During the interim, Glavine complained about the lack of response from the only organization he's ever played for. After signing with the Mets, Glavine admitted his criticism of the Braves was unwarranted -- a point Schuerholz reiterated several times Friday by pointing out that he received an apology from the pitcher.

''They have a certain way of doing things,'' Glavine said. ''The comment I made a week ago about the Braves was more out of frustration and emotion than anything else. It was not fair for me to say they were unprofessional in the way they do things. My comments were more an effort to get them back in the picture, get something done here.''

For that matter, the Braves should be more concerned with replacing Glavine than worrying about how their failed negotiations are perceived. The team has lost one stalwart of the starting rotation, and would lose another if four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux doesn't re-sign.

The Braves did trade for Mike Hampton, a former 20-game winner who struggled in Colorado, but they had to give up promising reliever Tim Spooneybarger. The bullpen took another hit this week when All-Star Mike Remlinger signed a $10.65 million, three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.

Atlanta did re-sign Darren Holmes to a $750,000, one-year contract, and is encouraged by negotiations with another key member of the bullpen, Chris Hammond.

Schuerholz refused to say there's a renewed sense of urgency to bring back Maddux now that Glavine has signed with an National League East rival. When it comes to future negotiations, the Braves' front office returned to its usual vagueness.

''There's no more likelihood of anything happening,'' Schuerholz said. ''We will try to use our resources to put the best team we can on the field. We'll have 25 guys on the field next year, I just don't know what names they'll have on their backs.''

Kasten said the team is at the start of a multiyear process to control costs, a process that has taken on added urgency because of the tenuous financial position of franchise owner AOL Time Warner Inc.

No one will say how much the Braves are planning to spend for players next year, but Schuerholz insisted it will be enough.

''I've been given a budget that, I believe, will provide a championship club for the fans of Atlanta,'' he said.

Still, the loss of Glavine was a blow to a franchise that has won 11 consecutive division titles with him on the mound.

''You can't dismiss what Tommy has meant to this organization,'' Schuerholz said. ''It's hurtful to know that Tommy Glavine won't be in a Braves uniform anymore.''