Smoltz introduced
John Smoltz had not held up a new jersey and slapped on a new cap for 23 years, since he was an 18-year old draft choice of his hometown Detroit Tigers. He spent 22 years with one team, the Atlanta Braves, re-upping each time free agency arrived. That changed today, when the Red Sox formally introduced Smoltz at Fenway Park.
Smoltz held up his new uniform -- No. 29, yielded to him by hitting coach Dave Magadan -- and pulled the 'B' cap over his head. It matched his red tie. As general manager Theo Epstein said, the Red Sox introdced a new Hall of Famer in Jim Rice yesterday, and today they introduced a future Hall of Famer.
"Words can't describe -- and I hope you don't expect me to say all the right words, because this has been an incredible week -- but I'm going to try to," Smoltz said. "What you get is a guy who loves to put on the uniform and loves to compete. I'm excited to be here. This city is surrounded by a ton of history and a ton of players and a ton of fans. I'm as determined and I'm as focused as I have ever been. ... To speak to how loyal I am, you must know, I am a Lions fan. So that speaks to my loyalty. I'm going to be pretty loyal to this uniform."
"It's a very significant day for the Red Sox," Epstein said. "To be able to add someone of this caliber and his accomplishment, and his talent most importantly, we look for him to make a huge impact on the organization."
A few quick hits from the news conference:
- The Red Sox envision Smoltz as a starter, but he will not pitch at the season's outset. He is coming off major shoulder surgery, which the team vetted extensively in its pursuit of Smoltz. Epstein called Smoltz "a physical freak," and said, surprisingly, that Smoltz would be capable of pitching by April, perhaps even Opening Day. But the Red Sox, foremost, signed Smoltz -- who has a 2.65 ERA in 40 postseason games, 27 of which were starts -- to pitch in October. They slowed his rehab down to ensure he will be 100 percent when he returns, the date of which has not been determined. That will not be when Smoltz is merely able, but when he is fully prepared.
- In November, Smoltz sent a video to teams he was interested in playing for, throwing in a bullpen and chucking a football. The Red Sox were impressed, so they sent front office representative Ben Cherington, trainer Mike Reinold, and pitching coach John Farrell to Atlanta to watch him pitch. "Even for a guy who's been in the big leagues for 21 years," Smoltz said, "That really impressed me."
- Smoltz's contract is for one year, but he sees himself pitching for several more years. He'll turn 42 in May. "Age is just a number," Smoltz said. Smoltz will earn $5.5 million guaranteed with $5 million in bonuses. According to the Associated Press, Smoltz's bonuses are based on time on the active 25-man roster: $125,000 for his first day, $35,000 a day from June 1 through Oct. 3, and $500,000 for Oct. 4, the last scheduled day of the regulat season.
- Smoltz always loved pitching in Fenway Park during interleague games, and he never has allowed an earned run there. He was always intrigued by the idea of playing here.
- Smoltz attended the Celtics game last night, and in the third quarter, they flashed his face on the Jumbotron. "It blew me away," Smoltz said.
- Smoltz said he has no bitterness toward the Braves, but he said they gave him "no options" based on the difference in interest shown him by Boston and Atlanta.
- The most difficult adjustment so far has been logistical -- finding a place to live and so forth. "Tiger called me and said, 'We still playin' golf?' " Smoltz said. "I said, 'Yeah, we're still playing.' " That would be Tiger Woods, whom Smoltz plays with occasionally. Woods has called Smoltz the best golfer he's played with outside the PGA Tour. "The team handicap went way down, by the way," Smoltz said.
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Quite a story! If indeed Smoltz can come back and be effective, few AL teams will have better pitching than Boston this year.
age is just a number. and the higher that number goes up, the greater chance for injury. i hope Smoltz wins 20 games for the Sox, but coming off major shoulder surgery we might just have to settle for 10 and a great post-season presence if his body holds us (assuming they make the playoffs).
