Saturday, November 18, 2006By Mike Steffanos
In an article in yesterday's New York Post, Mark Hale quotes Tom Glavine that it's "50-50" whether he pitches next season in New York or Atlanta. I know there are some that feel this is a negotiating ploy on Glavine's part to get more money out of the Mets, but I'm not one of them. To tell you the truth, I think Glavine's words and actions since the season ended point to a desire to return to the Braves next year, and the only thing that makes it 50-50 is whether the Braves offer him something he can live with. Again, although I'd like to see Glavine return for next year, I honestly believe the Mets can do just fine next season with him.
Although technically the Braves and Glavine can't talk until after the team option expires Monday, I'm sure there have already been some discussions between Glavine's reps and Atlanta. As a Mets fan, I don't feel particularly betrayed by this, as Glavine spend the vast majority of his career in Atlanta and his family still lives there. I appreciate what Glavine gave the team this year, but if he chooses to go home then so be it.
Some pundits have put forward the notion that a 2-year deal would keep Glavine in New York. I find this somewhat hard to believe, given that he honestly seems to prefer to be home now. Why would he then turn around and chose to commute for two more years? It just doesn't make sense to me. In any case, I wouldn't be in love with committing a lot of salary through 2008 to keep Glavine here. By the season after next, the Mets should have younger, cheaper and better options, anyway.
We've read repeatedly that Glavine will most likely make up his mind before the winter meetings which begin 2 weeks from this coming Monday. In my opinion, since Glavine's reps can officially begin their negotiations with Atlanta Tuesday, Omar shouldn't give Glavine any more time than that before moving on. Other options will start disappearing rather quickly at that point. Two weeks is more than enough time for Glavine to stop using the Mets as his safety net and make a decision.
Fall League Update
Eric Justic at Mets.com updates us on Mets playing fall and winter ball.
The Future of this blog (update)
Yesterday I shared with you my thoughts on what I think I need to do to keep this blog going, and asked for you to send in your opinions and/or suggestions. I've had a terrific response so far, and really appreciate that. If you have any input on anything to do with the future of this blog, please e-mail me at mikesmets@att.net. If you've already e-mailed me, I'm in the process of answering all of the ones received so far. I'll update on some plans in the next day or two.
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