Bradley’s Buzz: John Smoltz to … the stinkin’ METS?
John Smoltz had an intriguing 2009: Left the Braves, ripped Frank Wren, signed with the Red Sox, got cut in August, signed with the Cardinals, did a bit better, pitched two relief innings in postseason as the team got swept, filed for free agency. His final numbers for the season: Two clubs, three victories, eight losses, an ERA of 6.35.
We Atlantans monitored this mostly from afar. Smoltz didn’t pitch against the Braves. (Though he did manage to rip his former employer for its treatment of Tom Glavine.) But if reports from New York are correct, Smoltz would be given ample opportunity to exert the Smoltzian wrath firsthand. Because the Braves play the Mets 18 times in 2010.
Yes, the Mets. According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, “the Mets have been particularly active in dialogue with the 42-year-old Smoltz’s reps and would use him as a starter.”And two of the team’s other presumed pitching targets were lost Tuesday, when Ben Sheets signed with Oakland and Jon Garland with San Diego.
Writes Mike Puma of the New York Post: “That leaves John Smoltz as perhaps the last man standing if the Mets intend to address their rotation through the free-agent market. A club insider yesterday indicated GM Omar Minaya has been in contact with Smoltz, but the Mets will only sign the 42-year-old right-hander if they can do it cheaply.”
The Smoltz speculation isn’t exactly music to all ears. Here, from Will Leitch’s blog for New York magazine, is a sobering assessment:
“Omar Minaya and Co. think Smoltz is a legitimate, cost-efficient option. Smoltz struggled with the Red Sox last year, but was adequate with the Cardinals late in the season. He had been wanting to return to St. Louis, but found the Cardinals tight with the purse strings themselves after signing Matt Holliday. To make sure you have that chain right: Ben Sheets is too expensive for the Mets but not the A’s, and John Smoltz is too expensive for the Cardinals but not the Mets. Strange things happen in free agency, come late January.
“That said: When it comes to Smoltz, you have to wonder what either side is seeing in each other. This late in his career, Smoltz would ideally pitch for a contender, which — no offense, Mets — is absolutely not what they are right now. And the Mets would seem more ideally suited for low-risk, high-reward types like Sheets: At 42, there’s a lid on what Smoltz can achieve, even in a park like Citi Field where he might thrive. Smoltz is a complementary piece right now. The Mets need more than complementary pieces.
“That said, the Mets, if they sign Smoltz, can comfort themselves by knowing that two of the three members of the Braves’ great triumvirate pitched in Flushing at the end of their careers. Because no one will ever forget Tom Glavine’s time here, no matter how hard they might try.”
And here, from Dave on the Mets Lifer blog, is an even more plaintive cry:
“Stay away from Smoltz. Have we learned nothing from the Tom Glavine experiment? Or Julio Franco? All Braves players from the late 90’s to early 2000’s are pure Kryptonite. They’re a plague. A curse. A voodoo spell on New York baseball. Nothing good can come from having them on the Mets.”
Nothing good? I think not. Why, the renewed partnership of Smoltz and his little buddy Jeff Francoeur would do wonders for the New York economy. Think of all the money waiting to be banked in greens fees.
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147 comments Add your comment
John Smoltz
January 27th, 2010
1:17 pm
Frank Wren, dust the cob webs off the vault and give Smoltzie another crack in Atlanta! Think of the fan interest my signing could generate. Maybe Tommy G. will start saying nice things about you. I know Bobby & Chipper would go for it. Come on …
Reid Adair
January 27th, 2010
1:31 pm
Mark, it’s one thing to quote members of the media with their opinions, but this “Dave” from a blog? Seriously? Who cares what he thinks?
Smoltz’s comments about Frank Wren were deserved. Let’s not forget that Wren lied to the Braves’ fans and the public, claiming that Atlanta’s offer to Smoltz was similar to the one the Red Sox made. They weren’t even close.
Vick=Dog killing thug
January 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
What about Sid Bream? I heard the Mets want him also.
bro
January 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
WHO REALLY CARES. smoltz is like an old wrestler-just can’t realize that it is time to retire. he may be able to come out of the bullpen for an inning or two–start with any consistency, no way. smoltz and glavin took the money and blamed the Braves for their failure. Time to grow-up little boy the game has passed you by.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
I care deeply, Reid. I’m a big fan of Dave’s.
ahh haha
January 27th, 2010
1:43 pm
let them have him. he was so washed up the braves even dumped him. all smoltz is doing is making a joke out of the end of his career. he needs to know when to give it up
Dre
January 27th, 2010
1:44 pm
Amen bro, well said. Can’t believe anyone is surprised about this!