Pitching is what wins championships. Every once in a while signings like Penny and Smoltz work out . Even if Smoltz and Penny only account for 18-20 wins, the Sox should have 90-95 wins. Someone should tell Blank Check Cashman that team chemistry, extra pitching, and desire account for something.
Boston's pitching strength is not the top of the rotation, it is the depth of the rotation. They built the team for 162 games, so 8 or 9 capable starters and bullpen arms are imperative, especially in the dog days.
The team has risks, and is built on the potential of a few turnarounds, a few chances, and some general luck...but isn't every baseball season built that way? and isn't that why we love the sport?
Added bonus, Clubhouse guys like Smoltz...who good for '09 as much as '10 and beyond. Everyone benefits from the "collegial" atmosphere.
Glad to have him on the Sox. He's a great athlete.
Let's hope he keeps his mouth shut when asked about
political and "social" matters. Check out Google on his history
of speaking out.
Mass. native and life long Sox fan who has lived outside ATL since 1994. Watched Smoltzie pitch over past 13 years. Sox fans are going love this guy. High character individual, MAJOR competitor who never gives in, solid teammate. If he comes back at full strength in July-August, easily one of the best off season pick ups of the year.
"Age is just a number" Unfortunately I remember Randy Johnson saying the exact same thing when he went to the Yankees as a 41 year old.
Did he go with 29 because thats how many years this guy has been in the big leagues? My prediction: he breaks down after 3 games and rides out the rest of his contract on the bench.
For you fans in Boston, I live in Atlanta and had the pleasure of watching Smoltz pitch. For the record, his last game before he chose to end his season last year (while he was in quite a bit of pain I understand), he was absolutely NASTY. That guy was throwing better then ever and was probably the best in the game before he shut it down. Lucky for me, I'm a big Smoltz fan AND a Sox fan, so hopefully we get to see him be just as nasty this season...hate to see you go, but good luck John Smoltz.
I'll take the Redsox off-season acquisitions over the team from New York. Great work Theo and Co.!
Good luck to John Smoltz and all of the newest Redsox
I especially love the new and much improved bullpen, and I couldn’t be more excited to root for our team in 2009.
If he's healthy, one game, a must win, perhaps a playoff game, I'd be comfortable with him walking to the mound.
i would expect excitement over this signing 10 years ago, not in 2009.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
If the Yankees signed this guy at 42 years OLD, coming off MAJOR shoulder surgery, you'd all be laughing at them right now! Come on! The Braves do a pretty good job of cutting their losses at the right time. Plus, he's a National League pitcher coming to the American League East! Please add 1.5 runs to your ERA to start!
Uh yeah, Quadro. If someone asks a baseball player his opinion, he should definitely not oblige. In other words, he should be nothing like goobers like you.
Fantastic.... Yet another solid pitching addition to the organization!! This one will assist the team in winning!!! Mr. Smoltz will be a pleasure to watch pitch, especially against the Yankees and the Rays!!! This season will be exciting!!!
With the Sox improvements on the pitching front, I view the Sox piching upgrades to date as superior to the Yankees, especially on the relief corps. If both Penny and Smoltz return to '07 form, get ready for another parade. Even if one fails, we still have Wake, Beckett, Daisuke, and Lester in the rotation. And a pen of Saito, Okajima, Delcarmen, Masterson, Lopez, Ramirez, and Papelbon. Where do you fit Wes Littleton, let alone the three Rule 5 guys? Is Delcarmen going to be part of a package to get a catcher? I wouln't bet against it.
Hey Smoltzy---Much success to you up in Boston. I think you will have a great year. Thanks for the great years you gave us down in Atlanta. should have won more titles but much success to you with the Sox. Looks like they've put together a pretty good staff with you added. you're a great competitor.
Not only is John Smoltz a gifted pitcher, he's also a gentleman. Here's a guy who is a consummate pro and not given to the bouts of overblown ego the Sox have had to contend with from Schilling and Beckett. I highly doubt that he'll be a 20-game winner, but if he wins better than a dozen there's no room for grumbling. I'm looking forward to seeing a cleaned-up, healthy and baseball-oriented pitching staff this season.
