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
Wren Hater
January 27th, 2010
11:54 am
First!
Wren Hater
January 27th, 2010
11:58 am
Smoltz to the rude,foul-mouthed, rude, obnoxious, rude, unwashed, rude, loud-talking Mets and their even lower-class “fans ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? ”
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
12:04 pm
Wren Hater takes the prize. Kudos.
Wren Hater
January 27th, 2010
12:05 pm
If Cal Ripken, Jr. had a baseball bat to Frank Wren 11 years ago, none of this nightmare would be happening.
Why is Roger “No Playoffs Since I Was Hired” McDowell STILL our pitching coach while Leo Mazzone is unemployed ???? WHY?
John Smoltz absolutely SHOULD BE in a Braves uniform in 2010 and coming out of the bullpen in the 9th Inning to the tune of “Thunderstruck” as electricity fills the air and parents tell their children they are about to see something special.
Smoltz belongs here. Frank “Wrong Again” Wren does not.
Frank Wren should be….. Brett Favre’s Official Tissue Carrier (and NOTHING more).
Frank Wren should absolutely NOT be out-earning a hardworking McDonald’s employee, and he has no place whatsoever in the Braves front office.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 27th, 2010
12:07 pm
Read I think on Yahoo that Omar thought Smoltz could possibly be the #2 starter for the Mets! #2! Can’t imagine Smotz holding up for 35 starts, or pitching well enough to be a legit #2 option.
ChiTownBravesFan
January 27th, 2010
12:08 pm
Never thought I would see a great competitor like Smoltzy hanging on like this. He will probably sign with the Mets and get traded to a contender later in the season if he proves healthly. Ironic that he was with us for 20 years, and now it appears a possibility he will spend two years with four teams.
Old Dawg
January 27th, 2010
12:09 pm
I think your first paragraph described an aging star who has hung on too long. Come on John,
ride into the sunset before you convince too many people you don’t belong in Cooperstown
Herschel Talker
January 27th, 2010
12:11 pm
MB:
Good article. Smoltz is turning his career into a joke.
Fire Booby Cox!
HT
Wren Hater
January 27th, 2010
12:12 pm
11 Years Ago + Cal Ripken + Baseball Bat + Home-Run Swing + Frank Wren’s Cranium =
Huh?!
January 27th, 2010
12:13 pm
Nothing good? At least the Mets blogger didn’t call him the most overrated player of all time.
Tim Tebow's Tears
January 27th, 2010
12:15 pm
Wow, well at least NYC media has something to talk about other than the Jets now. Mets are the red-headed stepchild of this town anyways.. Unfort I’ll have to read about a better pitcher the Yanks got from us thanks to Wren…
joel marable
January 27th, 2010
12:15 pm
Guys it does not matter where Smoltz goes,we wont win 75 games this year.we will become the braves of old.loserville.no speed little power shaky bullpen,light weight bench.nothing happening.wren and cox know we wont compete this year,they have 2 say the right things 2 sell tickets.but once play begins no one will buy tickets to c us lose 2 of 3,and 3of4 all the time.good times are over.our division is 2 strong to start that outfield we have.give me a break Wren.
Bravechick
January 27th, 2010
12:15 pm
Someone needs to hire a skywriter to fly over Alpharetta with this message: Surrender Smoltz!
He’s turning his wonderful career into a one liner. So sad.
nola
January 27th, 2010
12:16 pm
MB cranking out the baseball articles… i like it.
