Braves Surprise Fans With Glavine Release

Another link to the Atlanta Braves’ decade-and-a-half run of success is now gone. Fans were shocked only hours before Wednesday’s game with the sudden release of veteran pitcher Tom Glavine. Team management told the future Hall of Famer that he was not progressing well enough from injury rehabilitation the past few weeks. Glavine had just played for the Class-A Rome Braves the day earlier, and appeared ready to rejoin the big-league club this weekend. The 43-year-old had been looking to rebound from shoulder and elbow surgery.

Shock and surprise was also felt by Glavine’s teammates in the Braves clubhouse Wednesday night, such as from veteran third baseman Chipper Jones:

"I feel bad for him because he wanted so hard to come back. It’s a tough situation to really comment on because emotionally you want to see Glav come in here and finish up, and he’s not going to be allowed to do that."

Longtime manager Bobby Cox said last night the release of Glavine was one of the hardest things he's had to go through.

Glavine played 17 seasons for Atlanta, and had rejoined the club last year. His 305 victories rank him 21st in alltime baseball history, and he was the Braves’ winning pitcher in the team’s World Series clinching game in 1995.

Braves To Sign Griffey-Jr.

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly agreed-in-principle to a deal to bring outfielder Ken Griffey-Jr to the team. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the 39-year-old veteran is expected to get a 1-year contract with $2 million guaranteed. Incentives would push the deal’s value higher.

Griffey is a 13-time All Star and one of six players in major league history to hit 600 or more home runs.

In other Braves’ news, the team is also reported to be close to striking a deal to return veteran pitcher Tom Glavine to the roster.

The Braves are in the opening days of spring training workouts in Orlando, Florida.

Georgia sports for Friday, August 22nd

Atlanta Braves--

A lost season continues for the Atlanta Braves—their 5-4 loss to the Mets last night completed a 3-game series sweep for New York in Shea Stadium. The Braves have lost 5-straight, and 10 of their past 11 games. The Atlanta 1-run decision Thursday also represented the 27th-consecutive 1-run defeat on the road, which extends a major league record. The Braves tonight begin a series in St Louis.

Braves’ veteran pitcher Tom Glavine had successful surgery on his left elbow Thursday, as well as a procedure on his left shoulder. The rehabilitation time-frame from surgery would allow for Glavine to pitch again in 2009 if he chooses to do so.

Atlanta Falcons/preseason--

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons will play their third preseason game tonight—hosting the Tennessee Titans inside the Ga Dome. Rookie Matt Ryan is expected to get the start at quarterback.

High school football--

There is one high school football game on the schedule tonight, which is a sort of prelude to the regular season, with Berkmar hosting a team from Aiken-South Carolina. The high school season opens in earnest next Friday.

Georgia sports for Thursday, August 21st

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves turned-in a sloppy performance in their 6-3 loss to the Mets in New York Wednesday night. The Braves surrendered 5 1st-inning runs, and committed 3 errors in the game. Rookie Jair Jurrjens took the pitching loss. The Braves have lost 9 of their past 10 games--they conclude their series in New York tonight.

Tom Glavine/Braves--

Veteran pitcher Tom Glavine still could continue his Hall of Fame career. Glavine had his ailing left elbow examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham Wednesday--it was determined he has a partially-torn flexor tendon. Surgery would be followed by 4-5 months of rehabilitation. Glavine says with that diagnosis and rehab time, he would consider returning to pitch in 2009--if the Braves would have him.

College football/Georgia Southern--

Georgia Southern head coach Chris Hatcher has suspended eight players for the team's season-opening game against top-ranked Georgia. Hatcher says the players are in "violation of institutional rules". Three of the players will miss the first two games of the Eagles' season.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, August 19th

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves wrapped their series against the San Francisco Giants Monday afternoon with a 5-0 loss. It concluded a dismal homestand in which the Braves scored only 1 victory in 7 games--that coming against the Giants in the 4-game series. The Braves now hit the road to open a series in New York tonight against the NL-East division leading Mets.

Veteran pitcher Tom Glavine will know more about his baseball future after tomorrow’s visit to a specialist in Birmingham. Glavine returned to the mound last week after two months on the disabled list nursing a bad left elbow—he landed back on the DL following the game against the Chicago Cubs. Should an MRI reveal he needs surgery to repair the flexor tendon in the elbow, Glavine says he’ll have the surgery and leave the door open to playing again in 2009. If ligament replacement surgery is required, he says he will retire.