HOW IS THIS FRONT PAGE SPORTS NEWS WHEN THE BOSTON BRUINS ARE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NHL FACING THEIR HISTORIC RIVAL MONTREAL AT THE GARDEN!!!??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS!!!???
NO RESPECT FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WHATSOEVER!!!
BOSTON IS A HOCKEY TOWN AND YOU ARE DESTROYING IT BY NOT MAKING THIS A TOP HEADLINE!!!
Besides what Smoltz can bring in terms of pitching, he will also be a great guy to have for the younger pitchers to learn from. A great acquisition, IMO.
To Quadropenta:
As was/is the case with Schill, what does anyone care what his political philospophy is? He is being signed for his pitching abilitly. He's not running for the US Senate from Massachusetts. Give it a rest, for crying out loud! Why is it that we have some Sox fans who can't resist injecting politics into everything? Does every athlete who plays in Boston have to be left-of-center?
I liked Bill Lee as an athlete. I liked Curt Schilling as an athlete. That is all that matters. The rest is pure b.s.
me happy
THe sox are bringing in some has-beens so the fans won't notice that management is pocketing the money previously spent on Manny, Schil, etc
I'm a Sox fan since living in MA in the 60's. Been in Atlanta the last 20 yrs and have followed the hometown Braves. Boston is going to LOVE John Smoltz. This guy gives all he has every start. When he is hurt he plays hurt and still wins. With aq blown shoulder last year he still put up an era under 3.00. He has to much pride to come back if he didn't think he could compete.
Still unbelievably heart-breaking. Hope those few extra millions console him when the Sox lose in the playoffs again.
Bargain basement shopping at its finest-smart moves so far-I am happy
Ummm... why doesn't Theo add a no-golf clause to his contract? Don't we need him to 'rehab" his arm? I guess a golf date with Tiger (who is also rehabilitating) trumps any contractual language.
Wicked-good pickup, Theo. Now, are we using Smoltzy as a starter or moving Paps into the rotation and letting him close?
we'll see....don't get your hopes up people.
Guitar Boy hasn't exactly been working overtime this offseason. This deal and the Penny deal have ALOT of question marks. Of course, there's always the Josh Bard and blockbuster Nick Green signings.
...and don't forget those new uniforms. That should strike fear into the hearts of those opposing pitchers.
we'll see....don't get your hopes up people.
Guitar Boy hasn't exactly been working overtime this offseason. This deal and the Penny deal have ALOT of question marks. Of course, there's always the Josh Bard and blockbuster Nick Green signings.
...and don't forget those new uniforms. That should strike fear into the hearts of those opposing pitchers.
Given the need for pitching by just about every team in the game, you have to wonder why more clubs didn't go after Smoltz, even despite his age and the surgery. That being said, I'm pumped to see him in a Sox uniform. His ERA was below 3.50 his last three healthy seasons, and he went over 200 IP in each of those seasons with a WHIP in the 1.180 range and a K to BB ration of roughly 4 to 1. Those are the pitching stats of an ace. With a rotation of Lester, Beckett, DiceK, Smoltz, and Penny (not to mention all the young talent) the Sox pitching staff should be formidable.
Quadropenta,
Obviously you don't agree with Smoltz's political views...so that would mean you are more on the liberal side. Hence, aren't you being a hypocrite to one of the main themes of "liberal" thinking? That of being "open-minded". Isn't Smoltz allow to speak his mind? Or is that only the case if he was a liberal?
Excellent signing. It'll be great for Buchholz and Bowden to get exposed to Smoltz' knowledge and experience.
And Smoltz is a constant reminder of the danger of trading prospects: he was dealt by the Tigers to the Braves for Doyle Alexander.