Fire Frank Wren
January 27th, 2010
1:45 pm
Art Vandaley has no idea what he’s talking about. Art, do you seriously think the Orioles pitching staff not being fantastic was Leo’s fault? No, it’s because their pitchers stunk. And have since Mussina left.
I won’t pin the Braves lack of playoff appearances on McDowell. He hasn’t done a bad job, but he hasn’t been Leo Mazzone either. That being said, bringing Leo back isn’t the answer either. Maybe Mad Dog?
Step One to making the Braves a contender is firing Frank Wren.
As for Smoltzie, I love ya, but it’s time to hang ‘em up. It’s been a great ride.
Former Braves Fan
January 27th, 2010
1:46 pm
John Smoltz is an arrogant ,egotistical ,washed-up baseball player. Why do you think his wife divorced him? That “Mr. Christian” image is merely an act put up by JS to fool the public. I used to work with his brother Mike here in Atlanta so I know what I am talking about firsthand. Let him stroke his own ego….enough already!
Tailback U
January 27th, 2010
1:47 pm
This will totally suck if it happens Mark
I have always believed Smoltz to be a great guy and my favorite
Brave of all times. C’mon John it’s like someone offering you
drugs man , just say no !
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
January 27th, 2010
1:50 pm
Skip Bayless is a prissy jerk
phoenix falcon
January 27th, 2010
1:56 pm
@Wren hater
do you have a job or a wife or kids? you have wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much time on you hands.
phoenix falcon
January 27th, 2010
2:01 pm
@Reid Adair
who cares, JS was washed up YEARS AGO, the braves kept him and paid him 1 year to long, JS needs to retire, and get on with his life.
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
2:03 pm
Frank Wren improved the Braves by 14 wins in 2009 with the moves he made and you want to get rid of him? The roster as assembled right now has a WAR rating of 88-92 wins for 2010 and that may be just good enough to get in the NL wild card picture this year. Not too shabby with a payroll around $90 mil. Philly had 93 wins last year with a payroll of $145 mil. One win costs on average $5 mil per and they had 7 wins more than we did but it cost $55 mil more. But I bet you think the Phils GM is a genius!
Big J
January 27th, 2010
2:06 pm
The second spitter has done ok (McDowell). We need to fire Terry Pendelton. He has done jack shit for the Braves hitting! He has single handily ruined Francouer and Chipper swing. When I hear people talking about this waste of space being manager, I really fear for the Braves future.
Oh…And fire Frank Wren!
Jim H.
January 27th, 2010
2:09 pm
We’ll let them have Chipper in three years when he is totally used up too.
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
2:13 pm
Sorry…meant to say a win costs 5 mil per over WAR (but it varies based on whether its a pitcher or a position player).
papadawg
January 27th, 2010
2:14 pm
Can’t wait. Even the Braves WEAK A__ lineup will wear ole Smoltzie out.
Supes
January 27th, 2010
2:21 pm
I’d love it if he was in the Mets plans. Way to go NY Muts, pin your hopes and pencil in a 42 year old in the SR. When he goes down with some injury, or starts to get lit up, it’ll all workout and help the Braves in the NL East.
On the other hand, if he were to go to the Mets, and pitch against the Braves at the Ted (unlike last year, when he deliberately went out of his way to NOT face the Braves). I will go down there and boo his a&& at the introductions, just like I did Glavine when he went over to the queens from NYC.
Dayman
January 27th, 2010
2:23 pm
I’m bout to vomit.
Mark (a different one)
January 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
I say the braves sign Smoltz as a pinch hitter ala Norton. I bet his average the last few years would be higher.
Seriously, the Braves need run production. The rotation and top of the bullpen are set, as is apparently the infield. The question is who is going to provide power in the outfield? Right now it looks like the Braves answer is to rush a 20 year old and pray or hope for someone to explode for a career year. How often do you see the left and right fielders hitting 7 & 8 in any lineup?
ATLdefector
January 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
Time to hang them up Smoltz. No need to be mad at management about that. Last year’s numbers don’t lie. Not signing LaRoche back, now there is a need to complain.
