Smoltz not ready to discuss plans yet
John Smoltz won't yet comment on if he wants the ball back.
At the ballpark tonight to check in on the new Braves, the ones who – and I’m stealing a line from my buddy Don King here — “have risen from the media pallet of death.”
But first, a comment on an old Brave: John Smoltz.
As you know – and as some of you seemingly celebrated – Smoltz imploded in his comeback attempt with the Boston Red Sox. He went 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA and – in what turned out to be his final appearance — he was pounded by the New York Yankees for eight runs, nine hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings.
So the Red Sox designated him for assignment, which is baseball-speak for: goodbye.
Today comes word that Smoltz officially told Boston he will not accept a minor-league assignment. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. That leaves only two options: The Sox must either trade him (if they can) or cut him (if they can’t, which is more likely).
It appears some teams don’t believe Smoltz is done. Texas and the Los Angeles Dodgers are among teams rumored to have some interest.
That might explain why when I just sent Smoltz a text message asking if he was prepared to comment on his plans, he responded: “Not yet but will soon.”
As we know, Smoltz is pretty hard-headed. When he gets it in his mind that he can accomplish something, he’s not one to change his opinion. If Smoltz really believes he can complete another medical miracle, he’ll try to pitch with another team. Regardless of how you feel about him or his split with the Braves, you shouldn’t want to see a certain Hall of Famer go out the way he did.
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145 comments Add your comment
Ohman
August 12th, 2009
4:15 pm
meh. He’s toast.
Chris
August 12th, 2009
4:22 pm
Yep. Toast.
2nd!
Ted Striker
August 12th, 2009
4:24 pm
“Regardless of how you feel about him or his split with the Braves, you shouldn’t want to see a certain Hall of Famer go out the way he did.”
I understand what you mean, but the fact is — I don’t really feel ANYthang about Mr. Smoltz. Why? I haven’t felt much about baseball since the last strike. I swore baseball and it’s last generation of players off till the next generation. I’m just now becoming a fan again. Dumb? Maybe. But from my point of view, I never missed a thing — and it was awesome to avoid the heyday of the steroid era.
Shadydave
August 12th, 2009
4:24 pm
think a lot of folks would like to see him come back to the Braves, but you can’t burn bridges and expect to walk back across them…
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
4:27 pm
I would hate for it to end for Smoltz like this, especially since Glavine’s career has likely petered out. However, maybe Smoltz has some idea why Wren made him the offer he did, and that that one was actually pretty generous given the club’s financial situation and Smoltz’s health. I don’t bear him any ill will for being so petulant about the offer, though. He actually did us a favor by going to Boston.
bali smith
August 12th, 2009
4:27 pm
I think after being as successful as smoltz has been in the past that if he thinks he can still pitch then all the luck in the world to u j smoltz. If he is released and no one picks him up and he retires from baseball then thanks for the memories and good luck in the future
Toots
August 12th, 2009
4:28 pm
Well said, Shadydave. I can’t imagine the Braves having any interest in Smoltz.
Bama Aaron
August 12th, 2009
4:32 pm
He should be done, but he’s not. Also hearing the Cardinals might be interested in him if the Sox go ahead and cut him. I think he’ll take one more stab at it this season because he’s too much of a competitor to accept the way Boston ended. Then he’ll be done. Him & Glavine can then go into the HOF together in 5yrs.
Out of Town
August 12th, 2009
4:34 pm
Seriously, he’ll be good on TV.
Ohman
August 12th, 2009
4:43 pm
Out of Town: you are seriously, out of your mind. He would never shut up.
willie
August 12th, 2009
4:45 pm
Say what you will, but I would love to see him get a shot in the Braves bullpen if he were willing to do it.
Max Sizemore
August 12th, 2009
4:49 pm
Just curious, but do you Smoltz detractors really think he couldn’t pitch as well as Manny Acosta? Kris Medlen?