Aren't YOU glad the Sox didn't trade Lester, Ellsbury and Lowrie for Santana? I am.
Who cares what his political views are. He is a solid, honest guy, that works hard and even if he has 10 good starts in him, he is a positive pick up.
Maybe 10 years too late with this one!
I'm devastated.Smoltzie IS Atl.I fear for his arm.Hoped he would go back to relieving.Think this would prolong his career the most.Thanks for all the great years and memories.Truly wish him long and prosperous continuation to his career.Once again, an Atl sports team puts money first.John's presence defines "intangibles".We'll see.
Here is what Chipper Jones had to say:
"We’ve made so many gambles on players that haven’t panned out over the past few years and if there was one guy in that clubhouse that I’m going to gamble a couple of million dollars on, it’s going to be that guy. If he says he can do it, I believe him.”
I'll go with that.
Even if Smoltz is not able to produce the great stats this is a great signing. One thing he certainly is is a leader. The pitching staff clearly has no leader. Like or dislike Schilling (I am of the later), he was someone who showed all the staff how to prepare mentally and physically for a 162++ season.
This is an innate skill - and with Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, Bucholtz, Papelbon, etc.... A presence like Smoltz's will elevate everyone's game.
Now let's focus on getting a Catcher (Saltalamacchia??).
Jayman,
The money they are pocketing is called spending frugally! Im glad we didn't get Texiera it would have been a waste of money. Don't like the product, don't root for the team. Do you expect the Sox to just go spend lavishly on players who aren't worth the money? Seriously!
Smoltz is gonna get hit like a mexican pinata in the al east, in the AL in general, I can picture the yanks, rays, jays, angels etc, just licking their chops at the sight of this guy.
I really don't understand all of the criticism the Sox front office has taken from the fans this offseason.
Look, Texeira was the ONLY guy they really needed to add this offseason, and they found out late in the game that he never wanted to sign with Boston, and that it was basically a one-horse race (the Yankees) all along.
What else would you have them do?
Overpay for Burnett, who will be on the DL by June and isn't much more than a .500 pitcher anyway?
Empty the coiffers for Sabathia, who's pushing 300 pounds and has been pretty much a post-season bust in his career?
Overpay for Lowe, who has never been worth anywhere close to the $15 million-per-year that he'll probably get from his new team (Atlanta?), at age 35 no less?
They've done the best they can this offseason given Texeira's desire to play in New York.
I think they need to add another bat, for sure, but in the meantime, they've got the pitching and enough offense to be in contention when the trading deadline rolls around. When it does roll around, they've got more young and desirable prospects to deal than almost any other team in the majors.
Chill out people, please.
Welcome addition! I've been a fan for years of Smoltz and look forward to seeing him in a better uniform. I'm a socialist and I could care less about his politics, he seems like a class act and lets hope he can pitch.
I'm glad we got Smoltz...now please make a trade for a catcher or a shortstop...
I just want to say that I am welcoming Smoltz with open arms to Boston! You are a class act, a great teammate, and a fierce competitor and so I can only hope all goes well here. As much as we hear about the Yanks getting this guy or that one we have here someone that not only can be effective playing but essentially another coach out there that will have a big influence on the younger players! By the way John, you giving any golf lessons?
Fink - I disagree with you that Boston's pitching strength "is not the top of the rotation, it is the depth of the rotation". Any rotation that slots Beckett, Lester and Dice-K in the prime of their careers has TREMENDOUS strength at the top of their rotation. I do agree that the Sox also have depth however.
He sounds an a lot like Curt Shilling when he brags about his golf abilities...
Quadropenta wrote: "Glad to have him on the Sox. He's a great athlete.
Let's hope he keeps his mouth shut when asked about
political and "social" matters. Check out Google on his history
of speaking out."
Could he be any more outspoken than Curt Schilling ? And look what Schill brought the Red Sox. Who cares what these guys think outside the white lines (unless we're talking about the likes of John Rocker or Carl Everett)?
