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
Rex D
February 11th, 2010
9:04 am
Curtis – You forgot about Ralph “The Road Runner” Garr and Felix Milan! . . . Honestly though, Smoltz was always the hardest thrower of the threesome . . . He is a smarter pitcher now, and still may have enough velocity to have a great final season.
NCbravesFAN
February 11th, 2010
9:10 am
Smoltz doesnt have the arm to be a full time starter or closer anymore yet he still wants the paycheck of one! I can respect a player having a hard time retiring, the drive that made them great usually doesnt just die, but I wish they would understand that your past doesnt entitle you to a large salary at age 43. If he would take a minor league/non-guaranteed contract and prove his ability during Spring he would have a job right now.
George
February 11th, 2010
9:13 am
Bring back John Rocker, at least he called it like it is. NY, Shea Stadium, IS THE PITTS..and Asian women can’t drive… He was right….
Gamecock Tony
February 11th, 2010
9:15 am
Enter your comments here
don
February 11th, 2010
9:23 am
John has earned the right to finish his career in Atlanta. The success of the Braves resulted from having Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux and not from Schurholz, Cox, and Wren. Having Smoltz could help win the division. Having Smoltz won’t cause the Braves to lose the division. His effect on the younger players would be worth whatever he is paid. the Braves need a leader. They have none at this time and haven’t had one since the Big Three left.
Tailback U
February 11th, 2010
9:35 am
There has been no bigger Smoltz fan than me. In fact I consider
him the most important and dominant Braves pitcher of all time.
I see both sides in terms of wanting to depend on younger arms and
the sentimentality of bringing John back. I will be fine with
whatever the Braves decide. I think those who have shut the
option out of hand need to remember though that those who have bet
aaginst this guy has lost every time. I remember it being said
before last year’s season that no one had ever come back from the
shoulder surgery he had to have success. And yet he had a pretty
good year all things considered. The guy does deserve the
ultimate respect because he has been the determined warrior who
refuses to lose. If we had more guys like Smoltz we would have
more than one WSC. Good luck to John however this works out.
unkown hinson
February 11th, 2010
9:41 am
No reason we wouldn’t take him back for a minimal salary and use him in the pen. It would provide a back up to Wagner/Saito incase they get injured. With it being Bobby’s last year the adreneline would be pumpin and Smoltz would have one thing on his mind, one more title. I’d love to have him on the back end of the rotation in October. Maybe he can take his title back from Pettitte.
Gamecock Tony
February 11th, 2010
9:42 am
Bring him back as a reliever. Big John can still get one or two outs in a critical situation.
Charles Whitworth
February 11th, 2010
9:44 am
I am really intrigued to hear that Smoltz still has his famous SPILTER. Gosh, that must be a mean ‘un! Bring him back by all means. He can make the HOF for inventing a new pitch! Seriously, what is there to lose? The guy did great service for the Braves in the glorious ’90s. Give him a chance—but please, treat him with more respectr than Glavine got last year. That was lowbrow crap, sadly too typical of sports big business, including the Braves, today. Bring back Ted Turner while you’re at it. And, hey guys, please try to write comprehensible English, OK? Come on, spring training and the 2010 season!
Jim Goodwin
February 11th, 2010
9:44 am
It is sad to see a once great pitcher not understand that it is over. It happens to everyone of us, we can’t do the things we use to, can’t stay our job any longer, retirement time comes.
Please John, GIVE IT UP, DON’T EMBARASE YOURSELF. Go hit golf balls, but please stop with the thoughts of “I’ll be back”, because you won’t. Just fade away, PLEASE.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:03 am
Toots — I do know you, and you’re never speechless.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:03 am
Fed Up With Wren — Not feeling the love for the Wagner deal, I take it?
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:04 am
Al Hrabosky — No.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:04 am
Mike Lum — Very good question. If something were to develop in June, I’d be curious how little he would take to sign.
