Spring Training: Glavine pain-free in first spring start
Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 21, 2009
Associated Press
The spring training roundup …
KISSIMMEE, Fla. ó Tom Glavine knows the end of his career is in sight and he wants to leave on his own terms.
The Atlanta Braves lefty pitched three pain-free innings against his former team in his first start this spring, allowing two hits Saturday in a 12-1 win over the New York Mets.
Glavine had thrown a simulated game Monday and said he felt as though he’d be ready to join the rotation in about a month.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner has 305 wins, but he started a career-low 13 games last year, going 2-4 before his season was cut short due to elbow surgery. Glavine, who will turn 43 on Wednesday, contemplated retirement but said he wasn’t quite finished.
“Last year was not a lot of fun,” Glavine said. “I enjoy the nervousness I get when I get ready to make a start. Last year I was nervous because I was wondering how I would get through it. I enjoy doing this and knowing I can get guys out. I didn’t feel that way last year.”
Braves manager Bobby Cox said he couldn’t be more pleased.
“He will get even stronger,” Cox said. “It doesn’t matter how hard he throws because he isn’t about that. He’s right on schedule.”
Red Sox 4, Marlins 3, At Jupiter, Fla., Boston used just one regular, Jason Bay, on a rainy afternoon.
Astros 9, Blue Jays 7
At Dunedin, Fla., Toronto slugger Vernon Wells tested his left hamstring by playing the outfield for the first time this spring. He went 1-for-3 and spent five innings in center but did not have a ball hit his way.
Cardinals 12, Nationals 11
At Viera, Fla., top Washington prospect Jordan Zimmermann gave up five runs and seven hits in two innings.
Pirates 6, Reds 5
At Sarasota, Fla., Paul Maholm extended his scoreless streak to 152/3 innings, strengthening his bid to become Pittsburgh’s opening-day starter by allowing three hits in six innings.
Twins 2, Phillies 1
At Clearwater, Fla., Kyle Kendrick allowed two runs and five hits in five innings for Philadelphia, a boost in his competition with veteran Chan Ho Park, rookie J.A. Happ and top prospect Carlos Carrasco for the role of fifth starter.
Yankees 4, Tigers 3
At Tampa, Fla., 20-year-old Rick Porcello allowed two runs and four hits over 21/3 innings against New York.
Rangers 8, Rockies 4
At Surprise, Ariz., Chad Tracy ó son of former Dodgers and Pirates manager Jim Tracy ó hit a tiebreaking grand slam in the seventh.
Mariners 8, Athletics (ss) 5
At Peoria, Ariz., Ken Griffey Jr. doubled and scored twice in his second game playing left field this spring.
Giants (ss) 8, Athletics (ss) 4
At Phoenix, Travis Ishikawa hit a solo homer and a three-run drive, and San Francisco turned a triple play.
Brewers 4, Angels 4,
At Tempe, Ariz., David Bush retired 15 of his first 16 batters. He allowed one hit in six innings for Milwaukee. Angels starter Nick Adenhart gave up one run in five innings, striking out six.
Cubs 13, White Sox 2
At Phoenix, Chris Getz went 2-for-4, raising his average to .350, then was told by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen that he had won the team’s second-base job.
Royals 13, Diamondbacks 6
At Tucson, Ariz., Arizona ace Brandon Webb allowed four runs and seven hits in four innings.
Dodgers 6, Indians 4
At Goodyear, Ariz., Anthony Reyes pitched two-hit ball over five shutout innings for Cleveland.
Giants (ss) 12, Padres 4
At Scottsdale, Ariz., Emmanuel Burriss had two of his three singles in a nine-run sixth inning for San Francisco.