Brett Favre.  Tom Glavine.  A couple of guys who exemplified excellence at the peak of their careers.  A couple of guys who gave their heart, body and soul to successful franchise throughout the stay.  A couple of guys who let their actions speak louder than they ever did.  A couple of guys who need to realize when it’s time to step down.

These guys peaked in the 90′s, and we are entering a time when many of the participants in their respective sports will have been born in the 90′s (that’s right – they won’t even know what cassette tapes are).

But yet and still, here’s Brett Favre.  Initially, he starts out by holding the Packers hostage.  And in the process, he might have even mustered up some general public support for his campaign to return to the team after announcing his retirement.  Favre knew he put the organization in a lose-lose situation – but did he care?  Nope.

So he took his wreckless style of play to the Jets.  And while they were close to making the playoffs – there was still no cigar.  Now he’s chomping at the bit to play for the Vikings – yes, the Minnesota Vikings that play in the same division as the Green Bay Packers.  I know it’s hard to resist the ticket and merchandising sales that the old man will bolster, but I really wish someone would put this old man in his place.

Then, there’s Mr. Glavine.  Now regardless of what the Braves GM says, there was definite a financial element to his decision.  Glavine would have been due a $1 million bonus for being on the Braves major league roster this season.  And the timing was absolutely gut-wrenching.  After receiving shoulder and elbow surgery, Glavine was allowed to rehab through the minors and work his way back up to the Braves.  He did so – - only to be cut.

But Glavine did give up his highest opponent batting averages in the last two years…as well as the highest ERAs of his career.  He is a 43 year old, finesse pitcher.  It’s tough enough to be a young finesse pitcher.  Based on this, I think it is finally obvious that his best years are behind him.  Why not give those young fireballers more work to develop them into the winning staff that Glavine was a big part of in the 90′s?  Surely Glavine could relate to that, right?  Nope.

Both of these guys need wake-up calls.  Instead of trying to get one last payday, or attempting to scratch an itch, they need to be playing catch in the backyard with their grandkids.

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