Thought by many Atlanta Braves fans, and many Braves players to be a day they'd never see, veteran pitcher John Smoltz is leaving the organization. Smoltz has agreed to a 1-year, $5.5 million contract to pitch for the Boston Red Sox in 2009.
It is a shocking jolt to a Braves' offseason that has not been fruitful in re-tooling the roster for the upcoming season.
Smoltz ends a 21-year run with the Braves--the only team he has ever played for. His career numbers include 210 wins, 154 saves, and 3,011 strikeouts. The former Cy Young Award winner is the only player in baseball history to win at least 200 games while posting at least 150 saves. Smoltz's career has been marked by numerous returns from injuries. His five arm surgeries include a shoulder surgery that cut short his 2008 season. Smoltz has been rehabbing the shoulder in the offseason in hopes of drawing a new contract. The Braves had been cautious in formally offering a deal until feeling sure of Smoltz's recovery. Boston officials reportedly made an offer at least two weeks ago after watching Smoltz work out.
Reaction from Braves' players has ranged from shock to surprise to frustration. Veteran third-baseman Chipper Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was very disappointed in the team, telling the newspaper "I'm very disappointed. Deflated, frustrated...never, ever in a million years did I think this day would come for John Smoltz. I never did."
It is a shocking jolt to a Braves' offseason that has not been fruitful in re-tooling the roster for the upcoming season.
Smoltz ends a 21-year run with the Braves--the only team he has ever played for. His career numbers include 210 wins, 154 saves, and 3,011 strikeouts. The former Cy Young Award winner is the only player in baseball history to win at least 200 games while posting at least 150 saves. Smoltz's career has been marked by numerous returns from injuries. His five arm surgeries include a shoulder surgery that cut short his 2008 season. Smoltz has been rehabbing the shoulder in the offseason in hopes of drawing a new contract. The Braves had been cautious in formally offering a deal until feeling sure of Smoltz's recovery. Boston officials reportedly made an offer at least two weeks ago after watching Smoltz work out.
Reaction from Braves' players has ranged from shock to surprise to frustration. Veteran third-baseman Chipper Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was very disappointed in the team, telling the newspaper "I'm very disappointed. Deflated, frustrated...never, ever in a million years did I think this day would come for John Smoltz. I never did."
