Smoltz's wish list includes Boston
LAS VEGAS -- John Smoltz wants to pitch for a team that could take him to the World Series.
He hopes that's still the Atlanta Braves, the team for whom he has pitched since 1988, but the 41-year-old free agent is considering the Red Sox, the New York Mets, and his hometown Detroit Tigers as possible destinations, according to a major league source.
While his agent, Keith Grunewald, would not confirm Smoltz's preferences, he did say that he's sent out videos of the righthander's recent throwing session to preferred teams and has also sent his medical records. Smoltz underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in June.
"He threw all of his pitches, curveball, slider, splitter. He looked great," said Grunewald, who said Smoltz would prefer to be a starting pitcher. Smoltz was extremely effective as the Braves' closer from 2002-04.
The agent would not comment on whether he's received a response from any of the teams on Smoltz's list.
Smoltz, the 1996 National League Cy Young award winner, has 210 victories, 154 saves, and a 3.26 ERA in his stellar career.
Smoltz is the man. If healthy, I think he would make a great fourth starter and win ten to fifteen games this year. Then, you can keep Masterson in the bullpen and allow some of the other young arms more time to develop over the course of the season. I think the Sox staff really missed Schilling's toughness and experience in the stretch run and last post season. Smoltz is a proven winner. He is a consummate professional, a great teammate, tough as nails in the same mold as Schilling ,but with more left in the tank. He is poised and unflappable, and pitching in Yankee stadium in a playoff game or anywhere else will be a relative walk in the park for him. If Atlanta is stupid and dosen't sign him, I sure hope the Sox do.
Replaces Schilling as a middle-back of the rotation guy with a ton of experience...plus he can still pitch when healthy. Love this guy's makeup.
Sprinkle in Bowden and Buch and you can give the top guys some rest and have enough arms for the duration of the season.
better than the big schill. i'd sign him. he's a class act!
he'd be a huge addition to the pitching staff
Now Smoltz is a guy I'd love to see in a Red Sox uniform. A first class veteran who can start, set up or close.
So this is the New England Patriots philosphy...let's go get the oldest availabe person.
No chance Smoltz goes to the Mets, and I absolutely do not believe that rumor came from a remotely credible source. The Red Sox are a long shot. If he goes anywhere besides Atlanta (unlikely), it will be Detroit. Smoltz is from that area, the Tigers were his hometown team and the team that originally drafted him.
He would be a huge veteran presense to the young guys and hopefully set Buchholz straight
I think the Braves aren't convinced he will be close to the same pitcher he was before his surgery. He is 41 and Smoltz and his agent may be trying to hook-up with a team before the Braves reject him. I smell a stinkin' fish here.
Smoltz is a nice guy but beware pitchers coming from the NL to the AL East. It is a rare stud that can handle the transition (Pedro, Schilling). Most fail.
Hey PWHjort, show some respect. Nick Cardafo knows more about sports than you do about what to do in a bathroom. A little class goes a long way
Type your comment here...It would be quite interesting IF red sox could get him for one year.
To no NL arms here:
Yes and it is so easy for the AL pitchers to come to the NL and dominate. Barry Zito and Mark Mulder did it, or wait, nevermind.....Even Santana had his ERA go up and he got to face pitchers batting. Its tough for any pitcher to switch leagues, not just NL ones going to the AL. Smoltz will be the same anywhere he goes, 10-15 game winner and a 3rd, 4th or 5th starter depending on the team.
John Smoltz likely has 2-3 quality years left in his career, despite some medical issues in 2008. "He threw all of his pitches, curveball, slider, splitter. He looked great," said Keith Grunewald, his agent. If this is true, look for the Mets to make a surprise offer. Back in 2006, Smoltz showed interest in going to the Mets.
However, Epstein has taken a flyer on high upside pitchers coming off injuries before. Think Wade Miller and Bartolo Colon. Neither worked out as well as hoped but Smoltz is an extreme competitor.
no brainer if it's feasible
Tiger Woods said that Smolz has the goods to play on the senior tour. The man is one of the most competitive athletes out there. He has the mental toughness, and if his shoulder is sound, his stuff is still front of the rotation quality. PLEASE Mets, talk to this guy.
perfect fit for mets....Smoltz and Manny Ramirez...that should do it..
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Red Sox Twitter
E-mail your question
- Amalie Benjamin,
- Nick Cafardo,
- Chad Finn,
- Adam Kilgore or
- Tony Massarotti
Or if your comment or question is non-specific to a particular reporter, enter it in the form below:browse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com