Todd - Dacula
February 11th, 2010
10:04 am
It’s a business; REMEBER that… If he can pitch and proves it, I am sure the Braves will take a serious look.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:05 am
Mr. Charlie — Absolutely never.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:06 am
Jon L — I’d definitely trade Cabrera to sign Damon. As for signing Smoltz, I’d wait a little while to see how things develop. Really no reason to do it just yet.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
10:07 am
Striker — I’ll take a raincheck on that.
Rick Camp
February 11th, 2010
10:18 am
Did somebody say the Braves needed pitching? I’ll even come off the bench and pinch hit.
Smooth
February 11th, 2010
10:20 am
All this sounds exciting, add Damon and Smoltz and I will go down and buy my tickets on Saturday.
Don
February 11th, 2010
10:24 am
Even assuming the worst about Smoltz’s ability to pitch; — He is better qualified to pitch than Bobby Cox is to Manage.
Bob
February 11th, 2010
10:26 am
Rather have a bag of sandwichs than brave tickets.
Gaylord Perry
February 11th, 2010
10:32 am
C’mon Schultz, Hrabosky would be great….and me too…
Babe Ruth
February 11th, 2010
10:35 am
Please just retire John.
Alan
February 11th, 2010
10:35 am
I think the Braves should seriously consider offering Smoltz a contract — at 1 million or less — take it or leave it. If I read his comments correctly, he is willing to start or relieve. At this point, would he be any more of a gamble than Scott Proctor? And I’m with Smooth (10:20). If the Braves sign Damon (still a longshot, IMO) and Smoltz, I believe a lot of people will show up at Disney this spring and at Turner this summer.
rico43
February 11th, 2010
10:37 am
This is a bridge that needs rebuilding. Bring him to camp or sign him in midseason if someone breaks down. What is there to lose but an odd million or two.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
February 11th, 2010
10:37 am
Jeff, we have to keep Cabrera. If Heyward isn’t here day one, then who do we have that can play right. Damon? Diaz? they both throw like girls. In fact, Damon throws like Rainman. If anybody gets moved it will be Diaz. Don’t get me wrong, Damon would help at leadoff and Bobby is going to platoon Diaz anyway.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
February 11th, 2010
10:37 am
Where is Buzz Capra when we need him?
Rick Mahler
February 11th, 2010
10:53 am
I want to pitch for the Braves……………….What have the Braves got to lose in bringing back Smoltz? RESPECT!
S. Alex
February 11th, 2010
11:09 am
I would take Smoltz in a flash. Bring him in as a middle reliever and if Wagner breaks down use Smoltzie. Wouldn’t it be nice if the Braves won the the WS and Cox and Smoltz goes out in the glory.
Delbert D.
February 11th, 2010
11:22 am
A job? Yeah, in the press box. Smoltzie’s my all-time favorite brave, but c’mom…
JB Wright
February 11th, 2010
11:51 am
Smoltz only if he comes as a package deal with Glavine
Brvaesfan101
February 11th, 2010
11:55 am
Smolts should return to the Atlanta Braves he can potentially start on some days or help in the bullpen.
Cheapo
February 11th, 2010
12:05 pm
Another washed up has been, looking for a pay day from the desperate braves. They’ll sign smoltz, he’ll do nothing except deposit money in his bank account and the braves will finish 4th in the division.
Jim
February 11th, 2010
12:16 pm
Knowing the budget limit by Liberty, why did Wren commit 1/3 of it ($30M per year) to two aging players past their prime Lowe and Chipper? What is wrong with this picture.
Mark Biles
February 11th, 2010
1:17 pm
I just can’t see Smoltz returning–especially if we sign Damon. Where’s the money going to come from with cheap Liberty Media at the helm? Will he sign for $400,000/year? I doubt it.
tony
February 11th, 2010
1:21 pm
I am not sure suicide is something that should be used as a joke.
fairweatherfan
February 11th, 2010
1:21 pm
NEWSFLASH….Terry Forster and Rick Camp were just seen leaving Bobby’s office. When asked about it, Cox replied, “Well, they’re certainly seasoned veterans…and they looked awfully good when they threw in our super-secret session with Roger last week. I think they’ll be a great lefty-righty punch out of the ‘pen.” In a related story, Craig McMurtry and Charlie Puleo have reportedly been invited to spring training, and Ernie Johnson, Sr. has agreed to be the Braves’ emergency spot starter.
