Chipper Jones can hit. That, we know.
Tom Glavine is a union guy, through and through. That, too, we know.
Tommy Hanson? Not sure what we know yet about him.
Another whack weekend for the Atlanta Braves began when Glavine, unceremoniously dumped, made the media rounds to bash his longtime employer. Glavine said he felt used and abused, harsh words for a franchise that paid him millions over the years.
It was even reported that Glavine may file a labor grievance because of his belief that finances was the sole reason for the cut. Haven't heard that one before in the big leagues. But the former Braves union player rep considers himself a role model on this front, too.
Pitching, on the whole, is not the Braves' problem, so his arm won't be missed -- even if his usually warm personality will be. Hitting? Another story. As Glavine's harsh words were broadcast all over town, his old club was shut out on consecutive days by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Come Sunday, Glav's indirect replacement, Hanson, toed the mound for the first time. Given the frigid Braves bats and the overwhelming expectations heaped upon Hanson, a 1-0 win seemed a best-case scenario..
Well, the Braves won by a run -- 8-7. For three innings, Hanson was dead-solid perfect. Nine up, nine down, five by strikeout.
Then, second time through the batting order, Hanson was more like a rookie call-up in mid-September. The Brews, having adjusted to Hanson's acclaimed fastball, rocked him for seven runs, six earned, in three innings.
As for Chipper, as we gripe about his frequent absences, we must admire his textbook swing. Sunday: four hits, including two homers, and five RBIs. Jones is hitting .329. Hope he gets enough bats between injuries to qualify for the hitting title.
The Glavine story isn't going away soon, so the Braves cannot wait for more on-field distractions. Circle Friday on your calendar -- Hanson's next start.
Tom Glavine is a union guy, through and through. That, too, we know.
Tommy Hanson? Not sure what we know yet about him.
Another whack weekend for the Atlanta Braves began when Glavine, unceremoniously dumped, made the media rounds to bash his longtime employer. Glavine said he felt used and abused, harsh words for a franchise that paid him millions over the years.
It was even reported that Glavine may file a labor grievance because of his belief that finances was the sole reason for the cut. Haven't heard that one before in the big leagues. But the former Braves union player rep considers himself a role model on this front, too.
Pitching, on the whole, is not the Braves' problem, so his arm won't be missed -- even if his usually warm personality will be. Hitting? Another story. As Glavine's harsh words were broadcast all over town, his old club was shut out on consecutive days by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Come Sunday, Glav's indirect replacement, Hanson, toed the mound for the first time. Given the frigid Braves bats and the overwhelming expectations heaped upon Hanson, a 1-0 win seemed a best-case scenario..
Well, the Braves won by a run -- 8-7. For three innings, Hanson was dead-solid perfect. Nine up, nine down, five by strikeout.
Then, second time through the batting order, Hanson was more like a rookie call-up in mid-September. The Brews, having adjusted to Hanson's acclaimed fastball, rocked him for seven runs, six earned, in three innings.
As for Chipper, as we gripe about his frequent absences, we must admire his textbook swing. Sunday: four hits, including two homers, and five RBIs. Jones is hitting .329. Hope he gets enough bats between injuries to qualify for the hitting title.
The Glavine story isn't going away soon, so the Braves cannot wait for more on-field distractions. Circle Friday on your calendar -- Hanson's next start.
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