Tom Glavine came to Shea last night with the Braves even though he's on the DL with a strained hamstring. Before the game, he held court on a host of topics. Thanks to Dave Lennon for the quote action: Glavine is going to have a bullpen session this weekend and start on Tuesday.
What kind of Shea reception is he expecting?
"I guess there's always some curiosity. I'm prepared for the worst. People I met walking around the city were nice and cordial, but I know its different when I get to the ballpark. I'll understand it either way. Hopefully it doesn't get any crazier than that. "
Did he do anything in city?
"Just got a cup of coffee, walked around. Nobody threw anything, so that's a positive. "
What did people say?
" ' Sorry about how that last game went. I appreciate what you brought to the team.' "
On his Mets experience:
"It was a fun five years. I hope that people at least respect what I brought to the ballpark for the team and the organization. I took the ball every fifth day and tried to do my thing. "
On the anger over the "devastation" comment:
"I may not agree with it, but I understand it. Believe me, I know what its like when your favorite team loses, as a fan and as a player. What I was trying to say is that the feeling is different than a life or death experience ... It bothers me more than any game I've ever pitched. But as much as that game hurt, there are worse things in life ... Was that the right time for me to make that point? Probably not. Its unfortunate that it was interpreted as me not caring because nothing could be further from the truth. There were of circumstances going on with that team. I just happened to be the last guy on the mound, so I was associated with that. I won my 300th game in a Mets uniform, so the Mets organization will always have a special place in my heart because of that. "