starting tonight.

[luvdembravos]

Bigger worry right now is McCann who is having vision problems again and will be wearing glasses again starting tonight.
Jeez, you know it's bad when Bobby Cox is in better physical condition than most of his ball players.

[Lauren T.]

It's tomorrow, actually. The glasses had to be ordered and won't arrive till tomorrow in Philly.

If he'd just had both eyes fixed instead of one, he'd probably be fine. What is it with men being so afraid of the doctor?

[-Dr. Brave-]

If he'd just had both eyes fixed instead of one, he'd probably be fine. What is it with men being so afraid of the doctor?

Actually, it's men who enjoy going to the doctor, especially when most doctors are other men who poke us gently with their fingers and gently prod various instruments on/into us. I can see why females wouldn't like that so much.

[quick]

It's tomorrow, actually. The glasses had to be ordered and won't arrive till tomorrow in Philly.

If he'd just had both eyes fixed instead of one, he'd probably be fine. What is it with men being so afraid of the doctor?

Lasik is old technology, and not so good. I think Mac goes to Bob the Plumber for his work, too.

Also, isn't it amazing that a man making millions should be able to get anything other than emergency medical work done without consulting the team first?

Mac should get multifocal lens implants in the off-season and be done with this.

As an aside, and in response to Lauren's comment about being afraid of doctors, as the father of kids with some interesting medical issues (and as to which my wife and I have spent many hours researching), there are two things mainstream Western medicine likes to do: Cut on you, and treat symptoms with drugs. Much of the cutting they do pretty well, especially in sports-related surgery. They don't do so well at determining why something is happening and correcting the source; they'd much rather medicate to control the symptoms, even if the patient ends up taking 12 different meds, all flowing through the patient's poor liver and all with multiple side-effects.

I think everyone should approach the medical profession with some skepticism.

[luvdembravos]

They don't do so well at determining why something is happening and correcting the source; they'd much rather medicate to control the symptoms, even if the patient ends up taking 12 different meds, all flowing through the patient's poor liver and all with multiple side-effects.

I agree. Our society is over-medicated.

[wordslayer©]

I agree. Our society is over-medicated.

and I'll go one step further.....our society wants to be over medicated. Doctors, like the media, are guilty of giving the people exactly what they want.

[The Rap]

I like my doctor but he like a nephew to me. My family doesn't trust doctors at all as witnessed with our winning the largest settlement in the history of NY malpactice cases at that time (1974). Wasn't worth it anyway because of what the doctors did to my mom.

[Lauren T.]

and I'll go one step further.....our society wants to be over medicated. Doctors, like the media, are guilty of giving the people exactly what they want.
One of my friends just had her baby induced early because her insurance deductible was going up $750 more on May 1. The baby is developmentally OK, but was only 5 lbs and is clearly thinner than she should be. She really should have cooked a little longer... was it worth the $750? All I know is I won't be using that OB whenever I have a baby. :(

[Andy G.]

So who's got the crow?

Dude's on fire.

[Agent-X-]

Troy Glaus is quietly putting together a solid season. I saw his SLG % though and was a bit confused how a guy can have 5 HRs right now and a SLG under .400. Let's just hope he continues to produce. He's hitting some good pitches a long way.

[Agent-X-]

Troy Glaus is quietly putting together a solid season. I saw his SLG % though and was a bit confused how a guy can have 5 HRs right now and a SLG under .400. Let's just hope he continues to produce. He's hitting some good pitches a long way.

[quick]

I hope Glaus makes me look terribly wrong for writing him off. That's the kind of crow I can relish. ;)

[warefreak]

Well, it was basically Glaus vs. Johan yesterday. So...

[BigWorm]

I'm sorry I said all that stuff about you earlier in the season Big Boy Troy. I don't think you're done. I think you're a hell of a bargain. Thanks for proving me wrong and taking YO-HON deep!!!

[quick]

I've watched Glaus carefully the last two games. He is now bending his knees where he was standing straight up and stiffly. A minor adjustment, perhaps, but he now seems able to reach the lower pitches. Also, I suspect he is using a slightly lighter bat, as his bat seems to have speeded-up. All good.