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
4:50 pm
OOT, baseball’s answer to Charles Barkley?
farmguy
August 12th, 2009
4:53 pm
I for one, am happy to see Smoltz implode so badly. I lost every bit of respect and admiration I had for him when he basically trashed the only team he ever knew and told fans to stick it. He deserves whatever happens to him, I will not ever be a John Smoltz fan again. You are done old man, deal with it.
Michael Smith
August 12th, 2009
4:53 pm
Max Sizemore has an excellent point. Surely Smoltz would be better than either Acosta or Medlen. I shudder when either of those two is brought into the game — they are guaranteed to put men on base and give the opposition a chance to get a rally going.
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
4:54 pm
Sizemore, I think the question is will he really be willing to come back to the team he spent his entire career with, then spurned, as a rarely-used middle reliever. The other question is will Bobby not use him if he continues to pitch like Jeff Bennett instead of Acosta or Medlen.
TenaciousD
August 12th, 2009
4:57 pm
If I were the Braves, I would sign him and give him a shot in the bullpen. The organization could take the high road and welcome him home.
Nick
August 12th, 2009
4:58 pm
If Smoltz really wants to mend the fence and give the Braves another try, then I’m all for it. We could use him as the closer and have Sorrrriano be the set-up man. If Smoltz decided to sign with other NL clubs, then the HELL with him. I hope we’ll tee off him when we face him. He left for more money and look at him now. Money doesn’t buy anything if you don’t WIN in Boston.
Paul H
August 12th, 2009
4:59 pm
I hope he gets a shot to go out in a better way, especially since he’s already a lock for Cooperstown.
Charlie
August 12th, 2009
5:02 pm
Max,
Chris Medlin out pitched Hansen in the minors, after a shaky start, he seems more comfortable and has show improvement; and he looked absolutely fantastic against the Dodgers. I want him to stay around.
Acosta? who knows, but would Smoltz be happy doing mop up duty? Or, would it suddenly stop becoming about the chase for the playoffs, and become the John Smoltz whiner show. As Frankeur/Church trade shows, addition by subtraction sometimes works.
Ohman
August 12th, 2009
5:02 pm
Actually I don’t think he would pitch better than Acosta or Medlen. (BTW, Medlen is a terrific pitcher–young, but loads of potential). At this point, I think Smoltz is done. Boston didn’t DFA a future Hall of Famers for no reason.
Charlie
August 12th, 2009
5:04 pm
If Braves get eliminated, I would like the Dodgers to pick up Smoltz and have him face off against the Redsox in the WS.
TT44
August 12th, 2009
5:05 pm
I would put Tim Hudson in the bullpen, and then if Smoltz is interested, put him there too….Hudson is coming off major surgery, rehab, and why not put him there, wouldnt that be less wear and tear on the arm? And, look , Smoltz did spurn the Braves, but, hey, he didnt execute dogs…..give him a break, if he wants to come back to the bullpen…..try him out! GO BRAVES!
Bryan G.
August 12th, 2009
5:05 pm
He has to be better than Jeff Bennett…and some team gave HIM a freaking chance.
vanomania
August 12th, 2009
5:05 pm
I recall him throwing an occasional knuckleball during a prior mid-season return from surgery. I wonder if he’d considering reinventing himself as a full-time knuckleball pitcher.
Charlie
August 12th, 2009
5:06 pm
I think Boston did him wrong, they could have downplayed the Yankee game, waited a few days, then released him.
Woodsy Owl
August 12th, 2009
5:07 pm
Don’t rape or kill animals like that thug Vick, Smoltzie.
Ohman
August 12th, 2009
5:08 pm
Yeah, you’re right Bryan G., some team…not the Braves.
Look, people, you want the Braves to win, right? You think baseball is about sentiment? Maybe it is on some touchy-feely, philisophical, A. Bart Giamatti-level but this team needs pitching to win. Not pitching for people who can’t let go of the past.
MajorPain
August 12th, 2009
5:09 pm
Why ruin the good chemistry the Braves have now with bringing back a guy with a huge ego to be a seldom used reliever in the bullpen. Let him work a few innings in the booth but not on the mound.
