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Free Agent Stock Watch: Troy Glaus
Troy Glaus was traded to the Cardinals in January of 2008, waiving his no-trade clause and exercising his '09 player option for more than $12MM. He recovered from surgery to repair a nerve in his foot and posted a fine '08, hitting 27 home runs and playing over 1,200 innings at third base. A year after the trade Glaus had arthroscopic right shoulder surgery, which ultimately limited him to 135 pro plate appearances in 2009. Glaus previously had a procedure on that shoulder in May of '04.
The lost '09 season drove Glaus' price down in free agency, as he signed for a base salary of $1.75MM. He'll get a $250K bonus with 100 days on the active roster and can earn another $2MM based on plate appearances. Glaus is currently on pace to exceed 600 plate appearances and max out his incentives, which would bring him to $4MM earned in 2010.
After a slow April, Glaus has a scorching .400/.460/.600 line in May. He seems headed toward 25 home runs and 100 RBIs. He's also settled in as a regular first baseman. Though the Braves' offense has shown a surprising lack of power, GM Frank Wren deserves praise for this low-risk signing. Glaus will turn 34 in August, so he won't be in line for a multiyear deal after the season. He's nowhere near Type B status, so free agent compensation won't be involved either. He still may be able to pull off a contract similar to that of Adam LaRoche and Hideki Matsui - around $6MM guaranteed.
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