Also, he seems more comfortable in the field. He still seems stunned occasionally by a pick-off attempt, but he looks much better.

He sure looked slow, stiff and done just a few weeks ago, in the field and at the plate. He has adjusted: Good for him--and good for the team.

[warefreak]

Yeah, if I were Wren I'd be bringing him in and sitting down for a possible extension.

Freeman is good but Glaus is turning into the player our team has DESPERATELY needed.

[Agent-X-]

Dude is swinging one mean stick right now. His numbers for May are nothing short of impressive: .330, .408, .534.

Welcome back to baseball, Mr. Glaus. :)

[Wahoo]

I thank god that he's finally caught fire a bit, so that we didn't feel the need to rush Freeman to the Big Leagues. Glaus looks like he's found a comfort zone, and is finding his power stroke. I think it helps that Chipper has been helping that he's seeing plenty of ducks on the pond, but I think the biggest help has been the protection from Hinske.

[jlcct]

I agree. I'm not very excited about Freeman to be completely honest. I really would like to see some major improvements before he even becomes a thought. I should mention that I haven't checked out his stats in the last couple weeks but from what I saw previously he left me with much to be desired.

[Gman]

It's always a bit of a risk doing an extension with a guy when he's this hot but Glaus looks like a great fit for the Braves going forward. There aren't any righty power bats in the system so he's needed. I would assume the more time passes the stronger his shoulder is going to get making him a solid option for playing 3b again. He's 33 so he could give the Braves a couple years or more at 3b depending on how Chipper fares. Even if Chipper's bat comes back in a big way he's still getting to an age where you seldom see guys playing 3b. A flip-flop of Glaus to 3b/Chipper to 1b might be worthwhile if Chipper doesn't want to become a DH in the AL and Freeman isn't ready.

Freddie Freeman is still a great prospect even though he's not tearing up AAA as some have noted. He's been aggressively moved up the ladder by the Braves and you have to take into account the fact that he's only 20 yrs old playing AAA ball. He may need at least another full season there and it may be another 2-3 years before his power really starts to show up. Having a competent 1b/3b like Glaus will allow the Braves to let Freeman develop and not block him when he's ready to come up.

I'd try to get something done for at least 2 years at 5-6mil/yr with the second year kicking in if he meets certain performance metrics (e.g. plate appearances). They would need that to protect themselves given Glaus' injury history.

He's definitely a gamble of sorts, but to be looking this good after shoulder surgery certainly bodes well for his future. If he can get back to playing 3b I'd take the risk and do it now. If he's not going to ever be able to play 3b again then he's not quite as attractive IMO although still worth resigning for next year.

[RiknTN]

Freeman has been hurt as much in his short minor league career as Chipper has in his big league career......well almost.....but he has been hurt every year so far......that's a lot to gamble on for next year no mater how well he performs when he is in there.....

[Hobbes]

RiknTN sighting!

[warefreak]

Everyday I feel like calling Wren and telling him to sign Glaus long term. I can't think of a better fit and he's desperately what our team needs

[Agent-X-]

It would be a prudent decision to attempt to sign him to an extension. But knowing Wren, such talk will not even enter the picture until after the season. I would like to extend Glaus for a few good reasons. Namely, to replace Chipper Jones should Chipper retire after this season or just not merit a starting position (yeah right!).

But for the immediate future, Glaus should remain at first base for next season until Freddie Freeman proves he is worthy of the starting spot. I would like that very much.

[Dreamscape]

I'm not too anxious to sign Glaus long-term right now. A month ago, everyone wanted Freeman up. If Glaus goes into a two-week struggle after resigning, Wren will get blasted there, too. I'd much rather sit back and see if Glaus can do this over a full season. Keep in his ear that you are very pleased with his performance and it's going to be hard not to keep him around long-term if this continues, but there's just no reason to sign him right now in my mind.