Sutton's 'Fro
February 11th, 2010
1:25 pm
Schultzy,
You guys love the MLB writers over a ESPN.com, right? One of Keith Law’s favorite pitching terms is “missing the bats,” and Smoltz doesn’t miss too many bats anymore. It used to be his thing, whether as a starter or a reliever. Glavine and Maddox were grinders who wore hitters down, or put the ball in play to get an out, but Smoltz was always the guy who made hitters miss.
And he can’t anymore… I hate it, too — but it’s the truth. No way should the Braves spend a nickel on some farewell tour just to appease fans who were pissed that we dumped Tom “Turncoat” Glavine when he couldn’t get his stuff back.
Jeff Schultz
February 11th, 2010
2:30 pm
Sutton’s Fro — Overall last year, you’re right. But he missed a few in San Diego. Seven in a row to be exact. I guess the question is: Was that an aberration?
John Smoltz set free - Page 2 - MajorWager Forums
February 11th, 2010
2:45 pm
[...] Smoltz still isn't ready to call it quits. Quote: [...]
Ronald Millsaps
February 11th, 2010
2:53 pm
Oh, I hope so.
Like I said, front office, if nothing else (there would be much else, by the way), he’d sell tickets. Remember all those less-than-half-filled stadiums last year?
John Smoltz Still Wants to Pitch - www.webege.com - deep web news radio
February 11th, 2010
4:28 pm
[...] Smoltz is certain about after an up-and-down 2009 season is that he’s not ready to retire. That’s what he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, saying that he’s treating this offseason like any other and that, while he may [...]
Biff Pocaroba can still swing it
February 12th, 2010
12:37 am
After Damon and Boris uses and abuses Frank wren to get a two year deal elsewhere, there will be plenty of money to waste on a John Smoltz retirement tour. This organization has been stuck between the past and future for 6 years and they keep going back to the well with Bobby, Smoltz, Glavine, and Chipper. They will finish third in division this year.
John Smoltz Still Wants to Pitch - www. netai.net - deep web news radio
February 12th, 2010
1:02 am
[...] Smoltz is certain about after an up-and-down 2009 season is that he’s not ready to retire. That’s what he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, saying that he’s treating this offseason like any other and that, while he may [...]
John Smoltz Still Wants to Pitch - www.webuda.com - deep web news radio
February 12th, 2010
8:45 am
[...] Smoltz is certain about after an up-and-down 2009 season is that he’s not ready to retire. That’s what he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, saying that he’s treating this offseason like any other and that, while he may [...]
TS
February 14th, 2010
3:43 am
this first BS is ridicules. I bet these fools work at a fast food restaurant and think they r cool and funny running a joke thats was old a year ago.. and no it doesnt bother me, its just pathetic. BTW extra pickles please!! haha
John Smoltz Still Wants to Pitch - www.hostzi.com - deep web news radio
February 14th, 2010
4:43 am
[...] Smoltz is certain about after an up-and-down 2009 season is that he’s not ready to retire. That’s what he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, saying that he’s treating this offseason like any other and that, while he may [...]
John Smoltz Still Wants to Pitch - www.vacau.com - Deep Web News Radio
February 15th, 2010
11:52 pm
[...] Smoltz is certain about after an up-and-down 2009 season is that he’s not ready to retire. That’s what he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, saying that he’s treating this offseason like any other and that, while he may [...]
John Smoltz Still Wants to Pitch - www.hostei.com - deep web news radio
February 16th, 2010
2:33 am
[...] Smoltz is certain about after an up-and-down 2009 season is that he’s not ready to retire. That’s what he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday, saying that he’s treating this offseason like any other and that, while he may [...]