Smoltz waiting for a job (and could he be a Brave again?)
The life (and accuracy) in John Smoltz's arm seemed to come back when he pitched for St. Louis in a game at San Diego. (AP photo)
Spring training opens next week and John Smoltz doesn’t have a job. This might unnerve most 42-year-old pitchers who don’t want to hear from baseball people or medical people or certainly Joe-in-section-312-with-nacho-sauce-on-his-chin-people that his career might be over. But the waiting doesn’t bother Smoltz.
“I’ve been doing what I’ve always done this time of year – throwing every other day and getting ready for the season,” he said by phone while driving to his workout. “I’m at a good place with everything that has gone on in my life. I’m just going to let this play out.”
He is not retiring. Nor has he decided for certain that he will hold off signing with a team until mid-season – as Pedro Martinez did with Philadelphia last July – but acknowledges that is a possibility.
“A lot of people are speculating right now,” he said. “But I can assure you it hasn’t come from anything that I’ve said.”
Here’s one possibility that nobody should close a door to: Smoltz returning to the Braves.
Start with this: We saw two different aging pitchers last year. The first Smoltz came off shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, signed with Boston and then crashed in spectacular fashion. He was 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA in eight games. He allowed eight runs in 3.1 innings in his last start against the New York Yankees. The Red Sox said, “Enough,” and released him.
The second Smoltz came from some alternate universe. He signed with St. Louis. In his first start, he struck out seven straight and threw five shutout innings against San Diego.
Half of Boston went on suicide watch.
The overall numbers with the Cardinals weren’t award-worthy (1-3, 4.26, in six games). But throwing 40 strikeouts with only nine walks in 38 innings was significant.
Those numbers told Smoltz it wasn’t over.
“Overall, I didn’t have the outcome that I wanted. I didn’t have the success rate that I wanted,” he said. “But I learned some things along the way. There were things I tried to do that I couldn’t, and at the end of the day I realized they probably weren’t within the realm of possibility [health-wise after the surgery]. When I went to St. Louis, I was facing some humiliation and oh-no type of things. But I had some success, and it was a great two months in St. Louis. I’m proud of the way I went through one of the toughest seasons in my life.”
There were rumors he would re-sign with the Cardinals. Then came speculation about the New York Mets, Philadelphia, Detroit. So far, nothing.
The Braves? Yes, it could happen.
“Nothing is closed for me,” he said. “That’s why I’m talking about taking my time, letting things play out. A lot of things will go into this decision.”
Bobby Cox phoned him last week.
“He just called to check and see how I was doing,” Smoltz said. “I know there’s been a lot of rumors about here or there. We’ll see what happens.”
There would be some symmetry to Smoltz’s return. Cox is managing in his final season. Imagine Smoltz signing with the Braves in the summer, whether as a late-rotation starter or reliever, trying to get him a second championship.
“I admire him and it was a pleasure to be around him for so long,” Smoltz said of Cox. “Nothing would make it a more perfect scenario than if the Braves went out and won the whole thing in his last year. That’s how much respect I have for him.”
Regarding his own future, there was little for Smoltz to offer, other than he feels good and wants to keep pitching.
“Nothing is in the works right now that I can speak of,” he said. “It’s one of those things where I’m not going to make a quick decision or do something that just doesn’t make sense.”
If nobody phones by June or July, he will have little choice but to think about retirement.
“As time goes on, in my heart and mind, I’ll make a decision and be at peace with it,” he said.
For now, the heart, the mind and the arm want to pitch. All he needs is a buyer.
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154 comments Add your comment
FUZZYBEE
February 11th, 2010
12:49 am
What better 1-2-3 punch than John Smoltz, Jim Clancy and Charlie Liebrandt for every 9th inning that’s on the line in 2010?!
Willy
February 11th, 2010
12:58 am
Schultz loves Smoltz but hates Favre. I like them both.