[Agent-X-]

I'm not too anxious to sign Glaus long-term right now. A month ago, everyone wanted Freeman up. If Glaus goes into a two-week struggle after resigning, Wren will get blasted there, too. I'd much rather sit back and see if Glaus can do this over a full season. Keep in his ear that you are very pleased with his performance and it's going to be hard not to keep him around long-term if this continues, but there's just no reason to sign him right now in my mind.

Two thoughts. First off, not everyone was riding the Get-Rid-of-Glaus bandwagon. I was all for leaving him in the lineup. Not once did I ever say "Yeah, let's get rid of him." So, not everyone.

Secondly, I don't think anyone is saying to extend him right away to a big contract. He won't agree to an extension right now for obvious reasons unless the money is lucrative. If he would take a decent contract extension, it could be a good idea... just wouldn't expect him to do so with the way he is swinging.

[quick]

Two thoughts. First off, not everyone was riding the Get-Rid-of-Glaus bandwagon. I was all for leaving him in the lineup. Not once did I ever say "Yeah, let's get rid of him." So, not everyone.

Secondly, I don't think anyone is saying to extend him right away to a big contract. He won't agree to an extension right now for obvious reasons unless the money is lucrative. If he would take a decent contract extension, it could be a good idea... just wouldn't expect him to do so with the way he is swinging.

Indeed, if I were Glaus, I'd want to go back to the AL as a DH, get paid 8-10 million per year, and forget this 1B business, or perhaps 3B business. If we could sign him for one more year for about 3 or 4 million, I'd do it now, but he would never sign so cheaply, IMHO.

[sdp]

Aside from batting average, Glaus is pretty much producing at his career lines. So, I think alot of this will be sustained, but he's not going to continue to hit ~.290. At age 33, even if Glaus regains his "peak," he's going to be in decline mode. If an extension is in mind, it shouldn't be for more than two years.

[jlcct]

I would like to trade Freeman and resign Glaus to a 2 or 3 year (at the most) contract and unless he really likes playing in Atlanta I don't think he would take a short or discounted deal. As others have eluded to, I highly doubt Glaus would consider resigning at this point in the season. He came here to prove a point in an effort to grab one more big deal. I doubt his plan has changed.
Assuming he stays healthy and ends up with career average stats. Can someone more knowledgeable with player and contract values take a guess at his value at the end of the year?
I need to apologize. My punctuation is terrible. I get my points across but not as smooth as I'd like. I'm going to search around the web right now in an effort to find a program to help me with this. Yikes.

[Agent-X-]

I would like to trade Freeman and resign Glaus to a 2 or 3 year (at the most) contract and unless he really likes playing in Atlanta I don't think he would take a short or discounted deal. As others have eluded to, I highly doubt Glaus would consider resigning at this point in the season. He came here to prove a point in an effort to grab one more big deal. I doubt his plan has changed.
Assuming he stays healthy and ends up with career average stats. Can someone more knowledgeable with player and contract values take a guess at his value at the end of the year?
I need to apologize. My punctuation is terrible. I get my points across but not as smooth as I'd like. I'm going to search around the web right now in an effort to find a program to help me with this. Yikes.

At his age, it would likely need to be a 4 or 5 year deal. I don't see him settling for less than 3 years. He may desire to return to the AL, but deep down I'm hoping that Atlanta's willingness to take a low risk gamble on him and have him on a winning team has secured a place in his heart. :thumbsup:

[Andy G.]

Freddie Freeman really isn't do that poorly in AAA. His power so far this year hasn't been all that bad considering that he's only twenty-years old. Freeman is probably going to be a .300 hitter, or close to it, in the major leagues. He takes a ton of walks. We're talking about a potential .400 on-base guy here. He won't hit a ton of homeruns, but he's not going to have a lack of power. He'll be a guy that, even in his early to mid-twenties, will hit you 20-25 homeruns. He should have a few seasons with 30 homers, and this is a fairly modest prediction. There's no doubt that the potential is there for Freeman to turn into a beast.

The Braves desperately need a long-term solution at first base, and Freddie Freeman is going to be that guy. I am in no way in favor of trading him.