The Grinch
August 12th, 2009
5:12 pm
No, I don’t think it should end that way. I think he should come back here and hold a press conference where he publicly apologizes. Apologize to the organization who made him a very, very rich man (including giving him 14 million last year when he threw about 10 innings…didn’t see him offer to give any of that back) and who also made him a more than fair, incentive laden option to retire a Brave when it was likely he was done (and which we see now that he clearly is). Apologize to the fans who bought his jerseys, looked up to him, cheered him and wanted him to spend his career here. And let’s not forget an apology to his teammates, who he left hanging in the wind before Wren had to scramble to rebuild the pitching staff with people who could actually pitch.
THAT’S how I want to see it end. Otherwise, I hope pigeons poop on his statue for evermore, and the IRS audits him bi-annually on general principle.
Anotherdawg
August 12th, 2009
5:13 pm
I agree with Charlie and Ohman. Medlen has been very inpressive and is only going to get better. Acosta has great stuff, just need to work on his control. At some point, you have to look to the future and I think the Braves are going in the right direction.
Kid me not
August 12th, 2009
5:16 pm
There is no guarantee of failure nor effectiveness when any pitcher is brought into a game. However, comparing what Acosta and Medlin have done this year with what Smoltz has done this year; comparing what Acosta/Medlin can do right now with what Smoltz can do right now, why would any manager give the ball to Smoltz as opposed to Acosta or Medlin? Come on guys, get real and quit kidding us.
Peachtree John
August 12th, 2009
5:16 pm
Explain why there is no movement to change Hanson’s “pause while the base runner advances” movement to home plate. He actually pauses during him motion. As evidenced last night, a decent base runner will steal every time–even steal third!
As base runners watch him, the steals will increase. After all, he can’t strike out every batter, though he may come close in the future.
Einstein
August 12th, 2009
5:17 pm
Thanks Jeff, for a good article. Why do superstars have a difficult time facing reality? Farve, Glavine, Smoltz, Namath, Dave Parker, et al? Why can’t they just act normal like Tom Seaver? Sandy Koufax? Don Drysdale? Jim Palmer? It can’t be for the money as they have made zillions. The Braves alone have paid Smoltz over $225M while he was pitching (and spending time on the dl) for them. It’s just my opinion, but I believe all teams would be better served bringing up players that will actually improve. Younger players are more exciting and play with more enthusiasm, so the fans should be happy. And, they give the team a better chance to win. When did Atlanta become a retirement home for old icons? I sure hope Bobby retires after this season. Peace.
George G.
August 12th, 2009
5:21 pm
Simple…..Smoltz > Acosta and Hudson > Medlin
I’m all for both of those two developing into Major Leaguers, but neither of them will develop into what they could with their current roles.
Make it happen Wren!!!!
Just a fan
August 12th, 2009
5:24 pm
Are you people nuts? His ERA was over 8!!!! Why would you want him in your bullpen? Apparently the only people who dont realize he is done is Smoltz and some misguided Braves fans.
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
5:25 pm
Nick, you really want to bring Smoltz in as the closer now? I know he was really good in that role a few years ago, and Gonzo’s been less than reliable, and Soriano’s given up some game-losing HRs, but Smoltz has gotten lighted up like a pinball machine this year.
La Jolla Dawg
August 12th, 2009
5:32 pm
Not sure why it is the Braves fault that Smoltz decided to take guaranteed money instead of money that would have been earned based on innings pitched. I don’t think Smoltz did anything wrong (showed who he is and what was most important to him) and I definitely don’t think the Braves did anything wrong. I don’t feel bad for Smoltz. He is a grown man who made choices that led to this moment. He will either hang it up gracefully, or not. I don’t really care either way.
turkey
August 12th, 2009
5:32 pm
Smoltz would be better than Acosta but the money and all that humble pie he would have to eat makes it an impossible situation.
DamYankee
August 12th, 2009
5:33 pm
Time for Smoltzie to head back to MI, have a long talk with Rick Smith, and figure out which U.S. Open qualifier he should play in. Buh-bye, John, thanks for the memories.
gcs
August 12th, 2009
5:34 pm
I hope Chipper Jones has been paying close attention to the shameless unprofessionalism of Glavine and Smoltz. I know Chipper wants to stay a Brave and retire here but there is a possibility that his paycheck might someday become a liability.