Mark – if he goes to the stinkin’ Mets, what’s your over/under on wins for ol Smolzie? Mine would be 7.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
12:17 pm
I’ll say 10, Nola.
joel marable
January 27th, 2010
12:21 pm
Hey Mark would you by season tickets?be honest.me no way we will b awful.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
12:22 pm
I don’t think the Braves will be awful. But I’m not as optimistic as I was a year ago.
nola
January 27th, 2010
12:23 pm
if he pitches a full season (30-35 starts), yeah 10 should be about right. I just see him breaking down for a month or so. Making 20-25 starts, with a line somethign like 7-10 with a 4.75 ERA
joel marable
January 27th, 2010
12:24 pm
thanks 4 answering honestly.next to last place.watch
Art Vandelay
January 27th, 2010
12:24 pm
@Wren Hater, did you not notice how miserably Mazzone failed when he left the Braves and went to Baltimore? He’s not the reason the Braves’ pitching was so good in the 90s — Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz would’ve been Hall of Famers no matter who the pitching coach was. McDowell has done a good job with the staff he’s been given, and there’s no role on this team for Smoltz anymore. Who wants a 42-year-old closer with an elbow held together by bubble gum and twine? Time to turn the page and let that era end. The Braves have arguably the best rotation in the NL, and our bullpen is solid. Adding Smoltz at his inflated salary wouldn’t make us any better.
PMC
January 27th, 2010
12:26 pm
Interesting, I didn’t even know he was Latino…..you learn something new every day I guess.
All kidding aside, seriously… the Mets seem to have pitchers whose arms fall apart routinely. I’m not sure if this is the best place for him but Vaya con Dios. Nothing is going to change that 29 is my favorite Brave.
oldfart
January 27th, 2010
12:26 pm
Smoltz met my number one requirement in an athlete, he always gave his all. Like many athletes he doesn’t know when to give it up. After last year you would think he got the message. Time for him to play golf everyday to hone those skills until he is old enough to hit the Senior tour.
DZ
January 27th, 2010
12:27 pm
Mark – if he goes to the stinkin’ Mets, what’s your over/under that he’s still on the team October 1st?
PMC
January 27th, 2010
12:30 pm
Good luck Veinte Nueve.
Daniel
January 27th, 2010
12:32 pm
Wren hater- you do realize this is the year 2010 and not 1997? Please stop pretending you are a Braves or baseball fan and find a new way to garner attention than repeating a sports opinion that is almost a decade old.
Mark, seriously, this Braves team is currently better than the team that started last season… may not be better than the one that finished the season. Would you change your mind if they sign Damon?
Also, if Smoltz goes to the Mets, over/under on how long before he declares himself the leader of the team and is in the papers commenting on the inner workings of the rest of the NL East? I say he doesn’t make it through spring training before that happens.
Wren Hater
January 27th, 2010
12:37 pm
Smoltz = The ANTI-Kovalchuk
Wren = The ANTI-Schuerholz
Ryan = The ANTI-Vick
Mrs. Wren = The ANTI-Happy Wife
Bradley = The ANTI-Schultz (Thank Goodness!)
bill
January 27th, 2010
12:37 pm
“His final numbers for the season: Two clubs, three victories, eight losses, an ERA of 6.35.”
And why would we care where he ends up? Clearly, his skills have diminshed but his ego and his mouth have not. What a shame…. another case of a once truly great star who doesn’t know when it’s time to hang it up.
Wren Hater
January 27th, 2010
12:42 pm
“Daniel” = Frank Wren, JR.
Art Vandelay = Roger McDowell, JR.
Do you have a kiss for Dad-Dy ?
ProScout
January 27th, 2010
12:43 pm
Some people don’t know when to hang it up. When a player leaves for more money “it’s a business” is an acceptable answer. When a team lets a player go for the same reason then they are the bad guy who is letting an icon go.
Were the Braves really supposed to give him the money he wanted last year at his age, coming off his 6th arm surgery, having been on the DL 11 times already, and he wouldn’t even be ready till August??????
Believe me when I tell you that people who know this business and are on the inside don’t blame Wren and the Braves for letting him go.
