John Smoltz Leaving Braves

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."

Georgia sports for Wednesday, June 11th

Atlanta Braves--

It was a rough start for the Braves to their 10-game road trip, losing the opener of their series in Chicago to the Cubs, 10-5. The Braves jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning at Wrigley Field last night, but Chicago's offense wore-down Atlanta pitching. Starting pitcher Tom Glavine lasted only 3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 runs. He had to leave the game with a left elbow strain. Following the contest, the Braves placed Glavine on the 15-day disabled list.

John Smoltz surgery--

Veteran pitcher John Smoltz underwent surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday in Birmingham. Braves'general manager Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the damage found was "pretty significant". A determination on whether Smoltz can resume his career is unknown, and will stay that way for a few months. The 41-year-old Smoltz is expected to begin rehabilitation as soon as he's released from his clinic hospital stay.

Georgia sports for Thursday, June 5th

John Smoltz/Atlanta Braves--

Veteran Atlanta Braves pitcher and future Hall of Famer John Smoltz could be a step closer to retiring from baseball.

The Braves in a Wednesday news conference announced that Smoltz is done pitching for the team this season. He will likely undergo surgery on his right shoulder next week.

For Smoltz, this will mark a fifth operation in his 20-year major league career--the first four were on his elbow.

This season has been a grind for Smoltz He had already missed five weeks of action nursing his shoulder, and knew something had to be done after an appearance Monday night.

However, the 41-year-old pitcher stopped short of calling this the end of his career.

"I still love to compete. I said I would retire if the desire was gone, and I would definitely stand by that if for whatever reason in 5-6 months the desire was gone. I'm not there yet. I'm not there yet emotionally...physically would be the one thing to be determined".

Smoltz is the only pitcher in baseball history to record at least 200 wins, and 150 saves for a career.

Atlanta Braves/Wednesday action--

The Braves had their 2-game winning streak snapped in tough fashion Wednesday afternoon, losing to the Florida Marlins 6-4. Leading 4-2, the Braves' bullpen surrendered 4 9th inning runs to the visitors--reliever Manny Acosta allowed a pair of 2-run home runs. The 4-game series concludes tonight.

Georgia sports for Thursday, May 1st

Atlanta Braves-

The Braves wrapped a subpar road trip with a 4th straight loss Wednesday afternoon in Washington D.C., a 3-2 loss in 12 innings. The Braves had taken a 2-1 lead in the top of the 12th on Mark Kotsay’s RBI-single. But in the Nationals’ at-bat, they scored twice...the winner a Felipe Lopez RBI-single with the bases loaded. The Braves’ record fell to 12-15 overall in completing a 1-4 road trip. They fell to 0-9 in one-run games this season.

Braves notes--There has been yet another setback for pitcher Mike Hampton in his attempted comeback to the rotation. He had to leave a rehab start for Triple-A Richmond at Durham yesterday after 3-and-a-third innings. Hampton felt more discomfort with his left pectoral injury. It was that injury that prevented his season debut April 3rd. Hampton hasn’t thrown a major league game in 32 months due to an assortment of injuries.

Veteran pitcher John Smoltz says his return to the team from the disabled list will likely be as a reliever in the bullpen. Smoltz has been sidelined a second time with an ailing right shoulder. Smoltz served as the team’s closer in the bullpen in 3-and-a-half years through 2004, before returning to the starter’s role.

Atlanta Hawks-NBA playoffs—-

After 2 straight wins, the Atlanta Hawks lost Game-5 of their 1st round playoff series in Boston last night, 110-85. The Hawks trail the best-of-7 series 3 games to 2. Game-6 is tomorrow night back in Atlanta.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, April 30th

A 3rd straight loss for the Atlanta Braves last night on the road--they dropped the opener of a 2-game set at Washington, 6-3. Tom Glavine returned from the disabled list to throw 6 strong innings with 6 hits and 2 runs allowed...he left in a 2-2 game. Reliever Blaine Boyer was roughed up for 4 runs in the 7th inning. Chipper Jones for the Braves did hit his 8th home run of the season. The Braves and Nationals play this afternoon at 4pm to conclude the series.

