Atlanta Braves: Should John Smoltz be re-signed to help Braves bullpen?
The Boston Red Sox cut John Smoltz Friday after the veteran pitcher, signed as a free agent this past January, managed only a 2-5 record in eight starts with an 8.33 ERA.
YOU TELL US: Do you think Smoltz, who racked up 154 saves from 2001-04 as Atlanta’s closer, should be re-signed to help in the Braves bullpen? Or is he, at age 42 and coming off shoulder rehab, simply out of gas?
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352 comments Add your comment
G.F. Keith
August 10th, 2009
9:54 pm
Yes! Atlanta is home for John. I definitely think he should be resigned. He is one of the best!
bobbys cok
August 10th, 2009
9:59 pm
I don’t see how Smoltz’s struggle prove Wren “right” on GLAVINE
Walters Home Manager
August 10th, 2009
10:00 pm
Smoltz is done for. I think his next career might be in the adult film industry. He could play an innocent caddie who meets a shy, yet experimental Tiger Woods on the 6th green. Smoltz and Tiger take man love to a whole new level. The film would do well in midtown and Newnan.
Bobby Cox
August 10th, 2009
10:23 pm
He’s done…stick a fork in him…the Yankees sure did! Whatta way to go out, Smoltzie, gettin’ clobbered!
Chief knock a homa
August 10th, 2009
10:30 pm
I like the pitching coach idea!!!!
Agree!
August 10th, 2009
10:36 pm
Never bring him back. Maddux for pitching coach; agree don’t want Smoltz having young pitchers emulate him.
Smoltz needs to take his time, apologize to Wren and the team and organization, and slowly get back in the good graces of the team and Atlanta. If so, in time he will get his ceremony and jersey retired. If not, it should not be done any time soon.
Says he’s good enough to be on the golf circuit, so have at it. He may one day be the team’s golf instructor. He was a warrior, but threw this organization under the bus in the national media and that takes time for me to forgive.
Matt
August 10th, 2009
10:37 pm
Absolutely not. Anyone who wants to give him a shot has obviously been living under a rock the past month.
Ken Harrelson
August 10th, 2009
10:38 pm
John, come on and join the PGA tour. Ask them what kind of guarantee they will give you to get started.
Mike from Milwaukee
August 10th, 2009
10:44 pm
John Smoltz would be a solid addition to the Braves’ pitching lineup. As a long reliever or closer he has the mental makeup and approach to the game which would be, if nothing else, a tremendous model forsome of the younger arms. He knows the game and loves to share his experiences with the team around him. I was disappointed the Braves let him go to Boston and wonder if they have the smarts to see the vast experience and enthusiasm he could bring to this team. The Braves need a clubhouse leader; John Smoltz is just that man.
kev
August 10th, 2009
10:57 pm
John could help in the bullpen the guy fastballs are still in the mid 90s would be good as a set for one or two endings.
Ellie Dzuro
August 10th, 2009
11:09 pm
I believe Smoltzie would make a great announcer/analyst alongside of Joe Simpson and they can get rid of Big Mouth (Boog). My husband and I have watched John for 20 years and although we live in southern California, we have been Braves fans for many years. Smoltzie is a class act and a humble Christian. Would love to see him in the broadcast booth!
Mr. Snarky
August 10th, 2009
11:10 pm
Nope.
chrisserser
August 10th, 2009
11:10 pm
I would have said yes had he left with a bit more class and not trashed the organization to the media when they didnt’ pay him what he thought they should. All Atlanta really wanted to do was make sure his arm could handle the strain of starting..well Boston paid the tab for finding out the answer to that question. Thats fine and good -that’s baseball. What I couldnt stomach was his attitude toward the Braves when the deal was done and even when they cut Glavine. I just dont see there being a happy homecoming and he and the front office being able to get along for the remainder of this season. As tempting as it may look on paper I say like a good many in the forum- hell no. If he’s willing to take a minimum salary and be a team player and help the Braves get to the playoffs then as they say “we’ll discuss it further.”