Daniel
January 27th, 2010
12:47 pm
Wren Hater- your one of “those” guys aren’t you? Should have known better.
jeffrey d
January 27th, 2010
12:47 pm
10 wins, Mark? Smoltz is going to be 43 this year. I really don’t see him starting long enough to make it to 10 wins regardless of who he plays for.
ernisTbass
January 27th, 2010
12:47 pm
Smoltzie!!! Please!!! Save your arm, hit the links, the senior tour ain’t that far down the road for you. There is an extention of your career but it’s with a 7 iron, not a baseball. Thanks for the memories, now don’t ruin them.
siskel_god
January 27th, 2010
12:49 pm
Wow, WrenHater why are you bashing McDowell? He finally got some legit major league talent and helped JJ and Hanson have awesome years, turned Javy into a top Cy Young vote getter, worked with KK through the season and he had some real god games not to mention the bullpen. Who were Will Ohman, and Eric O’Flaherty the last two years and who were they before they came to Atlanta? Kris Medlen looked phenomenal at the end of the season. Now Lowe was not that great, and their were guys like Blaine Boyer and are guys like Manny Acosta but every team has those guys. McDowell has done a real good job and should be commended, not replaced.
kidpolska
January 27th, 2010
12:52 pm
Wren Hater= The ANTI-Intelligent
Money
January 27th, 2010
12:52 pm
I didn’t even know Smoltzy was a free agent looking to play…he really needs to retire! And to those McDowell haters…he did a pretty good job with our starters last year (pitching was not the problem)…and who can forget the days when he was pitching in those MTV celebrity softball games with that colorful wig…what a clown!
Dr. Warren
January 27th, 2010
1:00 pm
With both Smoltz and Francoeur there, would this mean Sonny Clusters would sublet a studio in SoHo for the summer?
GT, In Your Dreams
January 27th, 2010
1:02 pm
Only because no one else has posted it yet today: 45-42!!!!! Dogs still can’t get over that massive defeat to the mighty Y’Jackets!
Fed Up With Wren (Again)
January 27th, 2010
1:03 pm
And I thought I hated Wren. I with Wren Hater and Mark, the current team doesn’t look like a contender and either Wagner or Glaus will break down. Maybe the D-Backs will be out of it early and we can trade for LaRoche (again).
BubbaDaMetzFan
January 27th, 2010
1:03 pm
“Stinking Mets” have won (2) World Series in my lifetime…The Braves (1)…Toronto (town known more for Hockey) has (2) and Small Market Twins (2)…Oh yeah, they punked the Braves to get there…BTW Team in South Florida has won (2) although they can’t even draw flies these days…
jon
January 27th, 2010
1:04 pm
Thats how desperate the Mets are! Smoltz is done! We certainly made the write decision on him!
bravesfanbob
January 27th, 2010
1:04 pm
I think we need to not worry about who Smoltz signs with. He was not resigned last year by the Braves, and I hated it. Turned out to be the right move, and God, I hate to admit that! So if he signs with the Mets, and becomes their number 2 starter as some are saying, it only means that we don’t need to worry about the Mets this year.
Now for next year, and our top priority, replacing Bobby Cox. There is only one person the Braves need to consider…. Roberto Kelly. He is currently the 1st base coach at San Francisco. I had the pleasure of watching him manage the Augusta Greenjackets from 2005-2007, and all he did was average 88- 52 for the 3 years. He did this with 3 completely different teams, as it is class A ball. He won by managing the game as it should be. In all the years I’ve watched baseball, I’ve never seen a better ABC baseball manager at any level. His teams led the league in steals each year, and that was with only 2 offensive players who are in the big leagues now, Pablo Sandoval, and Eugenio Velez. His teams also were never better than 13th out of 16th in home runs, which means he had to come up with ways to score. He told me on many occasions that Bobby Cox was the manager he most enjoyed playing for, so the turnaround would be much easier. But he also said in the same breath, that he liked a wide open style of baseball. Mark my words, Roberto Kelly will win manager of the year at least twice in his first 4 years, wherever he manages. Better grab him while you can, or before San Francisco fires Bochy.
florida falcon
January 27th, 2010
1:06 pm
“It’s over Johnny, IT’S OVER!”
