Braves Officially Sign Troy Glaus

by gondeee on Jan 5, 2010 2:42 PM EST in Braves Related Free Agents

We knew about this more than two weeks ago, but Troy Glaus has finally taken (and passed) his physical and is officially a member of the Atlanta Braves. He will wear #25, and there will be a press conference this afternoon to introduce him.

Talking Chop is on the record as liking this signing quite a bit. Yes, he's coming off of surgery, but this is a low risk, high upside signing of a player who should be versatile enough to easily make the switch from third to first. He bridges the gap to the young prospect Freddie Freeman, giving him a full season in the minors to develop, and provides a power presence in the middle of the lineup to protect Chipper Jones.

My mind keeps coming back to the transition that Jim Thome made from third base to first base, and while that happened much earlier in Thome's career, he made the transition effortlessly and didn't lose a step offensively.

[UPDATE 4:30pm]

David O'Brien tweets what the deal is worth:

Glaus base sal is $1.75 million, with $250,000 roster bonus at 100 gms and up to $2 mill more tied to PAs.

So if he's healthy and plays all season he could potentially earn a max of $4 million. Still, not bad at all, and of course we hope he's healthy and mashing.

[UPDATE 8:00pm]

More details on the contract incentives from Buster Olney:

$350,000 for 400 PA; $350,000 for 450 PA; $350,000 for 500 PA; $400,000 for 550 PA: $550,000 for 600 Plate Appearances

Very generous team contract. Good job by Wren's team.

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

signing Glaus was the reason I went from 5 to 6 in the confidence poll

The only reason

Senator, we have another old saying,"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Fletcher

by jimmontg on Jan 5, 2010 2:53 PM EST reply actions

Wow...

So he improves our whole franchise by 20%? Damn, impact player.

Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.

by MichaelProcton on Jan 5, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions

10%?

by Gage23 on Jan 6, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Hmmm...

how about Jim Thome as backup 1B and top bat off the bench?

And what are the incentives?

by Mr. Sanchez on Jan 5, 2010 3:09 PM EST reply actions

I wouldn't mind that

Massive upgrade over Norton, keeps us from having to slide Prado over anytime Glaus needs to sit. only for about 2-2.5M tops, though. Any more, I say pass.

by J-Freak on Jan 5, 2010 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

Press Conference at 3:30

by bravesforever16 on Jan 5, 2010 3:17 PM EST reply actions

So, $4M max, based on hitting…if he hits well enough to attain that bonus, then this is a bargain! I love Frank Wren, and Troy Glaus just became my new favorite 1B.

"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."

by justincredubil02 on Jan 5, 2010 4:30 PM EST reply actions

I misread that somehow – bonus linked to PAs, not performance – even better!

"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."

by justincredubil02 on Jan 5, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

I am having dreams

Of Glaus chugging around third in game 7 with Justice, I mean Chipper, screaming to get dirty!

"These days, anytime one of my pitchers keeps Murphy in the ball park, I pat 'em on the fanny" - Pete Rose

by BravesCPO on Jan 5, 2010 11:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I was expecting a deal with $4MM – $6MM in incentives. This is surprisingly cheap for a guy like Glaus if he plays the full year.

by Lennox on Jan 5, 2010 5:56 PM EST reply actions

yes it is...

a full year of good health, and Glaus will grossly overperform his contract.

by Mr. Sanchez on Jan 5, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions

Absolutely.

His lowest value since 2003 outside of last year was $4.5 mil

Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.

by MichaelProcton on Jan 5, 2010 11:44 PM EST up reply actions

(Although that'll take a slight dip at first rather than third.)

Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.

by MichaelProcton on Jan 5, 2010 11:44 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

I was sure the value with full incentives would be $7 million or so. This is great and should leave us with great flexibility. With Hinske being likely the final signing (and Hinske likely being cheap—I can’t imagine more than $2 million) we should have plenty of salary room to pick up an impact rental if the need arises during the season.

by cavebird on Jan 6, 2010 9:29 AM EST up reply actions