I’m with the Grinch, he is a self-centered SOB who would in my opinion be more of a hindrance than help at a time this team seems to be coming together as a unit for the first time all year
Cashwell
August 10th, 2009
11:18 pm
He treated us like any other team in the off-season. We need to treat him like any other 40+ year old injured pitcher with one viable pitch who just got released from his team. Bringing him in now would be a huge step back. I’d rather bring back John Rocker.
Tonto
August 10th, 2009
11:37 pm
Refer to the post of THE GRINCH of 11:46 am today and put in a gigantic DITTO for me.
Toto
August 10th, 2009
11:40 pm
We need a proven winner and Smoltz although struggling in his starts with BOS is the ticket – Watson and Warner came up a few passes / strokes short for the comeback of mature pros – my bet is Smoltz will not – if given a chance and the Braves make it into the post season -
2ndGenAtlantan
August 10th, 2009
11:48 pm
After suffering through many years as a Braves fan and then the glorious thrills of the ’90’s, I would love to see Smoltzy come back to our bullpen and eventually retire as a Brave, no matter what happens. Yes, he broke my heart when he went to Boston, but I’ll never forget the rush of seeing him come out of the Braves’ bullpen to close a game out. As great a competitor as he is, I know he’s got enough gas in the tank to get the job done at least a few more times.
Kathy
August 10th, 2009
11:58 pm
Yes…..because he can be a great leader and he has shown what he can do in the bullpen. I kind of liked the “pitching coach” idea.
But also NO…..I think he has been far to vocal this year talking about the Braves.
Steve
August 10th, 2009
11:59 pm
Get Smoltz and Glavine back – we would have the coolest bullpen in the majors! And then let them retire with the “A” on….By the way, I really think they could help down the stretch.
Old Gold
August 11th, 2009
12:00 am
I want Smoltzy sitting as pitching coach and Chipper coaching batters. That’s a combo for the ages right there.
panama city beach mike
August 11th, 2009
12:26 am
Get real, every Brave fan loves John Smoltz and always will. But time has caught up with him and he is done. See you in your retirement ceremony in Atlanta and your Hall of Fame Induction in Cooperstown. Thanks for the memories, John.
OedipusTax
August 11th, 2009
12:55 am
John shot off his mouth when he couldn’t get a contract from the Braves and then when Glavine was released. Why should the Braves respond by signing Smoltz until Smoltz apologizes to the Braves? The Braves knew he wasn’t worth 5.5 million, even at the incredibly inflated prices of professional athletes today. Have John eat some humble pie, and sign him to a minor league contract, if he’s willing. Maybe his arm still has something left, but only if John shuts up and proves he can still pitch.
ABravesFan
August 11th, 2009
12:57 am
If Smoltz decided to become a FA, then the Braves should really try to sign him to the prorated veteran’s minimum. First of all, this will means that the relationship between Smoltz and the team has been mended (which needs to happen sooner rather than later). Second, there is definitely a use for another reliever (which the Braves failed to acquire at the deadline). Third, with the Braves still in contention, that should make this a better situation for Smoltz.
slow roller
August 11th, 2009
1:20 am
Are you people crazy?! Did any of you see what Medlen did to the Dodgers. Are you brain dead?
Who cares about Smoltz! We are trying to win the Division! Make Medlen the closer! Smoltz can sucker another team into testing his arm if they want to. He made Boston the Sucker. If he had any integrity, he would go the the RedSox bullpen and try to pay them back for the all the money they wasted on him!
BrianR
August 11th, 2009
2:58 am
You people call yourselves Braves fans. Give the man the respect he deserves. He battled for this team forever. He turned down millions many times before to stay in Atlanta. I thought the Braves should have signed him at the beginning of the year. If and when he struggled the way he did in Bostan he would have given it up and retired in the only MLB uniform he should have ever worn. Smoltz is and was a great humanitarian and did countless great things for the city of Atlanta and its residents. Give the man respect. How many elbow surgeries did he come back from? How many times could he have left for greener pastures? Fans that want to throw him under the bus make me sick. The same idiots are the ones yelling to get rid of Chipper and bring Francoeur back because he was a great high school player. Give me a break. I dont think the Braves should sign him back now unless its just to retire a Brave. Baseball is a buisness and sometimes it isnt fair. The Braves from a buisness standpoint probably made the right call, but I would have rather seen Smoltz retire as a Brave. Either way show some respect losers!
