Report: John Smoltz Nears Deal With Red Sox

There are some sentences that simply do not look right. "John Smoltz signs with the Red Sox" is one of them, but that's apparently what's going down tonight in Boston as Buster Olney is reporting that the long-time Brave is nearing a one-year deal with the Sox worth $5.5 million. It's another nice move by the Sox to add rotation depth in a winter that's already seen them add Brad Penny to Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Josh Beckett, and Tim Wakefield.

Really, though, seeing this doesn't make me think about Boston's rotation depth. John Smoltz is the Atlanta Braves. I mean, Smoltz got the win in the only playoff game that I've ever attended in person. And that was in Pittsburgh. And I was seven. I'm going to be 24 in ten days. Glavine and Maddux left, but Smoltz always stayed. Starting, relieving, whatever. And now, he's going to Boston. Weird.

I don't want to get on a "baseball has no loyalty soapbox" because this happens to great players at the ends of their careers, so let's look at the Red Sox for a second. They've got the six pitchers I named in the first paragraph and Clay Buchholz all fighting for rotation spots. Presumably, Smoltz should shift to the pen to set-up Jon Papelbon, if needed (his health is also probably an issue), or the Sox could pull the trigger on some kind of trade (Olney speculates Buchholz for Jarrod Saltlamacchia, but it's all just guessing right now).

Sheesh, there's going to be some kind of pennant race in the AL East next year. As if ESPN and FOX needed another reason to show nothing but Red Sox and Yankees games next year.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-08-2009 @ 9:19AM

lewhwalter said...

John Smoltz is a first ballot hall of famer in my opinion. He represents everything that is good in baseball. How Atlanta can not find $5.5 million to keep him after what he has meant to the organization for twenty years, is beyond me. Maybe this is the first sign of what effect the economy is having on certain ballclubs. He's a class act and should help the Bosox win the division.

1-08-2009 @ 9:50AM

Mike said...

I guess the question here is honesty. A column today states that Smoltz will call the Braves today to tell them that he was going to sign with the Sox. Now why would he do that for a team that no longer wants him? Sounds like he's giving the Braves one last chance---which makes it kind of disingenuous on his part.

1-08-2009 @ 9:48AM

Dave said...

Varitek and BorASS tried to put one over on the Sox---AGAIN, and it now looks like Varitek will be left blowing in the wind, minus millions--thanks to BorASS. I never thought Tek was all that bright---or good. The Sox would be fools to take him back. Trade Buchholz for Salty. I don't think he's going to be all they think he is.

1-08-2009 @ 10:19AM

TheHulk said...

Smoltz WAS a great pitcher, but COME ON this is pathetic... there are so many soild pitchers out there for bargin prices.

5mm for Smoltz, how about Ben Sheets??????

Smoltz can split time with Curt Shill.

This move sucks

1-08-2009 @ 11:09AM

Planes said...

In October Smoltz says he's strong and looking forward to coming
back. The Braves stood behind him when he was too tired or sore to
pitch, but had plenty of energy to play 36 at Atlanta National. In
fact, that's where I saw him joking in the locker room, then "cruised"
out of the club, but saw two 8 year olds waiting for his autograph outside the door with no one else even close.
He saw them and sprinted past them saying he didn't have any time to sign that day.
He had plenty of time to joke around inside, but not 10 seconds to
sign two autorgraphs. I say so long John. Your loyalty to the fans
in Atlanta is underwhelming. Just another greedy athlete

1-08-2009 @ 11:42AM

country said...

So, when is Chipper leaving the Braves? This will be Smoltz final season. Great career, going to the hall, but theres no room or love for him in Boston. Trust me John, this team only cares about what you do for them daily, not what you've done in the past!

1-08-2009 @ 12:07PM

SoundAdviceBill said...

If true, this leaves Chipper as the only remaing player from the Braves "dynasty" period. (I am not including Glavine because he left for a while) It is a sad day for long time Braves fans like myself. But, I am also a huge fan of John Smoltz, not just because of what he has done on the field, but even more so because of what he has done off the field. We have seen what a tremendous competitor he can be and so I dont fault him for wanting to get one more shot with a contending (maybe) team and prove to himself and everyone else that he can still be a factor.
So we say "Good luck Smoltzie!" But please dont be offended if we retire our #29 Braves jersey...at least for now. We will get it back out when you put your Braves hat on one more time at your HOF induction.

1-10-2009 @ 9:09AM

jere said...

As a long time Braves fan, I am so disappointed that they didn't offer Smoltz the right amount of money after he signed with them for much less money a couple of times. I probably won't be going to any Braves games for quite some time. The new GM has made a huge mistake. He doesn't understand how loved John is and if John says he can pitch again, HE CAN PITCH AGAIN. I look forward to John winning many games for Boston and making the GM look like the idiot he is.

1-10-2009 @ 11:03AM

ginny said...

I can not believe that the Braves are letting Smoltz leave! They have done this with a number of players and it makes no sense to me. I am such a Braves fan and this is so very disappointing - I feel my loyalty to the Braves is becoming what the Braves loyalty is to some of their players!!