Good Grief
January 27th, 2010
1:06 pm
@Wren Hater…
You’ve been watching and listening to Skip Bayless a little to much – calm down with the whack nicknames. I agree with much that is being said by others and I still stand where I stood last year on John Smoltz – I want nothing to do with the guy and his bum arm. John can just prove us wrong and if he does good for him, but I our staff is set all around and we dont know need a 42 year old ego maniac coming in with not only his inflated salary but his inflated ego. I agree Bradley, I only think he wins 10 or less this year…
This is a sad, sad way for a pitcher as good as Smoltz is to go out
Matt the Brave
January 27th, 2010
1:07 pm
I guess if they run Smoltz out against the Nats 3 times, Mark, then he’ll hit that 10. I just wonder how much more he can pitch before his arm literally declares itself a relic and puts itself in the New York Library archives.
john
January 27th, 2010
1:09 pm
Mark, can’t believe your 12.22 blog. Of course, their much better off this year.
Born2Buzz
January 27th, 2010
1:09 pm
The days of the 40something successful baseball player are over. They test for steroids now. John will give it a go and be broken down by June. Sorry to say, cause he was one of my favorites.
In that same vein, I fear ole #10 will also be broken down sometime in mid season.
Time to go young folks.
Dr. Warren, good one.
tell it like it is
January 27th, 2010
1:09 pm
He should get out while the getting is good.He has nothing left to offer.
Matt
January 27th, 2010
1:12 pm
GT in your dreams- i thought they got over it quite nicely this year!! Did I miss something?
Keith B
January 27th, 2010
1:16 pm
If the BRAVES were smart, they’d sign Smoltzie. I’ll take 1 Smoltz over 1,000 Greg Nortons, Derrick Lowes, and Ryan Churches.
papadawg
January 27th, 2010
1:17 pm
Smoltz to Mets-SO WHAT!
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.
John Smoltz
January 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
sucks.
Why Not
January 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
I thought Smoltz always wanted to pitch for Detroit. He should ask for 500,000 from them, pitch a year and be done.
Conyers Yellow Jacket
January 27th, 2010
3:54 pm
Mark: From the above responses, it appears that most either do not care if Smoltz pitches for
the Mets or not. I agree and will add that if he does and his arm holds up long enough, it could
help the Braves win maybe 3 more against the Mets than they would otherwise. Granted the Braves have considerably less than overpowering lineup; however Smoltz no longer has an overpowing arm.
VoiceOfReason
January 27th, 2010
3:56 pm
Smoltzie….What are you trying to prove? You are already a first ballot hall of famer, you had a couple of chances to bow out gracefully last year. Why don’t you be the bigger man, come back to the Braves, pitch in one games in the right uniform, and then retire. Live here, be loved here. You don’t have anything else to prove. They only thing you’re going to do with this fiasco is make yourself look stupid.
Dominique Wilkins
January 27th, 2010
4:00 pm
The Mets are having a heat check.
Van Helsing
January 27th, 2010
4:07 pm
The *REAL* Bob Horner would eat Frank Wren and Roger McDowell, not defend them for their ineptitude and failures.
Paul in RDU
January 27th, 2010
4:09 pm
First Glavine and now Smoltz going to the Mets? – it’s sad to see once great pitchers hanging on too long
BravesFan
January 27th, 2010
4:22 pm
I loved Smoltz in Atlanta, but it’s time for him to retire. This type news isn’t even interesting any more. Smoltz, join Glavine and Maddox and wait for the HOF to call.
Bob
January 27th, 2010
4:28 pm
How can Wren as GM of Baltimore cause so much disharmony (Wren vs.Manager Miller, Wren vs. Ripken, Wren vs. Dempsey, Wren vs. press, Wren vs. etc) plus through his moves as GM sink the Baltimore team to a an all time low. Then get the same job with the Braves and so far piss off, Cox, Glavine, Smoltz, Griffey, Furcal, Peavy, Chipper, Frenchy and make moves that will send the Braves to the bottom of the division. Is this a great country or what.
gayle
January 27th, 2010
4:32 pm
The fact that the Mets are considering Smoltz speaks to their lack of pitching. If ego could be translated into ERA, Smoltz could rival Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax.
The 18 games between the Mets and Braves will be interesting because it will be a pitching strong and no-hit team versus a team that can hit with no pitching.