Tommy Tolbert
August 11th, 2009
3:29 am
Braves cannot afford to let any games slip away by picking up a has been pitcher. Let John go to Triple A for 3-4 games and see how he does there. I will bet he gets bombed just like in Boston. Do not pick your players on sentimental reasons. Many teams have done that and floundered. Next you will want Glavine and Maddox to join the Braves.
Gen Neyland
August 11th, 2009
3:53 am
Smoltz may find his place in a pen somewhere, but I think if he didn’t actually a burn bridge out of Atlanta, he darn sure charred it. He’s moved on, the Braves move on. That’s business.
1000 times NO!
August 11th, 2009
9:39 am
Brian R.
Smoltz is not who you think he is. It’s a facade.
Phil Lunney
August 11th, 2009
9:43 am
I would offer John Smoltz the opportunity to work as a closer for the Gwinnett Braves for August. It is close to home and convenient. Given that he gets his arm strength and form up to his and the Braves standard, he could join the Atlanta Braves on August 30th or September 1st. If all that came to pass, then having an extra “closing” arm with one of the best MLB Play-off records in history, could provide a reward and a win-win situation for both the Braves and John Smoltz. If the Atlanta Braves can make a run now, John Smoltz can provide a boost in the clubhouse and maybe even on the field.
Jared
August 11th, 2009
10:55 am
nope. Smoltz left and then trashed the Braves on his way out. Then did it again after Tommy’s release. Maybe he had a point, but I know one thing… The Braves never trashed him for anything.
The Braves don’t need to throw him a bone just for old time’s sake. They don’t owe him anything.
ken healy
August 11th, 2009
11:14 am
Remember Warren Spahn. I think Smoltz is every bit as good,at least as a reliever.
Keeping It Real
August 11th, 2009
11:16 am
He trashed the organization when he left and he bombed out in Boston. The Red Sox have a terrible bull pen except for the closer, yet they did not move him to the pen. Why should the Braves? He will destroy the team chemistry. Smoltz is through. He should play golf or run for public office.
ken healy
August 11th, 2009
11:20 am
Remember Warren Spahn. Smoltze is ever bit as good at his age. Try him as a reliever and I think you would be surprised.
Jim
August 11th, 2009
12:48 pm
As much as I wish John could continue to pitch effectively, I believe that his time has come and gone. His right arm and shoulder have served him well and he is a shoo in for the HOF, but he needs to hang up his cleats before he embarrasses himself. I know the desire to pitch is still burning in him but he doesn’t pitch with his mind. John, please do yourself a favor and for the love of the game–RETIRE!
Michael
August 11th, 2009
1:48 pm
It’s hard to imagine a Braves team with out the trio of Smoltz, Glavin and Maddox. Going through my twenties and thirties with these three as Braves pitchers and the major factor had in the teams success. Now, after a few years of struggling, I feel the Braves are on the edge of taking that step back to a successful and competitive seasons. (And seasons to come) John Smoltz deserves all the credit for his part in the historic season the Braves had for those 14 seasons. But, he’s just not a part of their future. If Smoltz was as valuable as so many believe, then other teams will give him a look. If he want’s to be a part of the Braves future then he may just have to take some time and be prepared for it to not be on the field. I would not take a step back for sentimental reasons and hope the result will be the same. Hope and sentimentality didn’t win those 14 titles and a World Series. Talent, hard work and hard decisions did . . . Good luck John.
Personally, I’d like to see all three, Smoltz, Glavin and Maddox back with the Braves . . .
lkj
August 11th, 2009
3:58 pm
The Braves could let Smoltz come back to the team but I am afraid the bridge he needs to cross is in cinders.
