Atlanta Braves Sign Pitcher John Smoltz To Three Year Extension

[Mitchell]

Last night, on their website, the Atlanta Braves announced that they have signed pitcher John Smoltz to a contract for the 2008 season, with options for 2009 and 2010, if Smoltz pitches 200 innings a season. This is very encouraging, because, this signing likely means that Smoltz will remain with the Braves for the rest of his career. Smoltz, who is in his 20th year with the team, having come up to the Braves, from their Richmond Triple A farm team, in the middle of the 1988 season, is one of only a few players in the major leagues today, who has stayed with one team for his entire career.
I was very happy to hear this news. After watching other memorable Braves, such as Phil Niekro (Released) Dale Murphy (Traded for virtually nothing), and Tom Glavine (Left via free agency in 2002) leave our ballclub to finish their careers elsewhere, it is nice to know, that, with Smoltz being 43 years old at the end of his new contract, it is likely that he will retire, as opposed to departing the Braves for another team.
Good Move, Braves! Hats off to GM John Scherholtz on this move. It was nice to see the team get this signing done, before Smoltz could become a free agent at the end of the 2007 season.

Mitch

 

[jugner]

Last night, on their website, the Atlanta Braves announced that they have signed pitcher John Smoltz to a contract for the 2008 season, with options for 2009 and 2010, if Smoltz pitches 200 innings a season. This is very encouraging, because, this signing likely means that Smoltz will remain with the Braves for the rest of his career. Smoltz, who is in his 20th year with the team, having come up to the Braves, from their Richmond Triple A farm team, in the middle of the 1988 season, is one of only a few players in the major leagues today, who has stayed with one team for his entire career.
I was very happy to hear this news. After watching other memorable Braves, such as Phil Niekro (Released) Dale Murphy (Traded for virtually nothing), and Tom Glavine (Left via free agency in 2002) leave our ballclub to finish their careers elsewhere, it is nice to know, that, with Smoltz being 43 years old at the end of his new contract, it is likely that he will retire, as opposed to departing the Braves for another team.
Good Move, Braves! Hats off to GM John Scherholtz on this move. It was nice to see the team get this signing done, before Smoltz could become a free agent at the end of the 2007 season.

Mitch

Hope his arm holds out. IMO they should've kept him a closer, two elbow surgeries you know. But he is a future hall of famer, and probably a futre pitching coach too. But it is good he will be a career Brave.

 

[Mitchell]

I see your point, jugner. His arm seems fine. Actually, he requested to go back into the starting rotation. He had a meeting with Braves GM John Scherholtz in December 2004, and asked to be put back into the rotation. With the troubles the Braves have had with their rotation this year, we need him in the rotation, as we only have three decent starters in Smoltz, Hudson, and Chuck James. Our numbers four and five, Redman and Davies, are pathetic. and, as you know, Mike Hampton is gone all year, again.
I think he will hold up. Over 200 innings the last two years, 211 K's last year. My bet is he will be fine.

Mitch

 

[CitY of MicA]

I think it's a great move. I've sung Smoltz's praises on this board before, but he's an easy guy for which to do so. He's been so loyal to the organization, and they are returning that loyalty; he absolutely should retire a Brave. He sets a great example for the younger players. Smoltz has always been one of the ultimate team guys. Clearly, he preferred the role of starter but remained as the Braves closer for a number of seasons.

There was a debate a year or so ago whether Smoltz would ever be a hall of fame candidate. It's funny the difference a year makes; with him approaching 200 wins combined with the dominant years he had out of the bullpen he will reach rarified territory. He also has absolutely ridiculous post-season numbers (15-4 record, I believe). At this point, he may just be a first-ballot hall of famer.

 

[milagros317]

Given that John Smoltz will be 40 next month, hence 43 by the end of his new contract, I wonder if it was wise to use that much money to sign him. Ah well, it's not my money and the Braves are no longer in the NL West as they once were, so I'm less concerned about them extending an excellent pitcher who may or may not last three more years.

 

[jugner]

200 wins will surely make him a first ballot hof. If not 200 wins, a cy young award and a ton of strike outs maybe not first ballot, but he'll be there

 

[Mitchell]

For Smoltz, it's not even the 200 wins. It's the 150 wins and 150 saves. The only other guy with 150 wins, and 150 saves, was a first ballot HOF, Dennis Eckersley. Smoltz, by the end of his contract, if he plays the three more years plus, could well have close to 250 wins, to go along with his 154 saves. That, in addition to the over 3000 strikeouts he will have, along with at least fourteen division titles won, five NL pennants, at least, and at least the one World Series, make him a shoo in first ballot HOF'er.

Mitch

 

[Knox The Hatter]

A first ballot hall of famer? With 200 wins over 20 years?

In what country? Norway?

Uh, no. He may not get in at all. However, I think it's very fair to see his picture there with the other notables on the outfield wall at Turner Field. With the career he's had, and his spanning the glory years of the franchise's history in Atlanta, he has a fitting place there.

 

[Mitchell]

Knox, what about the 154 saves Smoltz has? The only other guy with 150 wins, and 150 saves, Eckersley, is in the Hall. If all Smoltz had was the 200 wins, then no, he isnt a Hall of Famer, not by a long shot. However, considering the 154 saves, and the fact that the only other guy with numbers comparable to Smoltz, is in the Hall, yes, Smoltz will make it. Eckersley made it on his first try, and, I believe Smoltz will too, as, you will also have at least fourteen division titles, five NL pennants, and at least one World Series ring in his resume. Smoltz pitched for all but one of those teams, which was 2000, the year he was out with Tommy John Surgery. Otherwise, he was a major contributor in both regular season and playoffs, in every single one, either as a starter, or out of the pen.
I believe he will get in on his first try, as, by the time of his retirement, he will likely have close to 250 wins, and the 154 saves. If those numbers dont qualify him, then I dont know what will.

Mitch