Loading ...
Smoltz To Sign With Red Sox
Written by Jonathan on January 8, 2009 – 12:37 amI’m usually the one that tries to keep everything around here positive and upbeat and leave the negativity up to our other writers, but I am currently ashamed of the Braves. As reported by braves.com this evening, John Smoltz is expected to announce tom0rrow that he will sign with the Boston Red Sox for the 2009 season. The deal is reportedly for a $5.5 million contract that is highly incentive-based as far as pushing the value higher. The Red Sox will keep him out until probably around June and likely fulfill his wishes to return as a starting pitcher.
I don’t really know what to say. I am absolutely crushed by this news. Smoltz has spent his entire big league career starting in 1988 in a Braves uniform. Half the reason I’m a Braves fan is because of him (the other half is Dale Murphy, this is no secret to anyone). I have nothing else to write, I just can’t believe we’ll be seeing John Smoltz come to The Ted this year in anything but a Braves uniform. I’ll leave it at that for everyone to discuss.
Tags: Boston Red Sox, John Smoltz, Red Sox, Smoltz Leaving Braves
Posted in Speculation | 9 Comments »
By Josh on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
The Braves have made a big PR nightmare mistake. Wren talked about the money
the Braves have to spend right after last season ended. Everybody thought that we were going to get
some real key additions to the team. Now that everything has fallen through or apart the future season looks bleak.
I just can’t understand not signing one of the greatest Braves ever. This is a PR nightmare for the franchise. We couldn’t come up
with 5.5 million bucks after no signings this offseason? I’m really disappointed in the whole situation. I can only guess that there
is more to this story than we are hearing about and I think its Liberty media. Get ready for a long season of frustration!
By Jonathan on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
The Braves should have enough money laying around to cover my season tickets, right?
By Colin Ake on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
… I'm at a loss for words. Really? Could we not just sign Smoltz? Do we not care about our fan base?
WTF, Frank Wren?!?!
By David on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
This right here is just awful news for the Braves. John Smoltz and Chipper Jones were the two players that kept the Braves fans come to the park. This really should have never happened. I cant believe John Smoltz will be calling Boston home. I was just in complete shock when I read this. I know he probably wouldnt have pitched for the Braves until June, but now, even though I have loved the Braves since the day I was born, it will be really hard to watch them. Just knowing that John Smoltz will be pitching for another team. Its just awful. This has offically been the worst offseason ever. I have been the one to say this is not all Frank Wrens fault, but come on. You have to keep your franchise player. They should have just offered him a contract earlier in the offseason, and he would probably still be a Brave. They just waited too long. I cant belive they did this.
Atleast I can say I was at the last game John Smoltz pitched as a Brave
By Jonathan on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
Well, looks like it's pretty much a done deal now, and the Braves are increasing interest in Derek Lowe. I can't believe this is happening.
By Grant on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
With all the money that was available to be spent this off-season, I never thought that retaining Smoltz would not be a high priority – even more so when the other pursuits fell apart. Can't say I blame the Braves for not offering as much for half a season of Smoltz as the Red Sox did, because Boston can certainly afford it.
It is unfortunate to see one of the finest players in the franchise's history, on and off the field, putting on another team's uniform. I agree the waiting game probably pushed Smoltz out into the market to seek other options. I wish him well. The last thing I want to see is for him to go up north and not be able to give them more of what he gave Atlanta for so many years.
By Cameron on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
I was going to post a post defending FW and the decision not to keep Smoltzie, but the more I typed the less sense it made and the more my opinion swayed, so I opted not to post
This is stupid and shouldnt have happend, but the way this once-promising offseason has gone, it really doesnt surprise me
By erik on Jan 9, 2009 | Reply
lol I told you weeks ago what an idiot Frank Wren is, Colin, and as you said then I know more then anyone here. Guess I was right about him being an idiot and you were right about me knowing more.
I told you Wren should be fired and that he was a disgrace. He was run out of Baltimore for being an idiot, only problem for Wren now is, he can't blame P. Angelos (owner of the Orioles) anymore the idiot wren can only blame himself.
By Colin Ake on Jan 9, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for dropping by and offering your ever valuable opinion, Erik. This isn't just a Wren decision – I'm sure it's the entire front office. I'm just disappointed as a fan. Smoltz should never have had to leave Atlanta.