If he is ever released or traded, I hope he bites his tongue and takes it like a man.
.
Nick
August 12th, 2009
5:36 pm
GTFan
I think Smoltz has a lot left in his tank when pitching 1-2 innings and that is why I think he’ll be reliable and might be fire up again. If he pitches more than 3 innings, then he is a dead fish. He’s a veteran and has good stuffs and has been very successful as a closer, so why not go for it? We need to bring the excitment back to HOTlanta and then goes with the young guns next year.
DaveDawg
August 12th, 2009
5:37 pm
I’ve always liked Smoltz and always will. He showed so much grit for so many years. He was awesome in the playoffs and awesome when he worked out of the bullpen. He’s a competitor and someone you want to have on your team. I haven’t been following baseball too closely this season, so I’m not going to make an uninformed comment about what I think should happen, but I know how I feel about Smoltz. The haters on here have no class – it’s cool to have an opinion – but state it with class and show a little respect for everything Smoltz contributed to the Braves’ 14 straight division championships.
Andrew
August 12th, 2009
5:38 pm
Dude, GO HIT GOLFBALLS. I said it last year. Be a golfer for a few years. The last thing you want to do is live out the rest of your life with an arm you want to saw off. You did a great job for us. You will not be forgotten.
DP
August 12th, 2009
5:39 pm
I don’t think it reflects well on Smoltz to turn down the Red Sox request to go to the minors. He knows they couldn’t keep sending him to the mound to get shelled while they were in the middle of a pennant race. One would think he felt like he owed them something given what he was paid to put up an 8+ ERA.
I don’t want Smoltz back here unless the Braves fall out of the race. He probably has too much pride to take on a middle relief role. But even if he agreed to middle relief, what happens if he gets shelled his first couple of outings? Imagine the potential PR nightmare of the Braves releasing him.
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 12th, 2009
5:40 pm
If he could still get people out, Boston wouldn’t have released him. Don’t wish him any ill will but he’s done.
VSUNick
August 12th, 2009
5:41 pm
Not too late to see him on the tour this year. Sure he could pull some sponsor exemptions.
Rayb
August 12th, 2009
5:41 pm
Peachtree John, Who cares if Hanson pauses during his delivery, not many players get on base w/him pitching anyway.
stubborn
August 12th, 2009
5:43 pm
Smoltz chose to go out the way he did. His stubborness led him to this end and it is his own fault.
42, elbow surgery, thinking you’re cy young. Bad combo.
Charlie
August 12th, 2009
5:50 pm
Both Glavine and Smoltz won the Cy Young award for the best pitch, and the Cry Young award for the most whining.
Alex
August 12th, 2009
5:52 pm
SIGN HIM NOW. He can still pitch and is better than some of our other bullpen arms. That said, I doubt he’d take our offer to be in the pen if he gets another to be a starter.
Say no to Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
5:58 pm
The Braves have Tim Hudson coming back soon, and nowhere to put him other than the bullpen. That leaves no room for Mr. Smoltz, so I wish him luck elsewhere or on the golf course…
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
6:01 pm
Dave, you obviously haven’t been paying attention this season, or the previous offseason. The people expressing their opinions about Smoltz aren’t showing any less class than he did when he went to Boston.