Off the field, the Braves feel they dodged a bit of a bullet with John Smoltz. His ailing right shoulder was examined Tuesday, and it was determined he has a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff. He will go back on the disabled list for the 2nd time this season, but hopes to return to form in two weeks.

From the NBA playoffs, the surprising Atlanta Hawks have won the last 2 games in their 1st round series against the Celtics to tie the matchup 2-2. The series resumes tonight in Boston for Game-5.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, April 29th

The Atlanta Hawks have evened their 1st-round NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics at 2 games apiece. Last night the Hawks scored the 97-92 win in Atlanta. Joe Johnson tallied 20 of his career playoff-high 35 points in the 4th quarter, while Josh Smith poured in 28 points for the game. The series picks up with Game-5 in Boston Wednesday.

From baseball, the Atlanta Braves open a 2-game series in Washington D-C tonight against the Nationals. Tom Glavine will come off the disabled list to get the pitching start--he's been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Glavine's fellow rotation teammate John Smoltz will have his ailing shoulder examined today in Atlanta. Smoltz could be facing a 2nd trip to the disabled list this season.

Georgia sports for Friday, April 18th

The Atlanta Braves ended their 3-city, 9-game road trip on a positive note, dropping the Marlins last night 8-nothing in the finale of the series in Miami. The Braves' offense knocked 5 home runs--Chipper Jones had 2 within a 4-for-4 night and 3 RBI's at the plate. Veteran pitcher John Smoltz threw 5 scoreless innings and recorded 10 strikeouts. The Braves still posted a disappointing 3-6 road trip. They begin a homestand tonight in Atlanta with the opening of a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The series marks the return of former Brave Andruw Jones to Atlanta.

Georgia sports for Monday, April 7th

The Atlanta Braves scored 2 wins in 2 games with the New York Mets over the weekend at Turner Field. Sunday afternoon, the Braves posted a 3-1 victory behind the first start of the season by veteran pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz threw 5 innings, and allowed only 2 hits while recording 6 strikeouts. He left the contest after 78 pitches in 5 innings as a precaution with tightness in his right shoulder. Smoltz said after the game he expects to be fine for his next start--Saturday at Washington. Offensively, the Braves got a Yunel Escobar RBI-double off Mets pitcher Johan Santana. Later off the New York bullpen, the Braves added a 2-run homer from Mark Teixeira. The Braves hold a 3-3 record through the season's opening week, tied for 1st in the NL-East. They begin a 10-game road trip tonight with the opener of 4 games in Denver to face the Colorado Rockies.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, September 18th

The Braves opened their final homestand of the season last night by blasting the Marlins 11-6 at Turner Field in Atlanta. Andruw Jones knocked a home run, while Jeff Francouer reached 100 RBI’s for the 2nd straight season. John Smoltz got the pitching win, his 14th of the season—-he worked 6 innings, with 4 hits and a run allowed.

From the NFL, the Falcons have dusted-off an old relic--again. They’ve signed 47-year-old kicker Morten Anderson for a third stint with the team. Anderson replaces a rookie, as Matt Prater was waived. Prater missed 3-of-4 field goal attempts in only 2 games with the Falcons, including 2 misses Sunday at Jacksonville.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, September 12th

Trying to keep their faint postseason hopes alive, the Braves came up with a big 13-5 win over the Mets in New York last night. Mark Teixeira knocked a 3-run homer, while Yunel Escobar added a 2-run shot. Willie Harris contributed 3 RBI's to the Atlanta offensive effort. With 17 games to go, the Braves are 5 games behind San Diego for the wild card playoff ticket. The Braves and Mets wrap their series tonight--John Smoltz gets the Braves' pitching start.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, August 14th

After an off-day Monday, the Braves return to action tonight in Atlanta, opening a 6-game homestand. The San Francisco Giants are in town first, with Barry Bonds in tow. Bonds just last week became baseball's new career leader in home runs, surpassing Hank Aaron. For the opener of the series tonight, John Smoltz gets the pitching start. The Braves stand 3-and-a-half games behind the Mets for 1st in tne NL-East division.