Neither of these teams will be playing in October, but the games should be interesting.
JeanE
January 27th, 2010
4:35 pm
I love Smotlz but the Mets are even dumber than I thought if they sign him to a contract. His ego apparently won’t let him retire…Great pitcher, great Brave, not so sure about the person. Hang it up before you embarrass yourself further, John. And if we sign that spaghetti armed Johnny Damon, I will hurl (which is more than he can do with that arm). Matty D is our left fielder, or right, wherever we need him most.
Nativebird
January 27th, 2010
4:42 pm
This Ego maniac is solely interested in sticking it (even more than he has verbally) to the the former team that paid him hundreds of millions of dollars over his career. Why else would won return for peanuts to a Division rival? These Narcissists (ala Favre, Glavine, Clemens) are and have always been solely about MOI…and moi only. A career of believing your own headlines makes not a “nice guy” as these prima donnas would have you believe. These are not “nice guys” in the least. But be careful Mr. Smoltz, as the great Confucius teaches: “he who pursues revenge should first dig two graves”.
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher
January 27th, 2010
4:59 pm
Give it a rest Smoltz, time to hang it up…. this makes me sick to my stomach
Matt the Brave
January 27th, 2010
5:03 pm
You know, there are a lot of people trashing Wren for making the move to bring in Wagner. I don’t think that it’s a bad move because we’ve got a kid down in AAA who will be on the major league squad come July who has closer-like stuff. Luis Valdez had 27 saves last year for Gwinnett, in addition to 71 innings pitches, 75 strikeouts, 19 walks, a .237 average against him, and a 3.38 ERA. He is playing in the Dominican Leagues this winter, and already has 2 saves and a 2.25 ERA in 25 innings. If anything happens to Wagner or Saito, we’ve got a backup ready to go.
Blobie
January 27th, 2010
5:12 pm
It killed me to see Smoltz and Glavin leave last year, but it was the correct call on both. I watched Smoltz pitch 4 or 5 starts last year and he seemed fine through 3 or 4 innings, but then everything went to hell. He hung a lot of breaking balls, sliders with no real bite, and he was also very unlucky. Bloops, seeing eye grounders, bad hops, etc. He just seemed rusty early on with Boston. He turned it around with St. Louis and showed he has something left. I don’t know if he can stay healthy all year starting and piling up innings (he seems like a 5+ inning starter). He seems better suited for a set-up man if his arm could hold up. I have never since the Braves entered the N.L. East wanted the Mets to win one game. Not Glavin no matter who they played. I think I will cheer for Smoltz to be successful and beat the Phillies, Marlin, etc. , but never the Braves. I don’t see the Mets with much this year. Thier plague will continue. I still wish Smoltzie the best. It seems like he will end up there.
bry22
January 27th, 2010
5:24 pm
Smoltz has been a whinning little terd ever since he did not get several million from the Braves last off season!! Cry me a handful, Mr, Weiner!!
tampadawg86
January 27th, 2010
5:41 pm
Smoltz is really starting to get more depressing than Brett Farve. Really Smoltzie, Wren was trying to be nice and telling you that you should just hangup your cleats and listen to fellow longtime teammate Chipper when he said he doesn’t want to be just an average player. You are a FOH. You have nothing left to prove man. You should of retired a Brave instead of trying to come back. I could careless about Glavine after he left us for the Mets for only 5 more million stinkin dollars. If you go to the Mets your pretty much telling all of us Braves fans who have rooted for you supported you through all your injuries and struggles and triumphs you had as a Brave that you don’t care about us. Really I thought you were the class act player that young prospects like Frenchy and BMAC should look up too. In reality your nothing but a selfish punk like all the rest of the other MLB players. I know Chipper has had his problems in his marriage and everything back in the 90s but really. He has been a class act. If anyone Chipper not John Smoltz has been the face of the Braves. Pure embarassment you are Smoltz. I’m embarrassed I stuck up for you when the Braves released you the way they did. I would rather have Tommy Hanson any day over your sorry ass!