Also, I’m sick of hearing about Smoltz’s loyalty to the Braves. The Braves have paid him well to pitch here over all those years and stuck with him through a bunch of injuries. They even moved him back to the rotation when it probably was in the team’s best interest to keep him as the closer. That loyalty ran both ways, and Smoltz was the one who brought it to an end, not Wren and the Braves. The money they offered was plenty for a 42 year old coming off arm surgery who was only going to pitch half the year.
john
August 12th, 2009
6:04 pm
He is one of the best ever. He will be a Brave for life and all of you know it. He did not trash the Braves. Get a clue. You loved him as a competitor for us. Did you expect him to just roll over and die when treated the way he was after hard work to get ready. What a joke. This guy is in the top five Braves of all time and some of you must have no knowledge of baseball to make the comments you have. I wish nothing but the best for you John
Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
6:04 pm
Schultzy, your text caught me at a bad time – I was on the throne. I got a bad case of the Hershey Squirts today. I guess I got a hold of a bad clam last night.
nique
August 12th, 2009
6:08 pm
If we can sign him for a pro-rated $500,000 and put him in the bullpen it might be worth it. Otherwise I wouldn’t want him on the field for us. I would of course still want him to be a part of the team in some capacity even if off-the-field.
Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
6:11 pm
Schultzy, have you been talking to Bradley? You better not or I’ll cut you off in a heartbeat! That guy dogged me out 12 years ago and he’s doing it again. You had better tell him to shut it or the rest of you will be cut off. Try me.
Brave Fan
August 12th, 2009
6:12 pm
You’re right Jeff, a HOF pitcher shouldn’t go out like that. But for someone who was never at a loss of words he seems to be very quite. We would all have loved to see Smoltz go out a winner. However, he could have been a bit more classy about the way he left Atlanta.
jacket3
August 12th, 2009
6:12 pm
Oh…if I just had the money the guy made over the years… I’d love the transition……to an Island somewhere in the south pacific!
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
6:14 pm
John, what way was he treated? Wren offered him more money than the team could really afford. Smoltz is a great pitcher and an intense competitor. He’s also an opinionated loudmouth with an easily bruised ego. In other words, he’s a typical star athlete.
GT
August 12th, 2009
6:14 pm
If Smoltz was still on the Braves payroll or Glavine for that matter, we would be having the year we had last year instead of in the heat of a pennant race. What I never hear or read is the Braves made an excellent choice getting both those guys shipped out of here. Both these washed up pitchers show little class in the way they handled themselves in this situation. Greg Maddox who had his night here with his number retired did show class. Management hit a homerun, is that, that hard to say?
john
August 12th, 2009
6:15 pm
Charlie, You are full of **charlie** Let me guess……a transplant from not anywhere around here. Delta is ready when you are!!
john
August 12th, 2009
6:17 pm
And GT…you are a typical NOrth Avenue Trade Nerd…….tell somebody who cares!! By the way…see if you can sell a game out this year!
jacket3
August 12th, 2009
6:19 pm
Kudos…GT
chuck e
August 12th, 2009
6:21 pm
Frank Wren made the right call on both Glavine and Smoltz. Both WERE great pitchers…..both ARE done. Kind of sad when a great player can’t say good bye with class. And PLEASE, don’t bring Smoltz back and pay him $$$ just so he can retire a Brave….he had that chance if he had signed before the season.
Kenny from Athens
August 12th, 2009
6:22 pm
The Braves were right on both Glavine and Smoltz. Business is business. The Braves deserve credit for making the tough decisions.
DamYankee
August 12th, 2009
6:24 pm
Schuerholtz didn’t feel moved to apologize for the way the Braves treated Smoltz as he did after the Glavine “see ya”, so maybe there was more to it than all us “resident geniuses” (apologies to Terrance Moore, we don’t miss you) know.
tpm
August 12th, 2009
6:27 pm
I’m surprised he did not take the minor league deal. Perry Laurentino of 680 The Fan claims we are all wrong – August is way too early to call Smoltz done. He just needs to go to Pawtucket and change his delivery.
tpm
August 12th, 2009
6:32 pm
Don’t believe all the rumors about teams being interested in Smoltz. There are probably one or two teams but not as many as his agent probably leaked. When hometown discount Glavine got cut his camp claimed teams were interested in him as well.
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
6:34 pm
tpm, I hope Perry is right. I’d hate for Smoltz to go out like this. I hope another team gives him a chance and he does well for them. However, I think we’re better off without him in the rotation this year, and I honestly don’t see him coming back here to join the ‘pen.
curtis jones
August 12th, 2009
6:35 pm
Too bad some of the ol’ horses don’t take the classy way out, Maddux-style. Doggie could go 8-8 with a 4.24 ERA for the next 10 years, but that’s not the way he wanted to go out. He knows he’s way past his prime, and will never approach his heyday again.