Wait... is that the OLD red sox hat he is wearing? Thought they were going to switch to the new Sox logo cap. Glad to have this guy. Brings the know how and experience to teach something to the young guys. Couldn't be happier with the acquisitions this year!
Quadropenta...
Question: Why are you so intolerant of other people?
Answer: Because you are a typical socialist trying to intimidate those that don't tow the party line.
I know nothing has been said about beyond 09,but I'm sure there is a gentleman's agreement for him too pitch here again in 2010 if all goes well in 09.This is a Great Pitcher,if Red Sox fans have never seen him pitch you'll see a true master if he's in good health..I've seen him pitch in 3 different parks,and in each one he was dominating.I'm surprised he didn't sign in San Diego!!! Great golf courses and he pitches exceptionally well there..Plus he and Tiger could gamble against each other every other day....Four!!!! Playing through!!! Nassau anyone??? Have no fear Sox fans rejoice the Genius has assembled a monster pitching staff..Penny and Saito are no slouches!!!
JayMan, what will you be saying when Penny has won 15 games, Smoltz has won one in each round of the playoffs and World Series, Kotsay plays several quality games in a row giving everyone in the field a rest, and Baldelli repeatedly comes off the bench to start or continue a rally?
Haven't you figured out yet that it isn't always throwing huge money at one player, but investing wisely in role players, that constitute a team that consistently contends?
I think this was a fantastic signing. Although I feel bad for the Braves (though not too much, for they thought he'd accept their unfair offer out of loyalty), their loss is our gain. Smoltz brings everything to the table that Schilling did when the Sox brought him in 2000. He has great toughness, tenacity, and talent. This guy knows how to pitch. I think he will break great in the clubhouse and a enormous positive influence on guys like Beckett and Lester. This is huge! As a Sox fan, I couldn't be more pleased.
Gotta laugh at some of the recent comments about management "pocketing" the savings after letting Manny go and not signing Teixeira. Give me a a break. Look, I've been a Sox fan for 40 years -- watched Pudge, Lynn and Burleson leave, El Tiante pushed out, Mo Vaughn dissed and Clemens shown the door, etc. by dopey previous administrations who could never figure out how to put a World Series winner on the field. If 2 titles in 5 years aren't enough to prove that Theo & Co. know what they're doing, you don't deserve to be a Sox fan. They're not running a fantasy baseball team here -- you don't get extra points for spending your entire bank account. Ask Yankees fans whether they'd prefer a $200 million payroll or another title. If the Sox can cut the payroll a bit, stay flexible enough to sign a couple of big free agents down the road and be competitive every year, WHO CARES if they make a little profit? It's America, after all.
I can remember when Tom Seaver came to the Bosox late in his career and the sucess he and the team had that year. This remeinds of that. Class, determination, gamesmanship, he been there and done that. This is a good move.
Think: Bartolo Colon with a work ethic
This guy is like our non-dbag version of Schill or Eck. I love it!
I couldn't be happier. Once again the FO has built a team around talent, character and a good clubhouse rather than by throwing money at guys who start every sentence with "I".
As someone who is not a Red Sox or Braves fan, but just a fan of baseball, I think it is a great signing for the Red Sox. Smoltz is a class act and a winner. I bet he will be around for 3 years and win 50 games. Hopefully for him a World Series also.
When a quality guy like John Smoltz says ... he wants to pitch several more years - you gotta believe him. If he has that much faith in his shoulder - so do I.
If the Sox can get 8 to 12 wins / year out of Smoltz - that would be great. And ... if he shows the youngster's like Bucholtz, Masterson and Bowden how to be WINNERS - even better.
Plus, John will be good in the clubhouse ... yes indeed.
In my opinion, his signing was money well spent ( repeat after me, I believe in Theo, I believe in Theo ... )
It's funny that when an athlete's political views are conservative, he is told to keep quiet, but if they are liberal, they can say all they want.
As usual the "left" (Quadropenta ) show their INtolerance again
Sure would like to be the third in that golf match.