NASCAR/Atlanta Motor Speedway--

Officials with NASCAR and the Atlanta Motor Speedway are expected to announce later today the introduction of a night race at Hampton for 2009. A source says the race under-the-lights would be scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

Georgia sports for Friday, August 15th

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves lost again to the Cubs 11-7 last night, and it completed a Chicago-sweep in the 3-game series. Tom Glavine’s return to the mound for the first time in two months did not go well, allowing 7 hits and 7 runs in 4 innings of work. There was good news however from the offense, and a rarity: centerfielder Mark Kotsay became only the second Atlanta Brave to hit for the cycle--a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. The triple came first, and the double was the last of the four--in the 7th inning. The feat is only the fifth for a Brave in franchise history since 1900.

Atlanta Falcons--

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons play their second preseason game tomorrow night inside the Georgia Dome against the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie QB Matt Ryan is expected to get playing time.

Georgia sports for Thursday, August 14th

Atlanta Braves--

A long, and tough day for the Braves at the ballpark Wednesday. They lost both ends of a doubleheader to the Chicago Cubs: 10-2 in the day-game, and an 8-0 loss in the nightcap. Charlie Morton and Jorge Campillo were the starting and losing pitchers in the respective games. The series concludes tonight from Turner Field, with Tom Glavine making his return to the active roster. Glavine has missed 2 months of action recovering from an elbow problem.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, August 5th

Atlanta Braves--

The Atlanta Braves opened their 7-game road trip on a losing note, falling 4-2 to the Giants in the series opener from San Francisco. The Braves have now lost 8 of their last 10 games. The team hopes to get veteran pitcher Tom Glavine back on the roster soon, perhaps this weekend. Glavine could be ready following a rehab minor league start Monday at Class-A Myrtle Beach, going 4 innings with 3 hits, a run and 4 strikeouts on his pitching line. Glavine has missed 8 weeks of action with a left elbow injury.

Braves/Skip Caray--

The Braves’ organization is still dealing with the death of longtime broadcaster Skip Caray. The Atlanta Journal Constitution spoke with Caray’s widow Paula on Monday. She revealed that Caray was feeding birds in the backyard of their home Sunday when she noticed he had collapsed. The Braves’ say the early report of Caray passing away in his sleep was based on information they had at the time. Caray was a radio and TV broadcaster for the club for 33 years.

Georgia Bulldogs football/suspensions--

The Georgia Bulldogs football team is making news again this week--for the wrong reasons. The list of suspended players got longer on Monday. Junior linebacker Darius Dewberry admits he caused damage to property at St Mary’s Hospital in Athens--he’s been suspended for the first two games of the upcoming season. Two other players were suspended indefinitely last weekend for incidents in Athens. Georgia has suspended eight players this offseason. The Bulldogs have been tapped by the national coaches as the top-ranked team in the country heading into the 2008 season.

Warner Robins Little League--

The baseball kids of Warner Robins need to win their game this afternoon in the Southeast Regional tournament to keep their hope alive of returning to the Little League World Series. Last night, Warner Robins, Georgia's state champion, lost to the champion from Florida 3-2. Warner Robins' must-win game is ahead this afternoon against West Virginia at 1pm.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, June 11th

Atlanta Braves--

It was a rough start for the Braves to their 10-game road trip, losing the opener of their series in Chicago to the Cubs, 10-5. The Braves jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning at Wrigley Field last night, but Chicago's offense wore-down Atlanta pitching. Starting pitcher Tom Glavine lasted only 3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs. He had to leave the game with a left elbow strain. Following the contest, the Braves placed Glavine on the 15-day disabled list.

John Smoltz surgery--

Veteran pitcher John Smoltz underwent surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday in Birmingham. Braves'general manager Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the damage found was "pretty significant". A determination on whether Smoltz can resume his career is unknown, and will stay that way for a few months. The 41-year-old Smoltz is expected to begin rehabilitation as soon as he's released from his clinic hospital stay.

Georgia sports for Monday, May 26th

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves suffered a 9-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta. Pitcher Tom Glavine was roughed-up for 5 hits, 6 runs and 6 walks in 4-and-2-thirds innings of work. The game turned in the 5th inning--with the Braves leading 3-2, Glavine surrendered a grand slam to Arizona's Eric Byrnes. The Braves have lost the first 2-of-3 in this series--the matchup concludes this afternoon at Turner Field.

Pitchers Rafael Soriano and John Smoltz are close to returning to the club. Smoltz has been out of action the past three-and-a-half weeks with inflammatin of the rotator cuff. He made a rehabilitation appearance with the Braves' Double-A Mississippi club. Soriano has been on the disabled list since the second week of the season with elbow tendinitis.