On the other hand, Smoltz wants to go out in a ball of flames. One will be remembered for knowing when to quit. The other will be dragged away, kicking and screaming.
Tonya
August 12th, 2009
6:37 pm
Smoltz has had plenty of chances to go out on a high note. Pitched with pain, had surgeries. He kept choosing to pitch again and again to get more money so now he looks like a greedy, egotistical jerk. The rest of the world knew he was done two years ago and would have sent him off with a standing ovation. He’s pushed it too far to have the fans respect him as they have during his career. He’s lost my respect as a long time Braves season ticket holder. I say, retire and shut up.
Bravesfan54
August 12th, 2009
6:44 pm
GT Fan – a question you didn’t ask is “will Frank Wren be insane enough to put a 40+ pitcher coming off rehab and with an 8.34 ERA whose (effectively) called him liar 6 months ago, in a bullpen which has been reasonably effective (to downright good!) most of this season.
GT Fan – you and others like you who pose the question of JS’s return to Braves in sense “if Smoltz is willing…” are seriously short-sighted. John Smoltz burned his bridge here. That said, soon enough will come the “uncomfortable moment” (call it a Roger Waters/Jimmy Gilmore moment – and you thought I was gonna call it “a momentary lapse of reason”) where the two men will be on the playing field, crowd cheering, teeth gritted.
CJDawg
August 12th, 2009
6:47 pm
I hope Smoltz ends up as a Tiger. they have had arm trouble with Zumaya this year. But imagine looking at Z’s 100 plus heater and then trying to adjust to Smolzie’s slider or vice versa. It would give him a chance to round out his career and end in his home state. I don’t care how Smoltz left or what was said…none of us will ever know all of the real facts, so I hope he goes out like what he has always been to me…a true warrior on the field and a heckuva nice guy off of it.
pryguy
August 12th, 2009
6:48 pm
Jeff Schultz with another stellar piece…your beginning sentence just turns off any Braves fan, and you are just so out of whack with how this Braves team really is. They’ve been competitive most of the year and have had their patches just like any team contending for the playoffs. By the way Jeff…CHECK out who has the best record in the NL since June 28. I’m not sure that means they have risen from anything recently, rather over the past month and a half. Well done Jeff, keep up the lousy work.
BravesFan79
August 12th, 2009
6:53 pm
I see all the people that look at the basic stats in the paper and claim Smoltz is done are out in mass today. What this article DIDNT mention is that Smoltz only had 3 or 4 bad innings all year, and for the most part (including his Yankees start) did very well going thru the lineup the first time!
So how is Smoltz done and not even capable of giving the Braves 1 or 2 innings at a time?? Most of yall are MORONS! Whatever team Smoltz goes to he will HELP!
Yes we all know the right decision was made at the beginning of the year, and really it worked out best for both parties. Smoltz got his last fat paycheck, and realized he couldnt go 5 innings anymore at another teams expense!
Some of you fans got your poor little feelings hurt that Smoltz had the balls to stand up for himself and Glavine. GET OVER IT! Smoltz is a Atlanta Icon, and one of the best ever, and nothing will ever change that! Never forget all the times in the 90’s and beyond that he turned down more $$ from the Yankees to stay a Brave. The only un-loyal one i see here is abunch of you cry baby fans!
Ill cheer for Smoltz where ever he goes, and look forward to seeing him pitch in the playoffs.
Max Sizemore
August 12th, 2009
6:54 pm
First off, real nice comment DaveDawg. The first point to make about whether Smoltz could help the Braves or not is: we simply don’t know. He certainly did not pitch well for Boston, and the Sox cut him loose because they didn’t think he would. But starting isn’t nearly the same as being a setup guy; not only do you face fewer batters and less pressure, you also face a considerably higher proportion of batters of the same handedness, right-handed batters, in John’s case. My point was, and is, that giving him a handful of chances in games in which the Braves trail would not be a bad idea. Certainly, Acosta and Medlen have a future, and no one is suggesting that the Braves dump them. But rosters expand Sept. 1, so at that point a choice isn’t necessary. Whether Smoltz is agreeable or not is another question.
