Disclaimer: Some information written in this section is strictly rumor, and has no factual information outside of what has been heard, or speculated upon, via outside sources.

Tom Glavine Officially Retires

After realizing he would no longer be offered a contract to pitch again in the majors, former Braves great Tom Glavine has retired from baseball. Glavine is a sure-shot Hall of Famer after reaching 305 wins with the Mets a couple years ago. He is also the 1995 World Series MVP with Atlanta. He sat out last year in hopes of a late contract, but to no abide. Glavine has accepted an offer to work as a special assistant with Braves team president John Schuerholz. I think Glavine has a good head on his shoulders, so he will be an asset to the team. My sister is the world’s biggest Glavine fan, so shout out to her. Growing up, we always speculated that we would travel to Cooperstown if he was ever elected to the HOF, so let’s book our trip now for the summer of 2015!

Tim Lincecum and Giants Look to Avoid Arbitration

With an arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday, the Giants and Tim Lincecum are looking to finalize a deal to avoid the hearing altogether. The Giants are offering $8 million and Lincecum is looking for $13 million. Reportedly, the Giants offered Lincecum an extension for 3 years worth $37 million, but the 2009 Cy Young wants somewhere around $40 million. Gosh, I hate when a player and team bicker over such a small sum that is already within such a large amount. Lincecum should just be thankful and accept what is offered. Otherwise, I hope he loses his arbitration case.

Damon Ready to Sign?

It’s another classic case of Scott Boras screwing his agent, as Johnny Damon is going to be forced to settle. The Yankees called Boras’ bluff last week as they passed on an overpriced Damon for a cheaper Randy Winn. Now, Damon has reportedly been offered a contract by the Braves (who have a ton of outfield depth), but he has yet to accept. Other than that, he could sign with the Tigers, White Sox or Rays, but no news yet. The Tigers may have offered the biggest deal thus far, one-year/$7 million, but it is still way off from the deal he seeks of two-years/$20 million. Overpriced.

Tidbits:

• Mike Jacobs is reportedly in talks with the Mets. Ironically, he originally came up with the Mets and was traded to Florida for Carlos Delgado. He strikes out a ton, but he’d bring some power to a powerless lineup.
• Speaking of Carlos Delgado, if the Mets go with Jacobs at first base, then that’ll be the end of Delgado’s tenure in New York. If he isn’t offered an adequate offer to play this coming season, he could simply retire. His production has dropped and he can’t stay healthy – he should just retire.
• Gary Sheffield, 41, says he is in “tip-top shape” and wants to play a 22^nd season. But will anyone want him? The Mets have yet to contact him and a jerk like him is not likely to be signed at 41 years old.

-Chris