Georgia/Georgia Tech baseball--

Georgia's Bulldogs will be hosting one of 16 regionals when the NCAA Baseball tournament field is announced at 12:30 today. The Bulldogs, regular season champions of the Southeastern Conference, will find out who'll they'll play in their 4-team regional field. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets won't be hosting a regional, but expect to make the 64-team NCAA tourney field today.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, May 21st

Atlanta Braves--

A good day for the Braves at home in Turner Field yesterday, posting a doubleheader sweep of the New York Mets by the finals of 6-1 and 6-2. In the opening 6-1 daytime victory, Tom Glavine earned his 2nd pitching win in his last 2 outings. Offensive support came from catcher Brian McCann, who knocked a 2-run homer. In the 6-2 nightcap win, Jorge Campillo came out of the bullpen to get the pitching start, and gave the Braves a strong effort with 3 hits scattered and 7 strikeouts across 6 innings. Offense included a Mark Kotsay 2-run home run, and 2-run triple from Kelly Johnson. The Braves improved to a major-league best 18-5 record at home, and moved into a 2nd-place tie with Philidelphia in the NL-East division, only a game-and-a-half out of first.

NFL-Atlanta Falcons--

From the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons have signed their 1st round draft pick. Quarterback Matt Ryan, selected number-3 overall in the NFL Draft, inked a 6-year/72-million dollar contract. Over 34-milllion dollars of the deal is guaranteed.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, May 20th

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves out of Monday's off-day return to action today with the opening of a 4-game series against the New York Mets. It'll be a doubleheader from Turner Field in Atlanta, with first-pitch of Game-1 at 1:05. Tom Glavine gets the pitching start for the opening contest. Glavine is fresh off earning his first victory of the season last week in Phildelphia. In Game-2 tonight, Jorge Campillo will get the pitching call. He's been used in the Braves' bullpen so far this season, and will be making his first start since the 2005 season, when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners.

Atlanta Falcons/signings--

The Falcons continue their off-season tuning of the roster with the signing of former Georgia Tech safety Jamal Lewis.

NFL/Odell Thurman--

The Cincinnati Bengals have released troubled and former star linebacker with the Georgia Bulldogs, Odell Thurman. Thurman had just been re-instated by the NFL after serving a 2-year suspension. He had been penalized for refusing to take a drug test, and an arrest for drunken driving. Thurman recently skipped a voluntary 3-day workout camp with the Bengals.

Georgia sports for Thursday, May 15th

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves held-on for an 8-6 victory over the Phillies in Phildelphia last night. It was the early 8-0 lead built by Atlanta, on the strength of home runs from Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar, and Kelly Johnson. The Phillies chipped-away at the Braves'lead , drawing to within 8-6 in the bottom of the 9th inning. They nearly came all the way back to win the contest, but Shane Victorino flied-out to deep right field with 2 runners on base to end it. Tom Glavine finally earned his first pitching win of the season, going 5-and-2-thirds innings. The Braves and Phillies wrap the series tonight.

NCAA Golf/Georgia and Georgia Tech--

The golf teams of Georgia and Georgia Tech begin play today in regional NCAA golf tournaments. Tech is seeded third in the central region, playing in Columbus, Ohio. Georgia's Bulldogs are a #1 seed in the eastern region.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, May 14th

Atlanta Braves--

It was yet another frustrating 1-run loss for the Braves last night, as they fell in the opener of their series in Philidelphia, 5-4. The Braves now fashion a record of only 1-11 in games decided by a single run this season. The loss also dropped their road record to 5-15, which stands as worst in the major leagues. Compare to the Braves' major-league best mark at home, 14-4. Tonight the Braves will send Tom Glavine to the mound against the Phillies--Glavine is still looking for his first victory of the season.

College baseball--

Rivals Georgia and Georgia Tech faced-off in Atlanta Tuesday night for the final of 3 season meetings. The Bulldogs topped the Yellow Jackets 3-2. For the 3 matchups this season, Tech won 2 games.

Georgia sports for Monday, May 5th

Atlanta Hawks/NBA playoffs--

The improbable playoff run for the Atlanta Hawks is over. After squeaking into the postseason for the first time in 9 years, the Hawks ended their stay with a Game-7 loss at Boston Sunday afternoon. It came in destructive fashion, as the Celtics won decisively, 99-65. The 34-point loss was the fourth biggest Game-7 defeat in NBA playoff history. The Hawks were out of it early, scoring only 26 points by halftime.

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves completed a series sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a 14-7 win in Atlanta. It was yet another big day at the plate for Chipper Jones--3 hits included a 3-run homer and 5 RBI's for the contest. The Braves as a team banged-out 19 hits. The first 3 batters in the lineup accounted for 10 hits and 10 RBI's. Veteran pitcher Tom Glavine was not able to take advantage of the offensive outburtst by his teammates to record his first win of the season. He allowed 6 runs in 4-and-two-thirds innings, falling just an out shy of recording his first win in 5 outings. The Braves evened their record at 15-15 for the season, 2 games out of first in the NL-East.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, April 30th

A 3rd straight loss for the Atlanta Braves last night on the road--they dropped the opener of a 2-game set at Washington, 6-3. Tom Glavine returned from the disabled list to throw 6 strong innings with 6 hits and 2 runs allowed...he left in a 2-2 game. Reliever Blaine Boyer was roughed up for 4 runs in the 7th inning. Chipper Jones for the Braves did hit his 8th home run of the season. The Braves and Nationals play this afternoon at 4pm to conclude the series.

