While I was preparing to head down to Turner Field last night, the words Braves release Tom Glavine scroll across my TV screen. What kind of alternate universe was I in? Did that really just happen? You mean my favorite Braves pitcher ever is not a Brave anymore (again)? The same Tom Glavine I met at the Annual Atlanta Festival of Trees sometime in the early 90s and still have his autographed card? What was I going to do?

I much as I would love to have seen Glavine throw at least one more game at the Ted, this is absolutely the right move for this organization. It hurts me to say that. But how many other teams are utilizing 40+ year old pitchers trying to make one last run? How long can we ride the sentimental wave? If this would have happened when I was 10, I don’t know if I would have recovered. But this sadly needed to happen.

Now that I have stated my stance on this issue, I want to defend my position. To any Braves fan that thinks this was a financial move is crazy. The Braves would have gladly given Glavine $1M for making the active roster and if he met other goals the total would reach $4.5M. That’s not that much even for the Braves. Plus, Did we not all think Glavine (if healthy) would just be keeping Tommy Hanson’s spot in the rotation warm until he got here? But his rehab took a little longer and the Braves need a pitcher who can consistently get Major League hitters out. Glav pitched well in his rehab starts but the organization was concerned with it translating to facing MLB hitters. The Braves had to go make a decision based on performance and not on history. We seem to have a surplus of good young pitchers and sadly that means the end of an era for a true Braves icon.

Now that my tears have been wiped away. Let’s move on to Nate McLouth. I don’t know if I could be more excited. While sitting in right field in the 2nd inning, the guy behind me on his blackberry says we traded for McLouth. I quickly pull out my prehistoric phone (no internet access yet) and call my brother. He lets me know it was a done deal: Charlie Morton, Gorkys Hernandez, and Jeff Locke to Pittsburgh for Nate McLouth. I don’t know that I have liked a Braves trade in recent years more than I like this one. Hernandez is tough to let go but McLouth is ready this season and for the future.

McLouth brings so much to the table: defense, power, speed. Some might say McLouth was an “all-star” because the MLB requires one player from each team?? In 2008, McLouth’s numbers were: .276, 46 2bs, 4 3bs, 26 HRs, 94 RBIs, and 23 SBs. I would like to think those numbers would be pretty deserving of an All-star game. I love this trade from so many angles. The guy is not overpaid, under contract, and can play right now (hopefully Thursday or Friday). Oh yeah, he can hit lead-off as well. Put this guy on base in front of Escobar, Chip, and B-Mac, and see how good the line-up will look. Can’t wait to see Mr. McLouth roaming CF for the Braves. Welcome to Atlanta….where the player play!

In Case you Missed it:

Tommy Hanson will make his MLB debut on Saturday vs. the Brewers (he looks focused). This should be exciting considering everyone around baseball has been waiting to see this kid in the show. With this move, Kris Medlen will probably be moved to the bullpen.

Outfielder Brain Barton got called up on Wednesday and pinch-ran for Jeff Franceuor in the 9th. Barton was thrown out attempting to steal 2nd. I liked the Barton deal earlier in the season. He has some pretty good speed and a solid glove but where does he fit in with McLouth now on the roster. He should probably get some more work in Gwinnett.