BravesFan79
February 11th, 2010
12:59 am
Most of yall on this blog are idots who know nothing about baseball! In that last game against the Yankees, Smoltz was DOMINANT the first time thru the Yankees order.. at a time during the season when the Yankees were killing the ball! And then he went out and performed well for the Cardinals. I truly believe that Smoltz would be better than half of our current bullpen… and anyone that dosent want to bring him back either dosent know baseball, is very petty, or dosent understand the heart of a Warrior like Smoltz!
Jim
February 11th, 2010
1:01 am
Braves should take a shot on Smoltz, if it doesn’t work what have they lost.
NO MORE BOBBY
February 11th, 2010
1:40 am
Traver – Don’t forget Tommy Boggs and Preston Hanna in middle relief
You went old school on those guys!! Might as well throw in this guy…..
http://rowlandsoffice.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/al.jpg
Cmill
February 11th, 2010
2:14 am
Bring him back as a closer again to tag team with Wagner in case of injury… he could definitely do it physically, if he is willing. In addition to helping the team get W’s he would re-energize the fan base that supported the braves for so long.
CJDawg
February 11th, 2010
2:16 am
This man is a warrior from the get go. IF NOTHING ELSE…who better to mold Tommy Hanson into a 20 game winner? What, you think Mcdowell is the guy??? No way. Smoltz can still contribute you morons. My god, I think you should hafta take a test to be a Braves fan. This comes down to a gut feel for Cox and my gut says he wants to see it work. One more year John. Give us one more year. The guy can pitch in ANY situation. And, WHEN we make the playoffs and our starting pitching is off kilter because of starting time….ol’ Johnny trotting in to start would bring goosebumps to everybody.
CJDawg
February 11th, 2010
2:19 am
No more bobby– why don’t you go find a tree to fall out of?
JTH
February 11th, 2010
2:47 am
The only spot for Smoltz would be long or middle relief. No openings in the rotation unless there is a season ending injury/surgery. And it’s doubtful the Smoltz will still be unsigned by the All-Star break. Several teams are desperate for pitchers and would shell out 3-5 million for a decent,not great anymore, pitcher.
It would be a nice story but it ain’t happening.
WILLie G
February 11th, 2010
3:24 am
smoltz and damon equal division title again. oh i forgot bobby doesnt retire till next year.also listen WREN NEVER WON NOTHING AS A GM SO ITS NOT IN THE CARDS.UNTIL ARTHUR BLANK BUYS THIS TEAM FROM THE CHEAP OWNERS I WILL STILL BET AGAINST THE BRAVES
MrKnowItAll
February 11th, 2010
3:26 am
I MrKnowItAll that knows anything and everything about everything decrees that it is time for Smoltzie to pack it in and enjoy life!
WILLie G
February 11th, 2010
3:28 am
also braves resign your best hitter garret anderson although someone in the middle ga area thinks he should die this person is a radio talk host in macon, ga. he knows who he is .
WILLie G
February 11th, 2010
3:31 am
the braves need to get mlb to get the colorado based team to sell the braves to arthur blank or TED TURNER COME OUT OF MONTANA BRING YOUR MILLIONS AND BUY AMERICAS TEAM BACK.
Conyers Braves Fan
February 11th, 2010
4:30 am
I agree with 4 jacks. Smoltz has always mouthed off about the Braves organization when something happened that he did not like.
Anyway, the Braves need young pitchers not those who are at or past retirement age. The staff we have is fine. The problem is nothing of real substance has been acquired to solve the lack of a everyday power hitter who can produce 25-30 hrs and 100 rbi.
Asheville Dawg
February 11th, 2010
5:23 am
Just like a fairy tale ending, Smoltz leads Bravos to World Series win.
Get real people. I saw Smoltz in his last Boston appearance and he looked as pathetic and over the hill as can be. There may be a reason the doorway is empty of clubs in line to get his name on a contract. Father time already landed on brother Maddux and Glavine’s shoulder. Someone may give one more chance, but didn’t Johnny Unitas look wrong as a Charger, no good memories there.