[Gman]

At his age, it would likely need to be a 4 or 5 year deal. I don't see him settling for less than 3 years. He may desire to return to the AL, but deep down I'm hoping that Atlanta's willingness to take a low risk gamble on him and have him on a winning team has secured a place in his heart. :thumbsup:

I don't think he's gonna get anything beyond 2 years given the barrage of 1b's at a similar age currently set to hit the free agent market after this season. There's at least 11 guys who have similar profiles as Glaus (2011 age in brackets):

Glaus (34)
D. Lee (35)
Dunn (31)
Berkman (35)
Konerko (35)
LaRoche (31)
C.Pena (33)
Cantu (29)
Huff (34)
Overbay (34)
Wigginton (33)

If most of those guys hit FA it'll be a tough market to get a long-term deal (3 yrs or more) and big money especially for the 33-and-over set. The thing Glaus brings to the Braves is a RH power bat to balance their lineup. Not all the teams who will be shopping for a 1b power bat will be as fussy about whether it's a RH or LH power bat.

The other thing Glaus may bring to the table is that he used to be a pretty solid 3b. If the Braves know he can still be that, he'd be great insurance for Chipper. Only Cantu really provides that ability out of the above list.

The Braves are only on the hook to pay glaus a max of 4mil this year if he hits all his bonus clauses. If the Braves find some money to play with this year (and have nothing good to spend it on), they could use it in a signing bonus/extension for Glaus that buys down his salary for 2011 and maybe a team option year for 2012.

Anyway based on the list of potential FA's, Glaus and his agent may be willing to do something economical and flexible for 2011-2012 in exchange for some increased up front money this year.

[Gman]

Not that I'm going to try and poo all over your work there, but of the list of names you gave are listed below (along with personal analysis)...I can try and give reasons as to why Glaus may be hoping he'll be near the top of the pile in regards to guaranteed money. Though, like you said...he's looking at nothing beyond 2 or 3 years; 'cause he isn't a young guy by any means.



All considering, Glaus might easily be in the top 3 of the available 1B class for next winter. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he's looking for big (in relation to other's) money...but I agree that 2 or 3 years is the maximum he'd probably get.

I really think the line between a lot of the guys on the list is so fine that the ones that provide teams with the lowest risk demands (i.e. shorter contracts and or lower money) will be in the highest demand. The ones holding out will risk getting squeezed much like LaRoche did this past year. Additionally, the whos-best on this list can change quite a bit over the next 4 months depending on how they finish the season. That's how close it is to me. Hopefully, Glaus will power himself into the top 2 or 3 of this group but at least 8 of these guys could jump above him if they have stronger finishes.

As for "how much", LaRoche had a pretty solid year in 2009, was only 30 yrs old and only got 1yr/6mil. The big money teams like boston and NYY are not going to change anything at 1b for the guys on this list. The Mets need a 1b but they also need 3 starting pitchers so they'll be bargain shopping with everyone else. So with the big dogs pretty much out of the hunt for 1bs, I don't see their values skyrocketing over what was being offered in 2010.

As for Berkman saying he won't leave and would rather retire, I think that was just the posturing of a very smart guy. He's a 5/10 guy in his walk year. There is no place on earth for a hitter like him to put up better numbers than in a division like the NL Central in a cupcake park like Houston.

[luvdembravos]

When it comes to Glaus, I've been "even keel." I wasn't down on him when he got off to a bad start and now that he's hot, I'm not about to jump on the bandwagon to sign him to a long-term deal. It's early June and the guy is injury prone. The Barves should wait at least 2-3 months before making any decision to extend his contract.

[JanShan12]

You're right, lumdembravos!

Unfortunately, I was one of the people who were extremely down on him at the beginning of the season and am having a hard time rooting for the guy now. I want to, but a part of me keeps saying "don't fall for his lies". LOL

[Andy G.]

Just for clarification, Freeman is just twenty-years old. Not twenty-two. I'm sure that was a typo, but I thought I'd point that out.

I think that's pretty optimistic, Gilley. At least in the OBP projection.