DirtyDawg
January 27th, 2010
2:26 pm
I haven’t checked lately, but I’d bet the farm that Smoltz hasn’t hit a lick at a snake when it comes to that ‘foundation’ of his that he made so much to do about back when. And that includes his riveting stays at both Boston and St. Louis. Must be that he didn’t figure to hang around either place too long so why bother to even ‘put on an act’ of philanthropy and/or ‘giving back’.
joelmarable
January 27th, 2010
2:29 pm
BSIATL.How in the world do u c us winning that many games with this lineup.we wont b able to score unless we string hit after hit after hit.no speed buddy.no hr hitter with 30 or more.no one hitting above 290 at the top or bottom of the line up.wag wont last glause may not.chipper of course will go down.bullpen shaky at best.no heavyweights on the bench.and we will b facing tougher pitching in the division.no way
Sammy
January 27th, 2010
2:31 pm
oh goddammit. this better not happen. even if he sucks and we wear him out it will just be painful to watch.
lexbrave
January 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
hasn’t john already embarrassed himself enough?
Joe Fan
January 27th, 2010
2:37 pm
Smoltz will learn, the hard way, that there is a time to hang up the spikes and walk away from the game gracefully. Glavine became a sad example and regretfully Smoltz will too.
KME
January 27th, 2010
2:39 pm
Simple: Glavine + Smoltz + Favre = RETIREMENT
Add on as you wish.
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
2:44 pm
joelmarble – I didn’t say I see us winning that many games, I said the “WAR rating” has us winning that many games and its pretty darn accurate. So I would tend to agree with that rating. We won about that many games last year and probably upgraded a bit (no more Frenchy, Schaefer, Norton, Kelly etc.. and hopefully more of McCann and a healthly Glaus and Hinske)
Braves Fan
January 27th, 2010
2:44 pm
If you do this, Smoltz, you’re going to do significant damage to your goodwill at Turner Field. We understand that you wanted to keep pitching, and that you perceived a slight in Atlanta and thought it was in your best interests to go elsewhere. We get that. And while it was painful for us to see you in a Boston uniform or a Cardinals uniform, we can deal with it. But if you go to the Mets, it won’t be because you couldn’t find someplace else. It’s a direct “FU” to the Braves. That’s right, to the Braves, not just Frank Wren. You can’t go to our biggest rival and still have the same love from Braves fans that you have now. We’ll always love you, John, but this will change things quite a bit.
bvillebaron
January 27th, 2010
2:45 pm
BSIATL:
Come on man, you don’t think little things like the facts you cited in your post would deter Bradley and others like Wren Hater from taking ill-informed shots at Frank Wren do you? I mean he only made moves to improve the team by 14 wins last year and then he goes out and does “stupid” things like the following:
(1) Signs Hudson, a better lifetime pitcher than Vazquez, rather than let Hudson walk and get NOTHING in return and got a serviceable young outfielder, a young power throwing left hander as a potential middle innings candidate THIS YEAR and a 19 year old power pitcher who was the Yankees’ 3rd best prospect for Javy “Career Year” Vazquez who would have cost $1M more this year than Hudson before the new Hudson contract and becomes a free agent at the end of this year;
(2) Replaces free agents Gonzalez and Soriano, the former who has already had his own TJ surgery and the latter who has missed considerable time during his tenure in Atlanta (except of course last year which was his “walk” year when he was surprisingly durable) for Billy Wagner who pitched healthy and well at the end of last year and is like only 6th on the career list in saves and Saito who only a couple of years ago was a tremendous closer for the Dodgers;
(3) Didn’t “blow the budget” to add a “power” bat who single-handedly would not make the team better than the Phillies this year, but would financially strap the team in the next few years when the core of young players meshes and it might then make SENSE to spend some money for a player who might get the team over the top (like the Phillies did last year with Lee and this year with Halladay) or, worse yet, trade 4 premium prospects like his predecessor did in the ill-fated Texeira disaster for that “panacea”; and
(4) Took a “low risk high reward” flier on Troy Glaus (a 1 year inexpensive “bridge” to Freedie Freeman) who, when healthy has consistently hit 25-30 homers and around 100 RBI from the RIGHT side of the plate.
Yes, BSIATL, sometimes it makes you wonder, huh?
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
2:46 pm
Thanks bvillebaron…nice to see not all fans are knee jerk over moves. Vasquez was a one hit wonder I’m betting. Lowe will bounce back as a #3 starter facing other teams #3 starter and Hinske is going to be a fan favorite!
Herschel Talker
January 27th, 2010
2:46 pm
KME:
Please throw Bobby on there. This team has ZERO shot in 2010 with this imbecile as manager.
FIRE BOOBY COX!!!
The Grinch
January 27th, 2010
2:49 pm
There are STILL Smoltz fans around here, huh? Amazing. I sincerely hope he signs with the Mets and they’re dumb enough to use him as a starter. They’ll be that much easier to beat. I just hope we get to him early in the season before he’s out of baseball.