I really like this guy, despite his political views.
Love being a Red Sox fan.
JR,
Don't cry for the Tigers' loss. Alexander went 9-0 for them in 1987 and pitched them into the ALCS (where they lost to the Twins). Without Alexander that year, the Tigers may not have made the playoffs. Sure, in the long run Atlanta proved to get the better part of the deal, but the Tigers got what they wanted at the time...which is pretty much what the Sox are hoping they can get out of Smoltz now, a veteran near the end of his career who can pitch them into the playoffs and maybe to the World Series.
Welcome Mr. Smoltz,,,,win 10 + for us and teach our rookies. I love this move!
I've had the privilege of watching Smoltz pitch for about 18 years in the NL. He’s a bona-fide bulldog on the mound, attacking every batter. He’s a great competitor, great attitude and a good guy. If he heals well and recovers some of his stuff he could be a nice pick-up (IF).
A post season fantasy:
In 2009, Josh (20 - 7; 3.27), Brad (16 - 4; 3.03) and Smoltz (14 - 8; 3.11) approach their 2007 numbers while Lester (16 - 6; 3.21) and DiceK (18 - 3; 2.90) duplicate 2008. Sum total, 84 - 28 with an ERA about 3.1. If the bullpen and other spot starters go .500, that's 109 - 53. Highly unlikely but wouldn't it be nice.
Even if he does not win a game I am psyched about being able to call this guy a member of the Red Sox. Given the overall youth of the pitching staff, this guy is going to be a great mentor to these guys with his competitiveness, toughness and class. If he pitches well, it is a great bonus. But he will pitch well.
Being a proud member of "The Nation" living in Dallas, I can't help but get a huge kick out of some of the posts in here. I go to every Sox game when they come to Arlington (many more Sox fans than Ranger fans), follow them religiously throughout the year and would give anything to plant my butt in one of those Fenway seats and sing "Sweet Caroline" at the top of my lungs. Complain, complain, complain......Theo did this, Theo did that. Other than solidify the catching situation, isn't this more than most of us could have hoped? Keep the gems (Lars, Bowden, Bard, Clay and co.) in the fold and find character people to supplement the great nucleous and stud pitching we already have. I'm glad Tex is where he is.......just makes me hate the Yanks even more and make winning the East in '09 even sweeter!
It seems to me that Theo is stockpiling all of these arms to position himself for a big trade before opening day.
Smoltz is the BEST money pitcher of this modern era!!! Check out the stats of fellow Braves Glavine and Maddox in the post season. Smoltzie has NO equal...save Mr. Curt Schilling!!!! #29 is #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO JOHN!!!!!
Could this be the end of the Wakefeild and V-Tek era in boston?, Face it They have Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Smoltz, Penny, and also Masterson in the bullpen with Bucholz, Bowden, Tazawa as waiting in the wings (assuming Tazawa is'nt a bust.) I hate to say it but they don't need Wakefield in the rotation and you dont put a knuckle baller in the bullpen. And with Wakefield gone is a above average defensive catcher like Varitek As greatly needed? Bard Could'nt catch the knuckler the first time, and Salty, Montero, Ianetta are'nt known for their defense, But the Bosox have been talking about tradeing for them.
I've been the biggest Red Sox fan since grade school - for over 25 years. Probably not since the 'Sox signed Andre Dawson back in the early 90s, have I ever been so excited about a free agent signing as I am today with John Smoltz. Not only has he been an outstanding pitcher for the past few decades, but he's the ultimate professional and just stand-up guy. I really hope he's healthy again so we can watch him dominate batters, and help the 'Sox come October.
I will really miss Smoltz. He has been my favorite Brave since he arrived. If he is healthy, look out. And he will help your whole team. He is a true competitor. I wish him the very best.