While I'll admit to not being the highest opinion of Freeman, I do think you're overstating his ability to draw walks just a little bit.

Before I get too far into it, I'll agree that what he's accomplished up until this point in his minor league career is impressive for being just 22 years old. It's a good good sign that he has shown progression in each of his seasons despite a wrist injury and a minor injury here and there. I also will agree that he has the capability of hitting .300 on a yearly basis and his ability to post 20-25 homeruns early and often in his career. However, I wouldn't say he takes a ton of walks. Heyward is a guy who takes a ton of walks. Freeman merely has good enough plate discipline so that we know he won't be a Scott Thorman clone. While I won't disagree that he may develop significantly more patience with time, it appears we're looking at a guy with the potential of .360-.370 OBP guy rather than a .400 OBP type player. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
When I look at the patience Freeman showed during his time in Myrtle Beach, and I think that's the type of patience he'll show when he's done developing. You mentioned the wrist injury. When Freeman got promoted to Mississippi, he not only had to deal with that promotion, which was probably a bit premature. He also had to deal with an injury. For a NINETEEN year old kid in AA, that's enough to make you press. I believe that once he is comfortable in AAA, we'll see him start drawing a lot more free passes. Maybe he won't put up .400 on a regular basis, but he's easily better than .360, if we agree that he'll be hitting at or very close to .300.

I also would like a clarification on the definition of "beast", because I'm picturing Jason Heyward type potential when I hear "beast". We've had disagreements on the definition of terminology in the past and I just want to make sure we're thinking of the same type of production before I argue the point.
I don't know what Jason Heyward is. I don't know what we're supposed to refer to as a "beast". When is said that, my point was that Freeman has the potential to be more than a .300/.380/.485-ish player. I feel like that's what a lot of people are claiming to be his maximum production. I think Freeman has the ability to turn into a guy that posts an OPS in the mid-.900s. In his prime, I think he can go .310/.415/.540-ish (.955 OPS). That to me, is a beast.

That said...Dreamscape has made this comparison fairly often in the past and I generally agree with it. He's always said that Freddie Freeman has the potential of a Derrek Lee-ish player, minus the speed that Lee had in his youth. He might be able to hit for average. He might be able to hit for a decent amount of power (30 HR potential, like you said, Andy). He will draw his fair share of walks, but won't go all Barry Bonds on anyone (with the walks...not the steroids). Then he'll play some solid defense. Anything more and we're fortunate. Anything less...well, then we projected wrong and there were things about him that stats didn't show.
Derek Lee's a pretty decent comparison. Freeman's overall production may be similar to that of Lee during his career, but they'll do it in different ways, IMO. Freeman will be hitting .300 far before he turn 31, and I think that if he's doing that his OBP won't be below .380.

[luvdembravos]

You're right, lumdembravos!

Unfortunately, I was one of the people who were extremely down on him at the beginning of the season and am having a hard time rooting for the guy now. I want to, but a part of me keeps saying "don't fall for his lies". LOL

C'mon Jan, admit it, seeing Glaus in a Cardinals uniform probably soured you on him for life ;):D

[Wahoo]

I do think a .950 OPS player is well overvaluing him. Though, I will admit that I do agree that he has the potential to post a couple .900+ OPS lines in his career. I just imagine him to be an .800-.850 OPS on an average year, which is still darn good, IMO.

So in actuality, I think you and I aren't very far apart on Freeman's potential.

Once again, this is going to come down to the definition of terminologies used around baseball. Your definition of beast is a lot looser than mine, it seems. Just as your definition of good starters back in the day included back of the rotation types while mine only included legit top 3's.

Yeah, I'm with you..his minor league numbers definitely lend themselves more to your projection than Gilley's. And to be fair to both of you...he turns 21 in September.

I think the decision has already been made, and he will be our starting 1st baseman next year, however, I think it would be a mistake to make this kid untouchable. Sure he has solid potential, but I'm with you in that he's not another Jason Heyward, so I think if someone wants to give us good value for him that fills a need, we should consider it. I'm not advocating trading him, but I certainly don't think he should be classified as untouchable.

