Phillies increase offer to Glavine
NEW YORK (AP) – Philadelphia increased its offer to Tom Glavine by $3 million Wednesday, and the Phillies and New York Mets added option years for 2006. Philadelphia’s latest offer would pay Glavine $30 million over three years, two people familiar with the negotiations said on condition of anonymity. The Phillies’ proposal, they said, includes a $10 million team option for 2006 that would become guaranteed if the two-time Cy Young Award winner pitches 220 innings during the prior year or 420 innings during 2004 and 2005.
New York kept its guarantee at $28.5 million over three years, one of the sources said, and added a $9.5 million option for 2006 that would become guaranteed if Glavine pitches 210 innings in 2005 or 630 innings from 2003 to 2005.
“We made another proposal and we’ll be patient,” said Phillies general manager Ed Wade, who also is awaiting word on whether free-agent first baseman Jim Thome will accept its six-year offer or stay with Cleveland.
The new proposals came one day after Glavine sent a proposal for a $45 million, four-year contract to the Mets, Phillies and Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta, the only major league team he has pitched for, has offered an $18 million, two-year contract with an option for 2005. While the Braves have moved slowly, the Mets and Phillies – both NL East rivals – have been persistent in their pursuit of the top starting pitcher available in the free-agent market.
“We’re pleased that both teams have acknowledged Tom’s interest in a fourth year in both of their proposals,” said Glavine’s agent, Gregg Clifton. “If he moves, he would have a chance to finish his career in that city.”
Mets general manager Steve Phillips, on a brief vacation with his family, has been in contact with Clifton via cell phone and plans to be back in the United States before talks progress further.
“We expect to hear from them sometime after the holidays,” Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said.
Glavine, who will be 37 next season, was 18-11 with a 2.96 ERA this year.