Tom Glavine

In 2003, Glavine left Atlanta to play for the rival New York Mets, signing a four-year, $42.5 million deal. Read Less

He started against the Chicago Cubs, and he gave up 7 runs in only 4 innings. A few days later, he was placed on the disabled list because of a recurring shoulder injury. Read Less

Glavine, a left-hander, gradually lost velocity over the course of his career. Even at the end of his career, he was an effective starting pitcher in the National League due to his excellent control and deception, switching speeds, and locating pitches off the outside corner of the strike zone. His most common approach was to begin by locating his circle changeup off the outside corner, then follow with alternating fastballs and changeups to confuse the hitter. While batters frequently make contact with his pitches, the substantial movement he places on them makes drives very soft, resulting in easily fielded ground balls and fly outs. Glavine's consistency is also highlighted by his durability; since his first full year in 1988, he started at least 25 games every year and never being placed on the disabled list until his final season---at age 42. In addition to his excellent changeup and well-controlled fastball, Glavine has a plus-curve ball, a slider, and a tailing two-seam fastball. Despite being a left-handed pitcher, Glavine was often more effective against right-handed batters. Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully noted that this attribute is likely due to Glavine pitching from the extreme right edge of the pitching rubber. Read Less