DISQUS

kerelcooper · 1 year ago

"It would be even more bizarro than watching Glavine depart for the Mets after 2002." Oh how I wish Glavine would have never come to the Mets...

Gotta be honest I would mind having Smoltz in New York. Would Smoltz pitching for the Mets bother Braves fans more than Glavine?

Kevin · 1 year ago

"Would Smoltz pitching for the Mets bother Braves fans more than Glavine?"

At this point in time, I'd have to say Yes. Smoltz is the face of the franchise, a prominent member of the community, and an all around great ambassador for Atlanta. Not to say that Glavine wasn't these things, but it seems more special with Smoltz. Having him bounce back from all these injuries and then have him finish his career elsewhere would be devastating.

JB: I think in the last few years Smoltz has passed the Murph as my all time favorite Brave. I've been a fan since the early 80's, when we fielded some horrible teams in that horrible stadium (Fullton County Stadium).

jaqbaldwin · 1 year ago

Yeah it's hard to categorize them together. They're my favorites in different ways.

Murph left when I was 10 years old. I love him primarily out of a sense of nostaglia because he first sparked my love for baseball.

Smoltz however was introduced to me at the age of 7 and 11 years later he's been like a big brother or hero I've admired from the stands as I grew into a young man.

They play very different roles in my development as not only a Braves fan but as one who holds a great affection for the game.

Jill · 1 year ago

Don't stress too much yet. From everything I've read, he's just letting it be know he thinks he'll be available and the Braves had said if he is that they want him. It's just a slow news day since no governors were arrested......

jaqbaldwin · 1 year ago

Ha! You're right. I know this most likely won't happen and there's nothing great to write about lately. It's just this talk always bums me out when I play it out in my mind.

I'm not stressed but I too needed something to discuss this week.

grantmc · 1 year ago

It's on these kinds of slow news days (and weeks) that one can always write a good piece about the next free-agent(s) would/could sign with the Yankees.

PWHjort · 1 year ago

That'd be all of them. Seriously, are the Yankees ever NOT in on a big-time free agent?

Jane · 1 year ago

My sentiments exactly Jaq. I was just saying today that I was going to become a baseball athiest if Smoltz leaves the Braves. After Maddux, Glavine, and Andruw, I don't think I could stand losing Smoltz. Let's hope nothing stupid like that happens...

grantmc · 1 year ago

It would certainly be weird for John Smoltz to be pitching for any team other than the Braves next year, but I have a feeling it's going to work out for him to stay in Atlanta. I think the Braves will work out a deal that allows him to get back into the rotation and back to the business of carving up line-ups. I don't know if you saw the fun I had with photoshop on my Day 3: Winter Meetings blog on Smoltz. It might make you cry inside though! Bottom line, I think he will be staying.

jaqbaldwin · 1 year ago

Deep down I think you're right. I just hate this kind of talk every free agent year. I wonder if it's because DOB has nothing better to right about with this bummer of an offseason so far.

Willis Whitlock · 1 year ago

It is a pity. Greats like Smoltz get the idea that they should go somewhere else and make a few more bucks. Age eventually catches up with everybody. and they end up with declining skill and an inflated salary, which leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Maybe Sandy Koufax did it right.

grantmc · 1 year ago

Hard to argue with Koufax. Too bad Clemens didn't take that route.

jameskm03 · 1 year ago

Filing is just a formality. He's not going anywhere.

If anything now that Maddux has announced I'm still holding out that Tommy and Smoltzie will do the same and what a wonderful day at Cooperstown that will be in Five years!

Peter · 1 year ago

Not a Braves fan, but I hope he stays for the sake of the game. I LOVE it when players stay their entire career with a single team! But if he does leave, I'd like to see him in Boston. Sorry JB.

BTW, is he looking to start, close or just pitch?

jaqbaldwin · 1 year ago

To start. He said it's a lot more stress on his arm to come out of the pen than to start every 5 days.

jason · 1 year ago

I haven't heard about this. Now A.J. is going to the Yanks for 82 million. John Smoltz may not be playing for the Braves. All I can say to Mr.Wren is one word. PEAVY!!!