Braves Sign Troy Glaus

He may have only played in 14 games with the St. Louis Cardinals last season, and he's only played first base six times in his 12-year career, but the Atlanta Braves have decided they'd rather have Troy Glaus playing first base next season than pay Adam LaRoche.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Braves have signed Glaus to a one-year deal to play first base next season after Glaus missed most of 2009 due to shoulder surgery.

Troy Glaus has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Braves, who believe the former American League home-run leader is fully recovered from shoulder surgery and can handle the full-time duties at first base. He still must pass a physical before the deal is finalized.

A person familiar with negotiations confirmed the imminent deal, which was first reported by FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.

Glaus' bat could be a big boost to the Braves lineup assuming he stays healthy, and since he will no longer have to make throws across the infield, that should go a long way in preserving his right shoulder. In his last full season with the Cardinals in 2008, Glaus hit 27 homers and drove in 99 runs with an OPS of .855.

As far as how he'll adjust to playing first base, Glaus has been a solid defender at third for his entire career, so it's hard to see the adjustment giving him too much trouble. Of course, it's not like the Braves are new to breaking in new first baseman, seeing as how Glaus will be the 11th different Opening Day first baseman for the team in the last 12 seasons.

The only player to start there for two consecutive seasons during that span is the man Glaus will be replacing, Adam Laroche.