[Andy G.]

EDIT: I should also add the question why we're discussing this yet again? I think, specifically, you and I have been over this before. You're a little higher on him than I am and I'm just in the camp that if we can get something proven and established (a true "beast" maybe), I'd be okay with trading Freeman for something else that's pretty legitimately beastly in his own right.

Besides, I'm thinking (without going back in the thread to look it up) this discussion only because because you got offended at the idea of trading Freeman. That scenario only comes up if the Braves are to re-sign Glaus...which I've already stated likely won't happen because 1) they opted not to include any type of option which is basically an admission that this is a short term fix and 2) because of Freeman's presence in the system.

If Freeman is not our opening day 1B...we will have someone that will be replaceable when the time comes. I'm not denying Freeman's the future of the position, nor am I saying I'm 100% in favor of trading him for something else.
I didn't get offended. The discussion was about extending Troy Glaus. A couple people mentioned trading Freeman so that Glaus could be our first baseman for the next few years in the future. I offered my opinion that Freeman is too good of a prospect to trade, especially if you're replacing him with a player that is thirteen years older than him.

Why are we having this discussion again? To be honest, it's because anytime you're participating in a discussion and somebody offers an opinion that does not coincide with yours, you take it as a direct comment toward you, and insist on arguing against that persons point until they either give into you or simply give up in the argument.

I believe Freeman is underrated by most Braves fans. I have plenty of valid reasons for believing so. If you feel that to debate his potential with me is a waste of time because we've done if before, you never should have made a point to do exactly that.

[JanShan12]

C'mon Jan, admit it, seeing Glaus in a Cardinals uniform probably soured you on him for life ;):D

LOL That could be! :)

[Agent-X-]

You're right, lumdembravos!

Unfortunately, I was one of the people who were extremely down on him at the beginning of the season and am having a hard time rooting for the guy now. I want to, but a part of me keeps saying "don't fall for his lies". LOL

I'd just like to give you this piece of food for thought.

Troy Glaus is mashing at an unbelievable rate right now. Like it or not, Glaus is probably the biggest reason the team is winning so many games. When and if he cools off, the offense will have a lot of slack to pick up.

I'm going to keep rooting for this guy to mash like he used to mash... 40+ homers and 140 RBIs would be perfect. :)

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I readily admit I was wrong writing Glaus off so early. He's made a great return from injuries. Frustrations with a slow start and a floundering team often elicit noises from the boo-birds. I'm glad I was wrong. Glaus is hitting like the clean-up bat they wanted. Something to consider before you junior GMs give away Freeman - if Chipper retires, it's possible that Glaus could move back to thirdbase, if he's still a Brave. Our writing off of Glaus should remind us that haste makes waste. Freeman could become a star. I hear he's more in the mold of a Mark Grace than an Albert Pujols, but what's bad about that?

[Lauren T.]

Additional thought.

This thread title is just humorous now. lol
Is he done... with his current plug of tobacco?

Is he done... with that cup of Powerade?

Is he done... with his post-game shower? :rolleyes:

[Lauren T.]

You're creating a shrine with the wad of tobacco, the powerade cup and making a webcam video of that shower, aren't you? :D
Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.

[Agent-X-]

Looking at Glaus's career, I have to ask: Is he a greater injury risk than any other player we would replace him with?

[Gman]

Looking at Glaus's career, I have to ask: Is he a greater injury risk than any other player we would replace him with?

He's had enough injuries to make it foolish to ignore them and sign him to a contract that doesn't protect against further problems. He's had surgery on both shoulders and some foot surgery to help deal with plantar fasciitis. He's a big guy who takes a big swing so those things are common enough that even if the allegations of steroid use in his past were false, he'd still be a higher than normal injury risk. So, I like the idea of keeping him but only if they get injury protection clauses included.