10 wins, Mark? Really? I see three in really high scoring games, then when he’s moved to the bullpen in July maybe 7 more in blown home saves where they come back in the bottom of the inning and score enough for the win. Is that what you meant?
He’s done. BEEN done. I’m just glad the arrogant %^$# doesn’t know it yet and will continue to embarrass himself and hurt his HOF chances. You had a good thing going, Smoltzie. Too bad you’ve got a loser’s head in what used to be a winner’s body.
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
2:51 pm
If you surveyed your average Braves fan I’m sure most people would say that John Smoltz was a bad pitcher last year and he’s washed up. And you know, maybe he is washed up.
But he wasn’t a bad pitcher last year.
Let’s break down his “two seasons” – the one with Boston and the one with St. Louis:
Boston: 2-5, 8.33 ERA. 4.95 FIP, 7.43 K/9, 1.8 HR/9 .343 BAA, .390 BABIP, 56.9 LOB%, 4.19 xFIP.
St. Louis: 1-3, 4.26 ERA. 2.73 FIP, 9.47 K/9, .71 HR/9, .329 BABIP, 66.2% LOB, 3.46 xFIP
In Boston he was exceedingly unlucky. A near .400 BABIP is just stupid and that he only stranded a tad better than half the runners who reached base (career rate is 73.6) seems like the Gods were just being mean. Maybe he came back too soon? His strikeout rate was down and he was giving up gopher balls like he was… I don’t know, the gopher ball fairy. With that in mind, his xFIP was just 4.19 (which normalizes a home run rate – that being 1.8 HR/9 is likely not sustainable) suggesting that pitch after pitch, things just didn’t roll, fly, zing, what have you – John’s way.
For the Cards, he didn’t win, but boy was he good. More than a strikeout per inning, more than cut his HR rate in half, 2.73 FIP was tops on a team that featured two CY Young candidates (yeah, yeah, I know sample size and all that – but still…).
Smoltz can still pitch. I don’t know how many innings are in that arm, but if his price slips into the ridiculously low area, which it very well may, he’s the kind of risk you take when you’re trying to win a pennant. We all know how friendly pitching in Citi field can be – and that might be attractive to him.
The Grinch
January 27th, 2010
2:51 pm
AMEN, bvillebaron. The Wren haters on here defy belief.
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
2:52 pm
If you surveyed your average Braves fan I’m sure most people would say that John Smoltz was a bad pitcher last year and he’s washed up. And you know, maybe he is washed up.
But he wasn’t a bad pitcher last year.
Let’s break down his “two seasons” – the one with Boston and the one with St. Louis:
Boston: 2-5, 8.33 ERA. 4.95 FIP, 7.43 K/9, 1.8 HR/9 .343 BAA, .390 BABIP, 56.9 LOB%, 4.19 xFIP.
St. Louis: 1-3, 4.26 ERA. 2.73 FIP, 9.47 K/9, .71 HR/9, .329 BABIP, 66.2% LOB, 3.46 xFIP
In Boston, he was exceedingly unlucky. A near .400 BABIP is just stupid and the that he only stranded a tad better than half the runners who reached base (career rate is 73.6) seems like the Gods were just being mean. Maybe he came back too soon? His strikeout rate was down and he was giving up gopher balls like he was… I don’t know, the gopher ball fairy. With that in mind, his xFIP was just 4.19 (which normalizes a home run rate – that being 1.8 HR/9 is likely not sustainable) suggesting that pitch after pitch, things just didn’t roll, fly, zing, what have you – John’s way.
For the Cards, he didn’t win, but boy was he good. More than a strikeout per inning, more than cut his HR rate in half, 2.73 FIP was tops on a team that featured two CY Young candidates (yeah, yeah, I know sample size and all that – but still…).
Smoltz can still pitch. I don’t know how many innings are in that arm, but if his price slips into the ridiculously low area, which it very well may, he’s the kind of risk you take when you’re trying to win a pennant. We all know how friendly pitching in Citi field can be – and that might be attractive to him.
Jose
January 27th, 2010
2:53 pm
This guy should’ve retired 3 years ago. Question is why is he still running around asking other teams to hire him? Look a his picture; that demeanor is with him all the time. Yes, I admit he has Hall type records. No question. But as a person, as one who knows him, one has to ask was it worth it? His wife pulled up stakes for a reason; others have given him the heave ho. Very arrogant, egotistical, self-centered, narcissist. Just because you give a million dollars to a private church or school doesn’t make you a good person.