The Senior PGA tour awaits.
James
August 11th, 2009
4:03 pm
I have mixed emotions about bringing Smotlz back- but just maybe a little home cooking might do the trick.
zincc
August 11th, 2009
4:43 pm
As much as I love Smoltz, I’m doubtful that bringing him back to pitch is in the best interest of the Braves. I would love to see him rejoin the Braves in some capacity, just not pitching. Give him his due by celebrating his illustrious career here (i.e. retiring his jersey, pomp & circumstances and all the hoopla that goes with…), and then put him to work doing something, other than pitching (I know, I just repeated myself but …..)
TommyT
August 11th, 2009
10:07 pm
The Braves did Smoltzie a favor by not re-signing him and allowing him to play in Boston. Time for new/young blood in the lineup. Smoltzie’s bod is worn out and he needs to sink into a soft rocker along side former hurling mates, Glavine & Maddux. Father Time is calling!
Mr. Opportunity
August 12th, 2009
1:44 pm
Fact: Smoltz was consistently pitching 93 mph heat with the Red Sox.
He’s definitely worth having as a relief pitcher.
I really hope the Braves’ front office doesn’t drop the ball on this chance to bring him back where he belongs.
SANTA DAWG
August 12th, 2009
5:51 pm
I THINK THAT HE SHOULD TAKE THE PLACE OF THE BAT BOY, SO THE BAT BOY CAN GO BACK TO SCHOOL OR WHERE EVER HE GOES THIS TIME OF YEAR. JOHN TURNED HIS BACK ON THE BRAVES, SO LET`S TURN OUR BACK TO HIM. WE MIGHT AS WELL THROW IN GLAVIN.. HE WAS JUST LIKE SMOLTZ, HE WAS AFTER THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR. HE SNUBBED THE ATLANTA BRAVES FANS TOO.
David
August 12th, 2009
8:38 pm
The Braves could only benefit from having Smoltz back. We have a excellent pitching staff but could be even better, we know what Smoltz can do its just he’s gotta get back in the groove I have not doubt’s he’ll be back to the stuff we are used to seeing from him, Starter or closer its a win win.
Robert Dean
August 13th, 2009
2:13 am
Sorry John! You dumped us ! Thanks for the nice memories but we have moved on and I suggest you do the same. Now that we have a good chemistry on the team let us not bring back in old and bleeding. We are just fine. Personally I cant wait until Chipper is gone too! He is starting to show his age too. What is his AVG. for the last 40 games about .200. Hello new and fresh and goodbye old and bleeding. It is just business!
DCB
August 13th, 2009
6:28 am
Right on Grinch. All 100% of it. One of those blog comments that one thinks “I wish I’d said that!”
tonto
August 13th, 2009
7:29 am
Pitch batting practice maybe
Skeezix
August 13th, 2009
12:29 pm
Would love to see his back in some capacity. His competitive fire and heart would only further motivate the players. Also, he knows what the postseason is all about.
shankit
August 13th, 2009
2:57 pm
The current Braves baseball team since the All Star break
has more chemistry than any team I’ve seen since
the World Championship.
I contribute it to finally getting their mind set focused
and away from the distractions from Glavine, Smoltz and Frenchy.
Let the current team play it out, they don’t need any more
distractions.
Ray
August 13th, 2009
3:21 pm
No way. Smoltz had a wonderful career that lasted much longer than most but the time has come to move on. Bow out gracefully Smoltzie.
Navigator
August 13th, 2009
6:00 pm
NO, NO, NO, NO! Smoltz should retire, and taking him back on the team is like the Falcons taking MVick, it’s a bad idea. It has taken the team 3 years to shake free from their past teams. Let’s not forget the bad press (stink) Glavine caused when the team got rid of him. Do you really want to go through that again with Smoltz. Wait a year and put him in the Braves hall of fame and be done with it.
David Smith
August 13th, 2009
7:28 pm
Smoltz is over the hill,The Braves shouldn’t resign Him. I think John,However,might be a good pitching Coach.