Shouldn’t Holyfield just go on and retire too. Does anyone remember Emmitt Smith as a Cardinal?
Frank Wren
February 11th, 2010
5:58 am
No
LawHud
February 11th, 2010
6:13 am
Hmm, Wagner in the 8th and SMoltz in the 9th? If smoltz doesn’t mind going back ot the pen, I’m all for it. I just don’t think he can consistently give us quality starts at his age over the length of the baseball season.
Paula
February 11th, 2010
6:56 am
Seriously, Jeff, get over your man crush on Smoltz.
what a joke
February 11th, 2010
6:58 am
so if we are in the market for washed up names lets see if hank aaron wants to play. the braves are the next pirates. what a joke
Sugarfoot
February 11th, 2010
6:58 am
He has nothing left to add to any team.
dave
February 11th, 2010
7:06 am
Bring both Smoltz and Glavine back, as coaches. Seriously, I’d broach the subject with Smoltz that he could try and come back, and if he didn’t make the cut, he could keep his uniform, and go to Myrtle Beach, Orlando, or Mississippi as a pitching coach. We all win either way, both now and later. Could you imagine Eddie Perez or Ned Yost as manager and Smoltz and Glavine on the coaching staff?
francoeur stinks
February 11th, 2010
7:10 am
would love to see smoltz back as set up guy for wagner/mentor for tommy hanson (the next john smoltz) but first they gotta get damon, takes pressure of heyward and lets us refresh the farm a little by trading mekly or diaz, it would be a freakin shame if we get outspent by the Twins in bobby’s last year
Pascual Perez
February 11th, 2010
7:27 am
They called me for a tryout but I can’t find the new Turner field! Anybody know where it is?
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February 11th, 2010
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Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
February 11th, 2010
7:35 am
I think adding Smoltz for backend help would be a great idea. Think of all the money the Braves are saving by being able to supplement all these salaries with social security. Awesome. On a differen’t note, anyone notice that when there is a before and after photo (see top right, the after always includes a trip to the tanning bed and a new hair color?
Lefty
February 11th, 2010
7:35 am
There is one big difference between Smoltz and Favre – Favre can still play (4th in MVP voting)!! Smoltz is a bottom of the rotation starter, at best, and more likely a mop-up reliever. Who needs that?
jeffrey d
February 11th, 2010
7:43 am
I’ve never seen the scars from all those surgeries on Smoltz’ arm before
Bob Didier caught here
February 11th, 2010
7:48 am
I’ve been working out with John in the off season and I can tell you his fastball still pops my mitt at a whopping 72mph!
TPM
February 11th, 2010
8:03 am
What is difference a year makes. Last year we were crucifying Frank Wren for not giving Smoltz 5 millions bucks to sit out the first half.
Has Tom Glavine’s phone rung yet?
BravesFan79
February 11th, 2010
8:03 am
Wow… all these posers that act like their Braves fans on here are unreal. Smoltz can still throw low 90’s, it was his control which he had to regain after his last surgery. And yes he got hit by the Yankees (the 2nd time thru the order), but how many guys in the current Braves bullpen could you honestly say could go thru the entire Yankees lineup during a time in which their on FIRE.. .and shut them down over 3 innings. Sorry haters and petty fools, but Smoltz can still deliver 2-4 great innings of pitching. Don’t forget all the times he turned down the Yankees $ to stay with the Braves for cheaper during the late 90’s and early 2000’s!
Cecil34
February 11th, 2010
8:08 am
Let John come back – to manage the Braves in 2011!
(I would like to see him come back in some coaching capacity)
Not again
February 11th, 2010
8:09 am
Love the comments where Smoltz had earned it. No, Smoltz was paid to pitch and he earned that. Anything more he needs to earn too. Im tired of supporting the elderly on this team. We need arms that can get the job done, not arms that want to fall off. Remember, John left because he didnt want to wait and prove himself. The Braves needed pitching and got some. Poor John……Time to hang it up and retire.