Retire and repent your arrogant ways John.
German Shepherd Dawg
January 27th, 2010
2:56 pm
Who are our outfielders? Did Vasquez for Melky Cabrera make sense?
Skeezix
January 27th, 2010
2:57 pm
Smoltzie didn’t leave the Braves, the Braves left him….but I sure hope he doesn’t end up in the enemy’s camp.
German Shepherd Dawg
January 27th, 2010
3:02 pm
The problem with posting first and reading later is sometimes I can look foolish. I forgot about the ML pitcher we got for Vasquez. And it’s good to think positive; my wife is always after me not to be so grumpy and pessimistic.
That said, who’s in LF? Jordan Shaefer? Cabrera in CF and McLouth RF? We have 3 CF bats and gloves in the outfield, not much for BA or power. Or am I missing something?
How are we going to score runs – are they all coming from the infield?
John Rocker
January 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
Way to go Smoltzie. Gonna go play for the “foreigners”. That will show ‘em.
joelmarable
January 27th, 2010
3:13 pm
german shepard dawg.we wont score many,going base to base.we r slow some wont score from second on a hit.power?what leading hr hitter will probably have 22 hr at the end of the yr.and we wont have one 300 hitter maybe chipper.but he wont have enough at bats[due 2 injury]man we gonna b sad guys.everybody got so much better than us.
Haley
January 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
What a shame that Frank Wren has to post on this blog under all these phony names in order to attempt to defend himself.
Daniel?
Phoenix Falcon?
So Sad.
Mark (a different one)
January 27th, 2010
3:22 pm
I see either Diaz in left, McLouth in center and Heyward in right or Cabrera or Shaefer in left, McLouth in center and Diaz in left. Either way I see them continuing to hit McLouth leadoff and let the other two outfielders hit 7th and 8th. Heyward would eventually move up in the lineup but he is young and unproven at the major league level.
Bob Horner
January 27th, 2010
3:27 pm
Wren Hater – you’re a moron. Dogging on McDowell, and somehow linking him to our playoff drought? Bringing Smoltz back in 2010? Yes, we love Smoltzie, but he’s done. This is 2010, not the 90s – the “Big Three” are gone, and so is Leo. Let go man…
BSIATL
January 27th, 2010
3:28 pm
Braves fans don’t want to hear it but Smoltz wasn’t a bad pitcher last year. Let’s break down his “two seasons” – the one with Boston and the one with St. Louis:
Boston: 2-5, 8.33 ERA. 4.95 FIP, 7.43 K/9, 1.8 HR/9 .343 BAA, .390 BABIP, 56.9 LOB%, 4.19 xFIP.
St. Louis: 1-3, 4.26 ERA. 2.73 FIP, 9.47 K/9, .71 HR/9, .329 BABIP, 66.2% LOB, 3.46 xFIP
In Boston, he was exceedingly unlucky. A near .400 BABIP is just stupid and the that he only stranded a tad better than half the runners who reached base (career rate is 73.6) seems like the Gods were just being mean. Maybe he came back too soon? His strikeout rate was down and he was giving up gopher balls like he was… I don’t know, the gopher ball fairy. With that in mind, his xFIP was just 4.19 (which normalizes a home run rate – that being 1.8 HR/9 is likely not sustainable) suggesting that pitch after pitch, things just didn’t roll, fly, zing, what have you – John’s way.
For the Cards, he didn’t win, but boy was he good. More than a strikeout per inning, more than cut his HR rate in half, 2.73 FIP was tops on a team that featured two CY Young candidates (yeah, yeah, I know sample size and all that – but still…).
Truthpaste
January 27th, 2010
3:30 pm
Hell to the naw. As a Mets fan though and through, I reject this offer. We took Glavine off ya’ll hands and all he did was mope about strike zones that he found just fine until he came here. We’re tired of taking once greats, hoping they have a year or two left.
Observation1002
January 27th, 2010
3:35 pm
The money the Mets spent on Bay would have been better used on Sheets. How do u get a job as a GM?
Most of them could not compete in a good fantasy league.
I know teenagers who could whip them.
Hello again BSI
Nick n Nash
January 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
I wonder if Frenchie is trying to convince his good buddy Smoltz to come to the Muts to try and stick it to ATL. I’m a big Smoltz fan, but if he signs with the Muts, I hope his first pitch to Chipper is crushed to dead center over the wall.
Go Braves! And bring on Frank Wren to Nashville so we can tell him what we really think of him.