Off the field, the Braves feel they dodged a bit of a bullet with John Smoltz. His ailing right shoulder was examined Tuesday, and it was determined he has a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff. He will go back on the disabled list for the 2nd time this season, but hopes to return to form in two weeks.

From the NBA playoffs, the surprising Atlanta Hawks have won the last 2 games in their 1st round series against the Celtics to tie the matchup 2-2. The series resumes tonight in Boston for Game-5.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, April 29th

The Atlanta Hawks have evened their 1st-round NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics at 2 games apiece. Last night the Hawks scored the 97-92 win in Atlanta. Joe Johnson tallied 20 of his career playoff-high 35 points in the 4th quarter, while Josh Smith poured in 28 points for the game. The series picks up with Game-5 in Boston Wednesday.

From baseball, the Atlanta Braves open a 2-game series in Washington D-C tonight against the Nationals. Tom Glavine will come off the disabled list to get the pitching start--he's been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Glavine's fellow rotation teammate John Smoltz will have his ailing shoulder examined today in Atlanta. Smoltz could be facing a 2nd trip to the disabled list this season.

Georgia sports for Monday, April 14th

There is a new champion at the Masters. Trevor Immelman earned the green jacket Sunday, becoming the first South African to win a Masters title in 30 years. Immelman faltered a bit with a '75' in the final round, but it was enough to hold-off a gaining Tiger Woods. For his day, Woods carded a '72' Sunday to finish 5-under-par for the tournament--Immelman finished 8-under. Stewart Cink and Brandt Snedeker tied for 3rd place, finishing 4 shots off the pace.

From major league baseball, after wins in the first 2 games of their series in Washington D-C, the Braves faltered in the finale Sunday with a 5-4 loss. Made tougher was the exit of starting pitcher Tom Glavine in the 1st inning after facing only 4 batters. Glavine left the game with a right hamstring strain, and hopes to avoid the disabled list for the first time in his career.

Georgia Tech has cancelled its Tuesday baseball game against Georgia Southern in Statesboro. The Yellow Jackets are dealing with the death of their teammate, junior pitcher Michael Hutts. The team will attend the funeral for Hutts on Tuesday. Michael Hutts' body was discovered Friday afternoon in his apartment in Atlanta. The initial report from the coroner found there was no obvious violent cause of death. A full report may not come for a few weeks. Tech expects to face Georgia Southern in a scheduled game Wednesday. Over this past weekend, Georgia Tech lost all 3 games to visiting Miami. Tech had postponed their Friday night game upon news of Hutts' death.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, April 8th

It was a frustrating loss for the Atlanta Braves Monday night in the opener of a 4-game series in Colorado, and start of a 10-game road trip. Matt Holliday's 2-run homer off Braves' reliever Blaine Boyer in the 8th inning was the difference for the Rockies' 2-1 victory. It wasted another fine effort by starting pitcher Tom Glavine, who threw 6-and-a-third innings with 3 hits and no runs allowed. Chipper Jones delivered an RBI-double to account for Atlanta's only scoring.

The Augusta-area is now within Masters week. Tournament play starts Thursday morning. Yesterday brought crowds of near 40-thousand people to Augusta National Golf Club for practice rounds, as golfers got their first chance to assess the course. How the course will play for the week is the question, as last weekend brought three inches of rain. Isolated thunderstorms are forecast for this weekend with higher temperatures.

Georgia Tech has given women's head basketball coach MaChelle Joseph a new 4-year contract worth 1.3 million dollars. Joseph in 5 years as Tech's head coach has complied an 84-66 record. The women's team this season made its 2nd-straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, April 1st

The Atlanta Braves lost their home opener to the 2008 season, falling in a wild contest 12-11 in 12 innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Down 9-4 in their 9th inning last at-bat, the Braves came off the deck to score 5 runs. The final 2 runs scored with 2 outs and 2 runners on base--catcher Brian McCann's seemingly game-ending pop fly to left-center field dropped between the outfielders for a hit, scoring the tying runs. 3 innings later, after falling behind 12-9, the Braves mounted another comeback, but fell a run shy. Brian McCann and Jeff Fracouer hit home runs in the contest. Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar tallied 3 RBI's each. For pitcher Tom Glavine, his return to the Braves went well: 7 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned allowed in 5 innings of work. The teams are off today...the Braves and Pirates resume their series tomorrow night.

Pro basketball from last night--another win for the Atlanta Hawks, 116-99 over Memphis. From hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers were 2-0 winners over Tampa Bay.