Hetch Hetchy
January 27th, 2010
6:21 pm
Heck, I would like to see Smoltz go the Mets. He’s no good anymore. He’ll just make the Muts weaker.
Isn’t Smoltz a holy-roller? Isn’t pride a sin? How does he work around that one?
fieldofdreams
January 27th, 2010
6:21 pm
Why does Smoltz to the Mets strike me as ominous? Perhaps because the old geezer is a born again Christian who loves Jesus, knows that nothing is impossible because of it, and bears just a little bit of a grudge against his former employer? Not only that, as much as I wanted Frenchy gone, we got nothing for him, and he may have found new life in Citi’s Wright field. Ill winds are blowing,and Braves fans better buckle ‘yer britches, two of our own may vault them past us next year.
Mets Fan
January 27th, 2010
7:07 pm
Braves fans: Just because I’m arrogant, obnoxious, and a yankee who thinks the Braves are nothing but a bunch of dumb rednecks, is no reason to hate me.
Tim
January 27th, 2010
7:33 pm
Why are we talking about Smoltz and Wren? Herschel and Gayle said it well, but in spite of HOF Bobby, the Braves do have some chance. I know of no team in either league with better starting pitching. That is their chance. Simply stated: the Braves will likely lose again because HOF Bobby is afraid to take a chance and steal a base. t
The speed of McLouth and others will be wasted and again the Braves will be at the bottom of the majors in SB attempts. Bobby gets thrown out far more than their runners attempting to steal!
MR#2
January 27th, 2010
9:18 pm
wow how is this news worthy, hell sign with the mets so that he and francouer can reminese about when they were relevant, and then we can chipper homer off of him 6-9 times this year or if hes a starter the whole damn line up can, im all for it if it earns us an estra 3-4 victories
Jock
January 27th, 2010
10:17 pm
Hey Brave Fans,,,, Melky Cabrera was THE BEST GIFT your team has gotten in years..and I mean years! Not only can he hit, but he has an arm like a cannon. Something sorely missing in the Braves lineup for at least 10 years.
The Rickster
January 27th, 2010
11:18 pm
Now here’s a novel idea, only if you want the Braves to be back in the playoffs, and beyond….bring back Smoltz as the closer. Not only will he give over 100% per appearance, but will also be a great mentor and role model.
Syler
January 28th, 2010
2:05 am
I love the fact that everyone has completely ignored BSATL’s post about Smoltz’s numbers from last year, and are continuing to pout “But lookz at his ERAz last years! He sucks, washed up, let him go to da Mutz, ah dur”.
Mitchell
January 28th, 2010
3:24 am
I’d love to see him try to squirm out of having to pitch against the Braves… again.
I’m sure he would like nothing more than to pitch a shutout or something like that but we all know he doesn’t want to face the Braves. He would get killed. It’s like he wants it but can’t stand up to it… or something. Not sure what that means.
That is really amazing isn’t it. Tom Glavine pitched for the Mets. My God. I can’t believe that actually happened. That really blows my mind. The Mets suck. He pitched for the Mets. Crazy.
Tweets that mention Bradley's Buzz: John Smoltz to ... the stinkin' METS? | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
January 28th, 2010
4:38 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, ajc sports editor and Jason Fulton, Connor Tapp. Connor Tapp said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: John Smoltz to the stinkin' New York Mets? Could happen. http://bit.ly/9m43Ne [...]
Tweets that mention Bradley's Buzz: John Smoltz to ... the stinkin' METS? | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
January 28th, 2010
5:28 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, ajc sports editor, Red Sox Fan, Nick Stekovic, Lauren Osmer and others. Lauren Osmer said: Hey remember how I wasn't angry at John Smoltz any more? SOMEBODY'S PULLING A FAVRE http://tinyurl.com/yzjcgzd [...]
funny-brave
January 28th, 2010
5:28 am
at least it’s not with the atlanta braves.just look at last year with smoltz. he poisoned the red sox.
did not help the cardinals at all.and his past attitude in atlanta was it’s about me and only me. no i will not be put in the bullpen,i will only be a starter, no matter how bad my arm might already be hurt.
but i can play all the golf i want with my bad arm. i will only accept any spring traning if i can go off
and do it by myself. THE BRAVES HAVE THE BEST STARTING PITCHING IN BASEBALL. EVERYONE SAY’S SO. SO PLEASE DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT BRINGING THIS TYPE OF POISON UPON THE BRAVES. JUST LOOK AT GLAVINE LAST YEAR. LET THE MUTTS HAVE HIM.
Bravo1
January 28th, 2010
10:59 am
Smoltz to the Mets? I didn’t know they needed a pitching coach.
don
January 28th, 2010
11:18 am
If Smoltz signs with the Mets, I wish him success. Unlike most blog observers, Smoltz has earned the right to speak out in regard to the actions of the Braves. If it gets down to Smoltz vs. Wren, the choice is not difficult. I’ll take Smoltz.
edward
January 28th, 2010
12:11 pm
I agree, Smoltz should just hang it up or realize he would be best suited for the ‘pen. He still had great stuff for 2 innings..The problem being he was starting and had to pitch for more. His ego and mouth cost him another bunch of saves to add to his resume. He is a lock for the hall but is making it harder to justify a first timer.
I like McDowell. He has done as well a job as he possibly can do. He took alot of raw talent last year and made them a winning rotation. Now if only Lowe would listen…I am sure they will regret not being able to trade him. The infield is strong and the bench is amazing. Damon would be a fun addition if it happens. We need those kids to hurry up and get here!!
Ex-Braves Fan
January 28th, 2010
12:35 pm
Sadly, Smoltz is taking the same road as all the other over the hill, washed up, injured players have taken. He simply cannot accept the end has come. He is going out like Steve Carlton. One of the greatest pitchers of all time, but check out his stats over the final few years, terrible. Simply, I want to remember John Smoltz as the 55 save or 20 plus win Cy Young winner. Not the 2-5, 6.50 ERA type years. Please John, call it a career. Come home to Atlanta and join the organization as a coach or something. You are no longer the dominate pitcher of yester year. Your time is past!!!
The Lemmer
January 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
Smoltzie to the Mutts? Lets hope so, at this point in his career all he does is throw batting practice, at least that way he can still help the Bravos cause hes DONE! Call it a carrer & head to the golf course John, its time.
Amber
January 28th, 2010
3:31 pm
Please, please, please. NOOOOOOOO!!!! I’ve always been a huge Smoltz fan, but I will have trouble maintaining that love if I see him in a Mets uni. Don’t make me burn my 29 jersey!!
Brave New World
January 28th, 2010
4:07 pm
Since The Mutts desperately need starting pitching, in addition to Smoltz they should also sign Glavine. And while they’re at it, they should see if Bret Favre would like a new career now that he’s once again retired from football.
Ashley
January 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
the Brett Favre of baseball.
funny-brave
January 28th, 2010
11:29 pm
with smoltz’s attitude,(me only) and with the way he has ran his big mouth about the braves over the
last year or two.player,coaches, and management.about how all mistreated him, if he does’ go to the
mutts, and with his 29 mph. fastball, would that not almost guarentee that the braves would finish
ahead of the mutts, not only this year, but every year that smoltz is a mutt, hey let’s even try to talk
the mutts into taking glavine back? the braves would finish ahead of the mutts for the next 10 year’s.
i do not feel any pity for smoltz not to have any common-sence to go quitley into the night. or is it that he has wasted all of his money? smoltz and farve,the two biggest clown’s of pro sports.
braves70
January 29th, 2010
12:29 am
The Braves caravan comes here to Nashville next week and I think I better get a restraining order against myself or I might greet Wrong Way Wren with a rotten tomato. That guy is on the way o becoming the worst GM in baseball history. Hopefully we can finish 5th behind Washington. That should get the Wren-man canned. Maybe Tom Glavine will be working for the Braves by then and will be given the priviledge of presenting Frankie with his pink slip and orders to clean out his office.
Wren may be in for a rough time here next week. The Nashville sports talk host will be at the caravan meeting and he has stated on the air many times that Frank Wren is an idiot and should be fired.
MitchC
January 29th, 2010
3:16 am
Mark, I despise the Metropolitans just about as much as anything or anyone on the planet. When Glavine left us to go there in 2002, I was incredulous. I do admit, that I had an incredible amount of satisfaction when Glavine struggled in his first two years there.
It would be very sad that a Hall of Famer like Smoltz would have to end his career with such a pathetic excuse for a baseball team. The Mets are a mess. Although I guess when a guy is going to be 43 years old in May, he has to go anywhere he’s wanted at that point, merely to hang on to a job.
If Smoltz does sign with the Metropolitans, I hope that the Braves have as much success as they did with Glavine when he pitched for the Mets.
Vicki
January 31st, 2010
10:29 am
It is time for John to retire. He was a great pitcher but he is trying to hold on too long.
Kent
January 31st, 2010
3:54 pm
I think it is pathetic that some players just don’t know when to hang it up. I thought Smoltz was a great pitcher. I am well aware of what he did for the Braves and think he deserves credit for all he has accomplished. But, he needs to realize that there comes a time for every athelete when continuing begins to diminish accomplishments. That time for Smoltz is here. Please, John, hang it up before you become a bad joke.
Robert 1-U
January 31st, 2010
5:19 pm
I like the Roberto Kelly idea!!!
The Looper
January 31st, 2010
10:16 pm
John Smoltz isn’t in a Braves uniform for a few reasons:
1. He doesn’t have it anymore, and the Braves, Red Sox and Cardinals know this, especially the latter now!
2. He has an ego bigger than Brett Favre’s apparently and just can’t let go. At least Favre still seems to have enough to help a team.
3. The Braves have Jurrjens, Hudson, Lowe, Hanson, and Kawakami as starters, and Smoltz made it clear long before he left Atlanta that he ONLY wants to start, even after all of his success as a closer. So you tell me where he’d go?
4. People were ready to string up John Schuerholtz and Bobby Cox in 1990 for letting long time veteran Dale Murphy go, and look how that turned out. With Murphy one playoff appearance, after Murphy 14 CONSECUTIVE playoff appearances!!! You don’t have to be a math major to figure out which one was better.
Get off your high horses about Smoltz being a Brave. Smoltz blew that when he chose championships over loyalty, JUST LIKE FAVRE! And they are both getting what they deserve!
My prediction, Smoltz will be gone from baseball by July, if he even starts at all! Retire with that little bit of dignity you have left, John!
Brave Fan With Logic
February 1st, 2010
12:17 am
I agree with you loooper. Some people need to realize Smoltz left the Braves not the other way around. Glavine couldnt cut it.
Why you all bash Wren drives me insane? Remember he traded Renteria for Jurrjens. Some moves take time as did that one as it looks like a steal now.
funny-brave
February 1st, 2010
5:59 am
i understand legand’s die hard in their home town, but with the braves it seem’s they get bashed
any way. look at smoltz’s era. innings pitched,and hell yes his attitude toward’s the braves.everyone
in baseball say’s the braves starting pitching is in the top 3 of any team in baseball if not the best.
so my question is just what the hell could smoltz do for the braves? he will not go to the bullpen,that’s a fact. to bring back smoltz would be poisoning the whole team for the 2010 season.
and the worst part is the fact that most fan’s have forgotten that smoltz was not a brave from the start, he was a detroit tiger, and traded to the braves. when chipper has to quit and not know when to
say it’s over i really hate to see all of the hell the braves are going to catch for telling chipper that it is over.
Joe
February 2nd, 2010
6:04 am
I’m a Mets Fan and really not looking for Smoltz on the team… He would not benefit the team at all…He is a great Pitcher and was a great Brave..
As for the Braves Pitching?? The Braves lost Vasquez, The hitting isn’t there and the pitching is suspect.. Possibly an 80 Win Season in 2010..