The Sox are going to need 95 - 100 victories to make the post-season. 90 - 95 victories will not be enough this year. Smoltz's injuries in recent years and his age means he is not the same dominant pitcher he was in the 1990's. Let's hope he can be "pitch to a line-up" type like Schilling became and not a "pitch to every batter" type like he was years ago.
If we need veterans so badly, Andy Pettite is still available.
I have found the moves (and sometimes the lack therof) made by this management team to be consistently fascinating. I look forward to the next one.
Wow!! Beckett, Smoltz and Lester in a three game series!! Got to love it!! Hey, Papi and Lowell will have big years and Red Sox will be Champs again!! All of you who have talk crap about Ortiz, I don't want to hear it when he has a big year!!
Great pick up Theo...Sox have depth and versatility with the pitching staff.
Smotlz can start and close with a winning attitude.
Great role model for the young pitchers on the staff.
As a lifelong Braves fan now living in Boston who follows both teams, I have to say Smoltz, while an amazing competitor and an all-around good guy, is still a 42-year old pitcher with 21 seasons and a couple of surgeries under his belt. He had a few really great games this past season, some average games, and more than a few meltdowns before his shoulder finally gave out.
As for his political leanings, he may lean to the right but he supported a lot of good causes in Atlanta like feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. He's no Curt Schilling, and I mean that in a good way!
Great signing with a ton of upside. Let's not forget that the brass may be contemplating a trade. It's still early yet and the probability of a midseason pickup is strong if need be. We will have a ton of money to work with next year as well. Unfortunately we will probably land Tek because no one else want's him. Let's just hope that they pick someone else up for insurance, because there's no way in hell that he can produce on a regular basis for the whole season. I hope that loyalty does not come with blinders.
Me extremely happy.
During today's signing ceremony, John Smoltz talked about how impressed he was with the Red Sox and their staff. Let me tell you about how impressed I am with John Smoltz. Last May on a rehab assignment with the Mississippi Braves, Smoltz was pitching against the Tennessee Smokies in the Southern League. As an usher for the Smokies I have seen a number of interesting things at that ball park but nothing could match the amazing reception the Tennessee fans gave Smoltz who went out of his way to be as kind and generous with his time not only for the record crowd (more than 7,000) but the local media and the two teams themselves. The crowd lined the visitors side just to watch him warm-up and then he went to the stands and started signing autographs. He was the “darling” of the crowd and was cheered at every point. His decorum towards the fans and other ballplayers was special because he didn't have to do any of it. He could have flown in, went to the mound and left before the game was over. Instead he not only interacted with everyone but he put some time aside to be interviewed with the local media. Some of you will say that's to be expected but it isn't expected. We have seen a number of major leaguers on rehab assignments and I don't recall anyone walking the autograph line or talking to the media. John Smoltz is not only a future Hall of Famer but a class guy. Red Sox fans should be proud to have him around.
Having been a Braves since the days of Dale Murphy, I have to say my heart is broken. I am so sad John has left Atlanta. BUT having become a sox fan in the last few years, I am elated to know he has gone to a great organization. So, good luck, John. A lot of us are rooting for you!!
I'll take Becks/Lester/Dice-K/Penny/Smoltz/Papelbon over CC/AJ/Wang/Joba/Hughes/Rivera any day of the week.
And Youk is just as good as Teixeira.
We have them beat at 2nd and Short (old man Jeter....come on)
If Lowell bounces back he'll be just as good as the non-focused/tabloid headliner A-Rod.
Bay/Ellsbury/Drew in the outfield aremuch better than the geriatric bunch playing in the oldfield in NY
and anybody behind the plate will be better than the over-the-hill/hurt Jorge
....and DH? Come on! Papi against anyone they throw in there!
I smell another World Series in 2009 for Boston!
I looks like the sox are opening a senior center. (just think how much we would be laughing if the yankees signed all these "great" bottom priced have beens).
make sure your kids have health insurance DAH, i mean like, man, vote for an idiot who will get america health care DUDE
I always liked Smoltz-good pickup for the rotation!
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