Nachos
August 12th, 2009
6:54 pm
Stick a fork in him, he’s done!
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
7:01 pm
Bravesfan54, I was just trying to illustrate to the people who were suggesting it that there’s many roadblocks to Smoltz coming back here. I don’t know if Wren and the Braves would be big enough to forget what Smoltz said and make the offer, and I honestly don’t think they feel there’s a place for him on our staff. However, if they were to make the offer, I don’t think Smoltzie would be willing to eat the super-size portion of crow he would have to to accept the offer.
What come around....
August 12th, 2009
7:08 pm
Love Smoltz, but he left in a bad and unnecessary way. Now kharma has come back and hit him right between the eyes. It could have been worse, he could have reinjured himself, but kharma is telling Smoltz to leave now before it get’s to that point.
Braves need to go get a known reliable arm to help them out, the kids Acosta, Medlen are ok, but need more coaching and experience.
Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
7:09 pm
Look guys, I’ve got some things going – I will let you know soon.
Lil' Barry Bailout
August 12th, 2009
7:09 pm
Smoltz has had a great career and for many fans is their all-time favorite Brave thanks to his many years here, his great success, his postseason record, and his loyalty to the fans. I’m glad he gave it a shot this year. Next stop Cooperstown.
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
7:11 pm
BravesFan79, how is Smoltz standing up for himself and Glavine if Wren made the right decision? And, how was Smoltz standing up for Glavine? Wren was still working out a deal with Glavine, and the whole midseason release issue hadn’t happened when Smoltzie threw his temper tantrum.
He could’ve realized Wren offered him what he could and probably more what than what he should and owned up to the fact he wanted more money and just gone to Boston, but he got his poor ego bruised and had to rip the organization to make himself feel better.
He is a HOF pitcher and one of the great Braves, but that doesn’t mean he’s not an opinionated loudmouth with an easily-bruised ego.
Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
7:11 pm
Listen guys, the issues I had with the BoSox weren’t really my fault. I just couldn’t get any run support and I also feel that the guy behind the plate was out to get me. *shrugs* Whaddaya going to do?
old dude
August 12th, 2009
7:24 pm
Anybody ever heard of Grover Cleveland Alexander? Gassed in WWI and a hardcore alcoholic, suffering from seizures, old Pete was waved by Chicago in the tail end of the 1926 season. The cardinals picked him up for the end of the season, they had injuries to their staff. Still drunk from the World Series game six party where he won his second game. Old Pete struck out Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded in the seventh inning and the cards won the game 3-2 and the series.
Smoltz has a few good games left. The Braves could use him down the stretch and the arms need rest. It’s not about how we feel about Smoltz. It’s about the Braves. And a possible post season. i say give Smoltz a chance. Old Pete would, the tough SOB.
Max Sizemore
August 12th, 2009
7:29 pm
old dude, I’m giving you the award for the most incisive line written so far on this blog:
“It’s not about how we feel about Smoltz. It’s about the Braves.”
Amen, brother.
Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
7:34 pm
GTFan – bless you son for you know not what you say. I was a GOD in Atlanta and I should have been treated as such.
Braves Fan
August 12th, 2009
7:41 pm
I want to win. Liberty Media could care less. They just want the tax break. What did he do to you personally——nothing? He left to make more money, which people do everyday and Boston also looked like a better shot for the post season. I’d like to spend a little of LM’s money & see if John can help. I’m telling you, there is not enough on this team to get to the Playoffs this year. The Braves still need help. If Smoltz fails, it does not cost any of us a dime, just Ole Tax Break LM. I suspect a few more moves need to be made also, maybe from the Minor Leagues. Just wait and see, if the Braves stand pat, no Post Season.
