Two weeks ago, Atlanta Braves legend Tom Glavine said his career could be over if he didn’t feel better in two weeks. Now, Glavine says he feels better but still isn’t sure if he’ll be able to make it all the way back to the big leagues.

The 43-year-old future Hall of Fame pitcher recently threw the ball on a flat surface. Although he hasn’t gone back on the mound, he reported that his throwing session went well.

In the offseason, Glavine had shoulder surgery on his left shoulder. The left-hander has reported shoulder soreness and even in his latest session, he admit to having some pain. However, despite the pain, Glavine insists he is more optimistic and is willing to give his body more time.

The next step for Glavine will be to pitch off of a mound. That will be the ultimate test to see if his shoulder will allow him to pitch a final season for the Braves. If not, he has a place in Cooperstown waiting for him.

Tom Glavine (Image: Flickr)

To begin the 2009 Major League Baseball season, the St. Louis Cardinals had an obvious problem in their bullpen. On Monday, they addressed their lack of depth by trading for Blaine Boyer of the Atlanta Braves. In return, the Braves will receive Brian Barton, a minor leaguer.

Boyer is a 27-year-old right-hander who was born in Atlanta. So far this season, he’s been far from impressive. In 1.1 innings over three appearances, Boyer has a 40.50 ERA after giving up three hits, three walks and six home runs. Last season, Boyer had a 5.88 ERA in 76 games. His best season came in his rookie year in 2005 when he had a 3.11 ERA in 37.2 innings.

Barton is a 26-year-old outfielder who hadn’t played on the big league level this season. Last year, he hit two homers, nine doubles and two triples while hitting .268 in 153 at-bats. Barton has more of a chance to play in Atlanta than St. Louis due to the Cardinals’ outfield depth.

Brian Barton Steals Second Base (Image: Flickr)

Prior to their game against the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies celebrated their 2008 World Series championship. However, once the game started, the Phillies quickly were reminded the 2009 Major League Baseball season meant that last year’s magical run was over.

The Braves scored two runs in the top of the first inning off of Phillies starter Brett Myers. In the top of the second, Atlanta added two more runs. All four of the runs were via the home run. Brian McCann hit a two-run dinger, while Jordan Schafer and Jeff Francoeur added solo shots.

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

However, the best player for the Braves on the day was starting pitcher Derek Lowe. Signed in the offseason, Lowe showed why the Braves gave him big money. Over eight innings, Lowe gave up only two hits and no walks while striking out four batters.

The Phillies were able to score off of Mike Gonzalez in the bottom of the ninth but when the final out was recorded, the Braves had a 4-1 victory.

On Sunday, the 2009 Major League Baseball season begins. On opening day, the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies will host the Atlanta Braves. Prior to the game, the Phillies will unveil their championship banner and they will receive their championship rings.

The first pitch of the 2009 baseball season will be thrown by Phillies starter Brett Myers. At that point, the 2009 season will officially be underway.

2009 Baseball Opening Day - Brett Myers, Phillies (Image: Newscom)

The goal for the Phillies this season is simple — to win the World Series once again. However, that is obviously easier said than done. The last team to win back-to-back World Series titles was the New York Yankees, who won the World Series in 1998, 1999 and 2000. A National League team hasn’t accomplished that feat since the 1970s Cincinnati Reds.

For the Braves, their goals aren’t quite as grand. After finishing last season with a 72-90 record, the Braves will be looking to find their way back to the top of the National League. While many experts expect the Braves to struggle once again in 2009, manager Bobby Cox has a long history of being able to keep his teams in the hunt.

While spring training isn’t the greatest way to judge a baseball team, the exhibition standings aren’t as worthless as you may think. In fact, last year the Tampa Bay Rays had the best record during spring training and then went on to represent the American League in the 2008 World Series.

Who are the best teams during 2009 spring training? Here are the top five:

1. Los Angeles Angels
Last year, the Angels finished with the best record in baseball at 100-62. During 2009 spring training, Los Angeles is 24-7. They have outscored their opponents 247-158. All in all, it appears like it will be another very good year for the Angels.

2. New York Yankees
Like the Angels, this is no surprised. The Yankees spent millions upon millions of dollars during the offseason to better their roster. Even this early in the process, these Yankees look like World Series contenders. If their pitchers can remain healthy, they’ll be scary.

3. Milwaukee Brewers
After the Brewers lost CC Sabathia, many thought their chances of doing much in 2009 had vanished. But their bats look strong in spring training and the pitching has shown signs of potential. The Brewers are definitely a sleeper at this point.

4. Atlanta Braves
For many years, the Braves were a favorite in the National League. Currently, most experts don’t consider the Braves a true contender. Despite the doubters, the Braves are 20-11 in spring training and their pitching has been very impressive.

5. Texas Rangers
The Rangers are utilizing their typical formula. They’ve scored 226 runs so far in spring training but they’ve also given up 206 runs. The Rangers will score runs but their record will depend on whether or not Texas can have a halfway decent pitching staff.

Here is a video of Michael Young of the Rangers talking to Jim Rome:

If this was Yunel Escobar’s and Ryan Church’s audition for the next Three Stooges remake, then it was a nyuk nyuk nyuk gone horribly wrong.

Check out this ouch-if-there-ever-was-one collision between the two players (38s).  The New York Mets‘ Church takes a knee to the head from the Atlanta Braves shortstop while sliding into second. He ended up with a mild concussion and Escobar got himself one heck of a sore knee: