Longtime Brave John Smoltz Signs Elsewhere, Signals Shift in Owner Principles

In a surprising turn, it looks like free agent pitcher John Smoltz is all but set to sign with the Boston Red Sox. For 21 seasons, Smoltz has become one of the most well regarded athletes the Atlanta Braves has ever groomed. His talents both as a starter and a reliever are credentials of a Hall of Famer. He is the only player ever to compile 200 wins and 150 saves. Smoltz is an eight time All-Star. He has also won a distinguished Cy Young and Rolaid's Relief Man of the Year Award. Last year, at the age of 41, the man became the 16th player in history to notch 3,000 strikeouts. But with all these accomplishments, Smoltz has faced his share of struggles. Throughout his career he has battled with his shoulder. In the year 2000, Smoltz was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. His comeback the following season sent him to the bullpen, but he made a dominating use of his time. It only took three more years for Smoltz to find his way back into the starting rotation. In his first season back, he went 14-7 with a 3.06 ERA and 169 strikeouts, helping Atlanta to a 14th consecutive division title. It was the post-season though that reintroduced the pain in his shoulder. Battling pain, Smoltz's following two seasons were very successful. He logged over 200 innings, struck out around and above 200 batters, while reaching double digits in wins. Unfortunately, it was his milestone 2008 season that ended in disappointment. Recording his 3,000th strikeout with a 0.78 ERA and 3 wins in 4 strong games, Smoltz's season was looking bright. But his next start ended within 4 innings and a trip to the disabled list. He returned in June as a reliever but in a shaky appearance, blew his first save opportunity in years. Almost immediately he was shipped back to the DL. A week later he was destined yet again for Tommy John surgery. I doubt he knew at that point his career as a Brave was over.

Last month, Smoltz showed significant improvement in his arm. He has been seen throwing a football 55 yards and delivering all of his pitches off a mound. Smoltz is expected to be ready by mid-May, definitely by June. Because of Atlanta's lackluster moves on the free agent and trade market, it was almost certain they would sign Smoltz. At this point, they have lost out on bids for stars Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, and Rafael Furcal leaving around 30 million dollars to work with for payroll. It is an insult to the players and fans that Atlanta did not step up their offer for the man. He has been a clubhouse leader who has many times almost single-handedly carried the Braves with his talent and presence. If there is anyone to take a risk on, it is him. He not only deserves it, but has proved critics wrong before. Smoltz recently spoke out saying he felt taken for granted by the Braves and he most definitely was. I am putting my money on the management figuring he would accept any offer because of his age and situation. Good for Smoltz for sticking with his principles. I wish him the best of luck in Boston. The Red Sox are looking at a powerful rotation consisting of Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, Clay Buchholz, and eventually John Smoltz. With the additions of Japanese star Junichi Tazawa, Brad Penny, Rocco Baldelli, and a healthy David Ortiz, the Sox are looking at pretty competitive future within their division.

Smoltz's departure punctuates a unique market this offseason. Today, San Diego faced a tough revelation. 16-year Padres veteran Trevor Hoffman agreed to a contract with the Brewers. The other day, career Phillie Pat Burrell accepted an offer to play for the Rays. And it looks like Andy Pettitte was unimpressed with an offer from his longtime Yankees. It seems like the priorities of baseball management are shifting. A lot of players aren't getting proper respect from their organizations. The fair money isn't going to the people who made the teams what they are, but to the pricey guys on the market. The New York Yankees are happy to spend $420 million on Sabathia, Burnett, and Teixiera, but what happens when they're signed? Not enough money for Pettitte. Grumblings say the Yanks are shopping veteran Hideki Matsui and homegrown Melky Cabrera. The money is still there to hold on to them. Even the smaller market Braves can't argue differently. They could have met Boston's offer for Smoltz, but chose a different route. Their focus left their still capable Hall of Famer for the pursuit of big name free agents like Derek Lowe, when they could have easily done both. They think, "how dare we offer more money to a man who should be willing to accept less for his team?" Don't give them up because they want a higher amount of money, which at many times they may deserve. Give them up because you feel they can no longer help the organization. It's a shame that it happens, but I guess that's modern baseball for you. Who's the next to go after Smoltz?