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
7:44 pm
old dude, Max, you’re right, it’s not about how we feel about Smoltz. But it is about how the Smoltz and the Braves feel about each other, and how Smoltz would feel about the role he would have to accept here. I don’t know that everyone who is involved is willing to kiss and make up.
Also, to make it clear, Smoltz did a lot of great things for the Braves and the Atlanta community. In no way do I think that his tirade erases all of that. But I do believe it was the wrong thing for him to do, and he does have a history of shooting his mouth off and getting his ego bruised. Everyone has failings, and, if all of us had the media in front of us as much as he does and were in a position to receive the money and adulation he has, many of us would probably have the same problems. That doesn’t make it any less wrong, though.
GRAY
August 12th, 2009
7:45 pm
I never wished bad luck for Smoltz when he left here and ripped the Braves when he was not signed. Athletes want to say they did so much for the organization when they are paid pretty good for what they do. I would like to see (but hopefully won’t happen) if the Braves are out of it come September when the rosters are increased Smoltz and Glavine would come back so we could give them the appreciation we felt for them when things were great.
DP
August 12th, 2009
7:46 pm
Yeah, never mind the 8+ ERA and the .443 batting average to lefthanded hitters, Smoltz only had a few bad innings! The only thing I can’t figure out is why a team as desperate for pitching as the Red Sox just cut him.
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
7:51 pm
Braves Fan, first of all, he didn’t just leave for more money. If that was all he had done, I would’ve said OK, that’s his decision. But he had to spend the next week or two ripping the Braves to every media outlet that would listen. That’s what pissed off a lot of people.
Also, money is the least factor in whether or not Smoltz would come back. Boston still has to pay him the rest of the guaranteed money in his contract, unless they get someone to trade for him and pick up that contract, which is doubtful. Whoever signs him should only have to pay him the pro-rate of the minimum, which is like pocket change to a MLB club. It’s just a matter of who wants him and where he wants to go.
BigDaddy
August 12th, 2009
7:57 pm
The ugliest thing in sports, by far, is watching the great players reach the end.
Braves Fan
August 12th, 2009
7:59 pm
Well, Smoltz did rip the Braves for a couple of weeks. But, Smoltz has been ripped on these Blogs for months and it is not slowing up, so what is the difference? I don’t care who the Braves sign, but it better be someone or this team is going no where this year.
Jeff Schultz
August 12th, 2009
8:03 pm
Einstein – that same stubbornness and ego that enables athletes to succeed sometimes prevents them from seeing the end.
To All – I just don’t see the Braves bringing Smoltz back – and honestly, I’m not sure coming back here would be his first choice. That’s just speculation on my part.
Smoltzie – Sorry, John. Won’t happen again.
Smoltzie
August 12th, 2009
8:04 pm
Come on guys! Someone had to be a Primadonna in the clubhouse! Cheese and Crackers!
GTFan
August 12th, 2009
8:16 pm
Braves Fan, I’ll give you that point. Hell hath no fury like a sports fan scorned. Just ask David Justice about that.
john
August 12th, 2009
8:16 pm
the chipper story on the front page links to this page.
Tim
August 12th, 2009
8:31 pm
its sad to see what has become of this great warrior. i thank smoltzie for everything he did for the Atl Braves. but like so many professional athletes they don’t know when to call it a day. watching JS was like watching Johnny U in a chargers uniform or Joe Willie looking so bad in the LA Rams uni on MNF. I would hope that maybe at the begining of next season the Braves can let Smoltz and Glavine come back for one night and retire with dignity in the uniform they both belong in with a packed house giving them the standing O they deserve and earned
old dude
August 12th, 2009
8:32 pm
Whatever Smoltz does, I really enjoyed watching him pitch here. I have been lucky enough to see some greats, Gibson, Koufax, Jenkins, Lolich, and all the rest. And he was right up there with them. The Braves pitching of the nineties was something to see. From worst to first. And then stay there for 14 years. We as the Atlanta fan base need to stop comparing the Braves now to the Braves then. We must support the team through tis pennant race. Good luck to John Smoltz. And in the words of Romeo Void, never say never.