Dear Frank: Keep Smoltz

The following is an open letter to Frank Wren and the Braves’ front office. If this letter echoes your sentiments, please consider signing your name and any additional thoughts in the comments.

Frank -

I respect you and your staff. I’ve stood up for you when fans have started bashing you this offseason. I know what has happened so far is out of anyone’s control. I love the Braves and everything about the organization. I’ve been a fan since 1991, when I was five years old. I’ve owned season tickets, I’ve started a blog about all things Braves. Travelled to Spring Training. Sat through playoff losses. But my most memorable moments include John Smoltz. Last year’s 3000th strikeout: I was front row in the upper deck (in my season tickets), screaming. Years ago when he was closing, I was looking forward to the 9th inning, hoping we’d be leading. In 1995, he was there. He’s always been the backbone of my love for the Braves. Classy ballplayers like him don’t come around often, and we know it.

We all know that Smoltz is the face of the organization. He’s THE Brave player we think of when we imagine someone wearing the jersey. He’s been loyal to the club through role changes, down years, off years. Always been more than friendly to fans, extremely loyal to the club. He’s the ONE guy we always thought would retire in a Braves uniform – perhaps the second to last guy to have one career with the same team (Chipper is younger and hopefully the last).  But loyalty is a two-way street. If you let Smoltz go, it is something that will be blamed on you – and it’s devastating.

For heavens sake, match whatever the Sox offer. I don’t care what it is. It’s not like we’ve signed anyone else. At this point it’s not about money: it’s about not losing fans. Give us something to come to Turner for in ‘09. Don’t give me this sick feeling in my stomach. I’ve talked to dozens of fans – and they’re all devastated just like I am. We don’t know what to think. And we’re talking about hardcore, love ‘em ’til we die fans. Not the guys who buy tickets once a year just to drink beer, but fans that buy ticket packs, season tickets, jerseys, memorabilia. The guys who travel to spring training.

Keep Smoltz. Match his offer. Do whatever it takes. Please don’t let us down – regardless of what else happens, PLEASE don’t let Smoltz finish his career in another uniform. He’s been better than that for almost 20 years. We should be too.

I’m begging you – we’re begging you: Keep Smoltz. Do what it takes.

Sincerely,

Please consider signing your name and adding your thoughts to a comment. It’s probably too late to do anything, but we can hope.

Smoltz To Sign With Red Sox

I’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.

Braves Extend 5 Year, $80M Offer to Burnett….Or Not

C.C. Sabathia’s 7 year, $160M deal with the Yankees puts the focus of the free agent arms race squarely on A.J. Burnett, who was expected to make his decision after Sabathia signed. The Braves offer now has 5 years and $80 million tied to it. When told of it, Braves.com quotes “one prominent Braves player” as saying “Let’s see the Yankees top that.”

The concern is that they might. The Yankees aren’t happy with landing Sabathia. Rumor has it they also want to sign Burnett, Lowe, Sheets, Teixeira, LeBron James, The Olsen Twins, and Darth Vader. I hate the Yankees, and if they steal Burnett out from under us, I’m going to be PISSED. Absolutely livid. We need Burnett – we have to have an ace to anchor the rotation, and even though it’s a large bet on Burnett, we have to make it or we’ll flounder all season.

Also, Boston papers think Smoltz is looking at the Mets and Red Sox, among others. I just laughed when I read it. He’ll end up here, and he’ll retire as a Brave, or I’ll redirect BravesBlast.com to WTFWereYouThinkingFrankWren.com. And that’s a promise.

C’mon Burnett, sign the paper already.

UPDATE: According to Mark Bowman, the Braves have in fact not yet offered Burnett a guaranteed 5-year contract.  We’ll wait to hear more.

Smoltz Progressing Well

I’m sure I speak for many Braves fans when I say that I really want to see John Smoltz back in a Braves uniform for a little bit longer before he hangs up the spikes on a great career.  I also speak for those fans in saying that I don’t want to see him play in anything but a Braves uniform should he make the decision to come back for the 2009 season.  For all of us, there is encouraging news in the AJC today.