[warefreak]

I think it would be foolish and stupid not to at least try to sign him to an extension with Chipper set to retire very soon and the fact we don't have a clear cut answer anywhere in our minor leagues. Freeman is our 1b of the future and I don't think we should trade him if we sign Glaus to an extension. We should put Glaus in 3b when Chipper retires. Between Chipper and Glaus and their injury risk their should be plenty of at bats for Freeman while he gets a couple years under his belt.

[jlcct]

It would be nice if Chipper didn't end up pulling a I'd like a litre-a-cola Favre. Not saying he will but it would be great if he set a retirement date and stuck to it. Like Bobby. I guess Bobby is more the exception than the rule though.

[Andy G.]

It would be nice if Chipper didn't end up pulling a I'd like a litre-a-cola Favre. Not saying he will but it would be great if he set a retirement date and stuck to it. Like Bobby. I guess Bobby is more the exception than the rule though.
Chipper said recently that he'll make a decision about retiring before the end of the season. He specifically said that he will not drag it out into the offseason. I can't remember which article it was, and I'm not going to look it up now. I might later. It might have been the article I posted that Kurkjian wrote about him.

[Dreamscape]

Do we actually know if Glaus's surgically repaired shoulder will allow him to make the throw across the diamond? I have seen many questions on that, but very few answers. But then, I again don't read DOB or AJC too much.

[Abaddon]

I usually keep up with DOB's blog, but I can't recall anything on his shoulder recently. I'm actually slightly concerned about his foot that is apparently bothering him. I've seen him limp after busting it to first in the Dodgers series. It would suck for it to become a real problem as the season progresses.

[Andy G.]

Do we actually know if Glaus's surgically repaired shoulder will allow him to make the throw across the diamond? I have seen many questions on that, but very few answers. But then, I again don't read DOB or AJC too much.
Jim Powell asked him about that earlier in the year when Chipper was ailing from his first minor injury (I can't even remember what that injury was at the moment), and Glaus told Powell that he'd have no problem playing third right now if the Braves were to ask him to do that.

It's coming from the player's mouth, and all of these guys have egos, but Jim Powell is pretty smart. The way he told it was that Glaus' reaction to the question was that of somebody answering a no-brainer. I think Glaus' shoulder would do just fine at third. I mean, the Cardinals put him in the outfield after the surgery. I don't think they'd have done that if he wasn't able to make a throw across the infield.

[Dreamscape]

Jim Powell asked him about that earlier in the year when Chipper was ailing from his first minor injury (I can't even remember what that injury was at the moment), and Glaus told Powell that he'd have no problem playing third right now if the Braves were to ask him to do that.

It's coming from the player's mouth, and all of these guys have egos, but Jim Powell is pretty smart. The way he told it was that Glaus' reaction to the question was that of somebody answering a no-brainer. I think Glaus' shoulder would do just fine at third. I mean, the Cardinals put him in the outfield after the surgery. I don't think they'd have done that if he wasn't able to make a throw across the infield.
That's not enough for me, I guess. I'm sure he would have no problem playing third and never wanted to go to first base anyway, but there is also a reason that nobody offered him a third base job, too. Maybe a lack of jobs, though there aren't that many good established third baseman. The reason he was in left field and at first base is because of the lingering pain he had throwing the ball across the diamond.

The Glaus to left field bit was more about the lack of any offense in the big league club at the time than it was about their belief Glaus can handle it. Plenty of weak arms have been put in the outfield for their bat. Ryan Klesko, for instance.

Until I see Glaus handle third for any time period, which likely will not happened this year, I can't pencil him as any Chipper replacement should the latter retire.

[JanShan12]

I admit it... 2 nights ago, watching the Braves game with my fiance, I gave in. I am now a full supporter of Troy Glaus! LOL Good or bad, I'm on his side from now on. Watching him run as hard as he could down the line time after time has won me over. :)

[Bad Blood]

Also now on the Glaus bandwagon, and I feel a bit foolish for creating this thread. Although, pretty much all of us had some doubt about him back in April...

[quick]

Also now on the Glaus bandwagon, and I feel a bit foolish for creating this thread. Although, pretty much all of us had some doubt about him back in April...


Don't feel bad--Glaus looked like five-day-old salmon back in April.