Funny, out of Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux, Maddux is the only one who has any class.
Appalachian-American
February 11th, 2010
8:19 am
You are still drunk from the Superbowl. Bobby can showcase him in spring training, let him teach some rookies a few tricks, and then send him home for some cameo shots on the Braves TV crew. His best shot is for the Seniors League.
Leroy
February 11th, 2010
8:21 am
After the way he bad-mouthed the organization…….are you $#!*ing me? Could care less what happens to him and while we’re at it, tell Glavine he would probably do well to go consult with the NFL players union on how to say screw the fan and go on strike next year! Not Again is absolutely correct. Maddux is the only one of the three that’s worth a damn.
Buddy J. Solomon
February 11th, 2010
8:24 am
Me and Craig McMurty are ready when you need us.
Bobby Brown
February 11th, 2010
8:24 am
Let’s bring John Smoltz back.
Whitney Houston
February 11th, 2010
8:25 am
Hell to the no, Bobby!!
F-105 Thunderchief
February 11th, 2010
8:25 am
I wonder if he’d go pitch in Japan. Or one of those independent minor league teams, you know, just to keep sharp.
Greg Norton
February 11th, 2010
8:29 am
I’d hit that!
Mike Jay
February 11th, 2010
8:31 am
There’s a leeson to be learned here about burning bridges Mr. Smoltz. The one team who might be willing to take a chance on you if for nothing else than sentimental value you took a dump on because they had the nerve to cut you loose. The same team that stuck by you all those years you were injured finally realized after a terrible injury proned season by their entire pitching staff that they just couldn’t gamble again.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
February 11th, 2010
8:33 am
Greg Norton, that settles it for me.
Steverino
February 11th, 2010
8:37 am
Regarding Smoltz’s return to the Braves: Something about burned bridges. What John has earned are the consequences of his actions (and mouth.)
Bill
February 11th, 2010
8:48 am
He’s a winner..he never quits. Done more for Braves than any other pitcher as a starter and relief pitcher. Give more back to the City of Atlanta and Ga. than other players. He’s a head case? get a life. You don’t know the man….I know all the BS when he went to Boston but most of that was just BS because he took Boston’s better offer. Yes he had a bad year but did he quit? Hell not…he’s a winner even if he never pitches again. I’ll always repect Mr. Smoltz no matter what uniform he has on but he’ll always be a BRAVE!
He would be a great Manager for Braves.
Sonny Jackson
February 11th, 2010
8:50 am
No to Smoltz’s return, and if anything let Norton throw…………………..
Gamecock Tony
February 11th, 2010
8:50 am
Bring him back as a reliever. Big John will be able to get one or two key outs in critical situations for a couple more seasons.
TuckerDawg
February 11th, 2010
8:51 am
Business is business. I could care less about burnt bridges. If Wren thinks we are better and the money makes sense, do it! Incentive laden deal and lets get ready to kick azz
explorer
February 11th, 2010
8:53 am
I think I picked a bad day to stop smoking
Navigator
February 11th, 2010
8:56 am
I loved to watch Smoltz pitch before he had arm troubles, but now all I see is another athlete unable to give up the sport and move on, just like so many before him. Dignity doesn’t seem to be a term that many of them have. Glavine, Smoltz, Favre all have a common thread and that’s competition and they just can’t walk away from it. There have been Mantle, Mays, Tittle even Aaron to a lesser degree that won’t go out on top but wait until that can’t or nobody wants them and usually lash out at the establishment for their own weakness (Glavine). I hope that Smoltz realizes that his time has come and tries coaching, where his knowledge would be invaluable to a team.
Poorbrave
February 11th, 2010
9:02 am
Hire John as Coach and when Cox is gone make John the Mgr.
NCbravesFAN
February 11th, 2010
9:03 am
Smoltz and Glavine should have followed Maddox’s lead and rode off into the sunset together! I think once again….ego’s got in the way.