Smoltz threw from a mound on Friday for the first time since his shoulder surgery in June and experienced no pain or discomfort.  At this point in his rehab, he has been described as being “way ahead of schedule”.  The official answer from the Braves at the current time is that they cannot yet count on Smoltz for the 2009 season, but it appears that his rehab is at least coming along fairly well.  It seems that Bobby Cox is very confident that Smoltz will be back on the mound for the 2009 season, saying, “oh, he’ll be back — no doubt in my mind”.

Though saying that he can’t yet count on Smoltz for 2009, Frank Wren has indicated that he hopes to offer him a contract when he reaches a point in his throwing program that it seems like he will be ready to pitch again.  It’s good to see that 5 arm surgeries throughout his career have not killed the desire in Smoltz to get the Braves back to postseason play.  

It’s not yet clear what role Smoltz would take up on the pitching staff and I presume that a lot of that would depend on how the rest of his rehab program goes.  He has, however, indicated that he would be willing to return in any role that would be helpful to the team, though he would love to return to the rotation.  Whether it be as a starter, in the bullpen, or as the closer, I’d be more than happy to see Smoltz back out at Turner Field.

So what do you think?  Will we see Smoltz back in 2009?  Will he be back in a Braves uniform?  What role do you see him serving on the pitching staff?

Glavine Out Til Mid-July

An MRI of Tom Glavine’s elbow revealed a small tear of the flexor tendon origin.  Glavine will be out til at least Mid-July and will not need surgery.

Smoltz also said he’d attempt a comeback after surgery on his labrum went well.  He is expected to be playing golf in three months and throwing in four.

I’m at work, so that’s all you get.  Discuss!

Bad News For Braves’ Elder Statesmen

John Smoltz has a torn labrum – significantly more damage than they hoped to find during surgery yesterday.  His future with the club is “uncertain” at this point.  He’s a fierce competitor, but can he come back from this surgery?  It took the spry Blaine Boyer nearly two years to recover from similar surgery.

Meanwhile, Tom Glavine strained his elbow and was placed on the DL.  Apparently from the first pitch last night his elbow hurt, but he pitched through the pain only to be pulled with the elbow strain.

So there’s the Braves’ two elder statesmen having health issues.  Glavine is on the DL for the second time this season – and the second time in his long career.  Smoltzie is gone for at least this season, maybe for good.  And the Braves are back below .500, trying to figure out how to win on the road and where they can find some pitching.

This time, more than ever, we’ve got to figure out where we’re going to get some starting pitching, and fast.  I maintain that Charlie Morton is ready – the traditional measure for minor league pitchers is innings pitched, and he’s thrown just under 600 innings.  He’s also 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 72 K’s to 27 walks.  Bring him up and give him a shot – he impressed in spring training.

We also likely should trade for another solid arm.  Even if we bring Morton up, we’re pitching Hudson, Jurrjens, Campillo, Morton, and Reyes.  If we want to win and go into the post season, we need another solid arm.  Jonathan’s a big proponent of trading Mark Teixeira for a young arm with some life left on the contract.  I’m not sure what he said Tex is supposed to ask for at the end of the season, but supposedly we may not be able to afford it even without Hampton, Smoltz, and Glavine’s contracts.  I’ll let him explain that more here.

What do you think we should do?  Should we let Jo-Jo Reyes fight it out for that fifth spot?  Can he make it at the big league level?  Is Morton ready, or am I just talking out of the seat of my pants?

Of Course…We’re At Home

It’s a great feeling to be back at Turner Field.  Two games. Two come-from-behind wins.  That’s something that I’m 100% confident in saying that we are just incapable of doing on the road right now.  The Braves are only a game behind the Marlins in the division and can tie them with a win today while trying to hang with the surging Phillies who have won 7 of their last 8 games.  Hopefully we can cool them down when they come to Turner on Friday.

Unfortunately we won’t be seeing John Smoltz back out on the field today as the closer.  The announcement in his press conference today was that he would most likely have season-ending surgery next Tuesday, but that he’s not yet ready to retire and will pitch again should his rehabilitated shoulder allow him to do so.  Personally, I don’t think any of us are ready for him to retire, but it’s going to have to happen sooner or later.

Tom Glavine’ll be taking the hill for the Braves today against Mark Hendrickson, who despite having a 5.27 ERA so far this season, is coming into the game with a 7-3 record.  If we can keep the offense cool, we have a great shot today.  Go Braves!

John Smoltz To Retire?

John Smoltz is going back under the knife for season-ending shoulder surgery. It may also force him to retire.

After being on the DL for five weeks and coming back with a new arm slot to alleviative shoulder issues, Smoltz experienced significant soreness after a disappointing outing on Monday night.

The Braves have a press conference scheduled for 11:30 today and inside sources confirm that Smoltz is likely to retire in addition to announcing that his season is over.

More as it comes, but this could truly be a sad day in Braves history. Smoltz Retiring – I knew it’d come someday but I didn’t want it to be this soon.

Update: Season ending shoulder surgery is scheduled with James Andrews in Birmingham.  Smoltz could be ready for next spring if he doesn’t retire.  Smoltz says he fully intends to continue to pitch if he can.

Summer Hot Stove Heating Up – Trade Rumors

The Braves are playing amazing baseball at home, but not performing so great on the road. They’re also 2-14 in one-run games, a number that should improve once Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzalez are all active in the bullpen (I shamelessly stole that line from Jayson Stark). But with the Braves moving John Smoltz from the rotation to the ‘pen, they’re short a starting pitcher. And even though Jo-Jo Reyes and Jorge Campillo are standing in admirably (Campillo more so than Reyes), the Braves are reportedly looking for a starting pitcher.

There are a couple rumors here – one mentioned by the announcers during today’s game involved the highest profile free agent on the team. Reportedly the Braves would send Mark Teixeira to the Cleveland Indians for starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia would provide the depth to the rotation the Braves need (he’s won an average of 15.3 games each of the last three seasons), but the Braves would lose Teixeira and much of the needed protection behind Chipper, who is powering the offense. Sabathia is only 28 and would possibly be harder to resign at season’s end than Teixeira will be – and we can’t count that out. Plus, who would play first? Other rumors include either a top pitching prospect or Jordan Schafer for Sabathia – neither of which make sense for a pitcher with under a year left on his contract.  Don’t forget that if we trade Tex, we have nearly no chance of re-signing him.

The most popular rumor has Greg Maddux coming to Atlanta – something that I don’t think will happen. Frank Wren was very adamant pre-season that he wasn’t looking for a reunion tour of the big three. Now Maddux would be a very popular choice, but he’s older and may not be available for re-signing at the end of the year (no telling when he hangs up the cleats).

Jayson Stark offered his opinion on this earlier today:

“Clubs that have spoken with the Braves say they’re more focused on trying to find a younger starting pitcher they can hang onto for [more than] just the last few months of this season. So think more along the lines of the non-free agents who could pop onto the market…”

Stark goes on to mention Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Bronson Arroyo, and Jeremy Bonderman – but stresses the Braves could be after any pitcher in this category.

I think that the Maddux thing is a bit of a pipe dream as opposed to reality. He’d offer us a good fifth arm in the rotation if Reyes isn’t working out, but I think we’d have to give up too much to get him. I’d much rather see us trade a younger prospect for a pitcher with plenty left in the tank and a few years on his contract. It’s time we start stacking our rotation for tomorrow.

Who would you like to see come to the Braves? Chime in with your opinion and comment below.

Other tidbits: East Coast Bias had a great article today on the Braves one-third of the way through the season. Take a look – very good read.

Smoltz Pitches, Feels No Pain

John Smoltz pitched an inning for the AA Mississippi Braves last night, giving up one hit and most importantly feeling no pain.  Smoltz recently pitched a session in Atlanta to his teammates, where he revealed his way of dealing with his recent shoulder issues.  He’s dropped his arm slot, but hasn’t lost effectiveness.  He threw 12 pitches in his inning of work, 8 of them strikes.  Smoltz has successfully changed the angle of his arm slot in the past, throwing sidearm in the late ’90s.

Smoltz arrives back in Atlanta today to be re-evaluated.  He may continue his rehab stint but he could also be activated from the DL soon.  He’ll pitch out of the bullpen, likely closing games for the Braves.  Smoltz has been in the role before, with 154 saves from 2001-2004.

Smoltz will be part of a trio of pitchers that will greatly enhance the depth of the Braves already quality bullpen.  Rafael Soriano, the intended closer at the start of the season, has been battling elbow tendinitis.  Soriano pitched an inning for the Mississippi Braves on Friday, and could be activated either today or tomorrow.  He’s hitting 93 with his fastball, which is good news.

Mike Gonzalez had Tommy John surgery last year and is nearing return as well.  He’s a dominant lefty that the Braves got from the Pirates for Adam LaRoche.  It may take him some time to regain pre-surgery form, but with Smoltz and Soriano he could make a huge difference.  Even the players are excited about it – the AJC quoted Brian McCann as saying “You get Smoltz and Soriano back, and Gonzo, it’s going to be nasty. Those are guys who’ve done it before, and we’ve got guys like Blaine and Acosta who’ve filled in and done an awesome job.”

If you think the bullpen is nasty now, give it two weeks.

Braves News Bits

There are a lot of little stories going on about the Braves recently, but nothing that really warrants a full article, so I’m just going to throw them together and make an article out of it:

Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez – Bobby Cox believes that all three of these guys could be off the disabled list and in the bullpen in the next two weeks.  Smoltz has been rather quiet about the condition of his shoulder.  Soriano has made the first of two planned rehab assignments in AA Mississippi.  Gonzalez has been throwing in extended spring training and is expected to be evaluated in Atlanta next week in preparation for rehab assignments.  These three will change the face of our bullpen a lot; the question at this point is, who will be moved to make room on the roster?

Yunel Escobar – Yunel missed last night’s game against the Mets after a collision with Ryan Church on the last out of the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader.  Escobar still has some pain and swelling below his knee and is questionable for tonight’s game.  He’s currently planning on being back for the wrap-around series against the Diamondbacks this weekend.

Chipper Jones – After taking a pitch of the shin in last night’s game, Chipper is experiencing a bit of soreness but says that it feels a lot better today than it did as he left the game yesterday, hardly able to put any weight on it.  He’s questionable tonight, but we need him in the game.  We all know how the offense performs when he’s out of the lineup.  Losing Chipper and Escobar against the Mets seems common this season.

Turner Field Death – As we talked about through the night, Justin Hayes has died from the injuries suffered in his 150-foot fall from the stairwell in Turner Field last night.  As part of the Braves community, we are saddened by this news and offer our condolences to his family and friends.  This is the first non-medical death at Turner Field since it was constructed for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Hank Aaron Is Awesome -  Just to reiterate the fact that I think Hank Aaron is one of the greatest baseball players ever, I’ve decided to close this article with a recent Aaron quote.  “But seriously, I think Bonds has done wonderfully. I think he had a marvelous career. I had it for a long time. Seven-fifty-five was there for a long time.” Hank went on to say what we all already know is true, “I still consider myself the home-run king”.

Smoltz Out Longer, Pedro Retiring?

John Smoltz has experienced some more pain than expected here recently in bullpen sessions, and has said that he may be out much longer than initially expected.  What does this mean for the Braves?  It means that not only do they have rotation issues for the rest of the season, Smoltz may not be able to contribute in the bullpen as much as they’d like.  That said, the bullpen has been quite good lately.  Smoltz would only make it better.

The question arises, if he gets healthy and helps from the bullpen, would he switch to the starting rotation if we made it to the postseason?  He’s a competitor and would want to contribute as much as possible.

In other news, the NY Daily News is reporting that Pedro Martinez is contemplating retirement at the end of the season due to the failing health of his father.  Pablo, age 78, is dealing with cancer and the emotional toll is weighing heavily on the family, as well as himself.  In an admission of the toll the heavy schedule of baseball on family life, Pedro told the News “I haven’t been there for them. I just realized that between last year and this year I haven’t been there for my family, my parents… After this season, I’m going to go back home and think about it and I’m going to decide.”

The question with the Pedro situation is – will the Mets and their fans really miss him?  He hasn’t quite been the electric starter he was with Boston, so one has to ask – does this even matter?