Out of the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons are in workouts ahead of their 2nd preseason game this weekend. There is good news for the club, as veteran running back Warrick Dunn has returned to practice. He underwent back surgery last month. The team hopes he can play in their 3rd exhibition game--August 27th.

From college football, preseason practice rolls-on for the teams of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, July 10th

There will be one member of the Braves to watch in baseball’s All-Star Game tonight, set to be played in San Francisco. Catcher Brian McCann was selected as a reserve for the National League team—-his 2nd appearance as an All-Star. Pitcher John Smoltz was also picked as a reserve, but he’s back in Atlanta resting a sore shoulder. The Braves resume their season schedule on Friday night, opening a homestand against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks have signed their two 1st round draft picks to multi-year contracts. Number-3 pick Al Horford, and number-11 selection Acie Law have their rookie deals in place.

Georgia sports for Monday , July 9th

The Braves were able to hold-on for a 5-4 victory over the Padres last night in San Diego, winning 2-of-3 games in the series, and posting a 6-4 road trip.

In last night’s game, the Braves roughed-up former teammate Greg Maddux for 5 runs, including knocking a pair of home runs. Catcher Brian McCann had a homer and 4 RBI’s. 2nd baseman Kelly Johnson added a solo home run.

It was a solid pitching performance for Kyle Davies, who threw 6 strong innings for the win. Things got interesting in the 9th inning: The Braves held a 5-1 lead, but the Padres scored 3 times against Bob Wickman before Marcus Giles struck-out to end it.

With baseball's All-Star break here, the Braves are in much better shape than at this point last season. In 2006, they trailed the NL-East lead by 13 games--now, they trail the Mets only by 2 games.


The Braves had 2 players selected for Tuesday's All-Star game to be played in San Francisco. Catcher Brian McCann will be there, but will not be joined by fellow teammate John Smoltz. Smoltz will stay home in Atlanta to rest his ailing right shoulder.


The Georgia Force won their Arena League Football playoff game on Sunday, blasting the Philidelphia Soul 65-39. Chris Greisen threw for 301 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Force will host the Columbus Destroyers for the National Conference Championship this Saturday.

Georgia sports for Thursday, July 5th

The Braves snapped their 3-game losing skid with a 5-2 win over the Dodgers in Los Angeles last night. The Atlanta offense included a home run from Andruw Jones, along with RBI-hits from Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. On the mound, Chuck James got the pitching win--he surrendered only a run and 4 hits in 5 innings of work. Bob Wickman recorded a save. The finale of the 4-game series is tonight.

There is potentially distressing news with pitcher John Smoltz. As the team finishes its’ series in L-A and then goes to San Diego, Smoltz will return to Atlanta today to meet with doctors concerning his ailing right shoulder. He will skip next Tuesday’s All-Star Game and not make his next start for the Braves until July 17th, which will be a stretch of 12 days between outings. Smoltz has lost 3 of his past 5 starts—-he was scheduled to pitch this Saturday afternoon in San Diego.

From pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed a key member of their team. High-scoring forward Slava Kozlov will return on a 3-year contract worth 11-million dollars.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, July 3rd

The Braves were beaten 8-2 by the Dodgers last night, in the opener of their 4-game series in Los Angeles. The game was a pitcher's duel--a 1-1 tie through 5 innings between the Braves' John Smoltz and the Dodgers' Derek Lowe. The Braves failed to score with a bases-loaded chance in the 6th inning. The Dodgers in their half of the 6th inning would get to Smoltz--he allowed 3 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings of work.
The same two teams meet again tonight, 2nd of the 4 game matchup--1st pitch of 10:10.

From pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers have signed another free agent. They've agreed to a 2-year deal with defenseman Ken Klee. The 35-year-old last season skated with the Colorado Avalanche. This move comes a day after the Thrashers signed 2 centers: Todd White on a 4-year contract, and Eric Perrin on a 2-year deal.

Georgia sports for Monday, July 2nd

The Braves suffered a tough loss Sunday afternoon in Miami, falling to the Florida Marlins 6-5 in 10 innings. Down to their final strike in the top of the 9th and trailing by a run, rookie Yunel Escobar came up with a 2-RBI single to give the Braves a 5-4 lead. That edge was short lived, as Miguel Olivo in the bottom of the 9th tied the game on a solo home run. In the Florida-10th, the Marlins' Josh Willingham ripped an RBI-single off Rafael Soriano for the end result. The Braves won 2-of-3 games in the series--they'll start a new series in Los Angeles late tonight against the Dodgers.

Baseball's All-Star rosters were announced Sunday, ahead of the game a week from Tuesday. Two Atlanta Braves made the National League team as reserves: Catcher Brian McCann goes for a 2nd time in his young career. Pitcher John Smoltz is an All-Star for an 8th time in his long career.

Georgia sports for Thursday, June 28th

The Braves got healthy in a big way in their 3 games against the Washington Nationals--they swept the series, wrapping with a 13-0 rout of the Nats last night.

The Braves came up with a season-high 22 hits: 2nd baseman Yunel Escobar had 4 hits, 2 of them doubles and 4 runs scored from the leadoff spot. Chipper Jones had 3 RBI-singles. Edgar Renteria added 3 hits and 2 RBI’s. Brian McCann added a 2-run homer last night. On the mound, John Smoltz worked 5 innings for the pitching win, improving his record to 9-5.

The Braves completed the homestand outscoring the Nationals 23-3 in the series, this after being outscored 27-1 in their recent 5-game losing streak. Atlanta is 3-and-a-half games off the top of the NL-East.


The NBA Draft will be held tonight. The Atlanta Hawks look to score big with some key draft picks. They have the excellent opportunity to do so, with selections at #3 and #11 of the 1st round.

Georgia sports for Monday, June 25th

It was a rough weekend for the Braves, as they were swept in 3 games by the Detroit Tigers--last night's final of 5-0 from Turner Field. The game represented the 5th straight loss for the Braves, which now stands as their longest losing skid of the season. It was also a 4th time in the 5 games the Braves were held scoreless. They've been outscored 27-1 in the 5 games. The Braves will open a series against the Washington Nationals tonight.

A weekend verbal feud between Braves' veterans John Smoltz and Chipper Jones appears to be over. Friday night, Smoltz made comments that seemed to suggest he thought Jones was not that injured when Chipper missed Friday's game. Chipper took issue with the comments on Saturday, and fired back at Smoltz. Before Sunday's game, a meeting between the two and manager Bobby Cox seemed to clear the air. Chipper said this before Sunday's game:

"Not a good example set by either one of us to a lot of younger kids in here...we should have handled it differently".

Chipper Jones and John Smoltz have been teammates since 1993.

Georgia sports for Friday, June 22nd

The Braves out of yesterday’s off-day on the schedule, are back to action tonight opening a home series against the defending American League champion Detroit Tigers. John Smoltz will get the pitching start.

The Braves have struggled this month in general, especially in home games, where they’ve lost 10 of their last 14 played at Turner Field. Centerfielder Andruw Jones has been going especially tough, hitting only for a .202 average as the season heads into late-June. Jones is in the final year of his contract, and looking for a big pay-day when his free agent status arrives.

Despite Andruw’s and the Braves’ struggles, the team is still only a game-and-a-half behind the Mets for 1st in the NL-East.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, June 6th

The Braves split a doubleheader with the Marlins on Tuesday:

The Braves won the afternoon contest, 3-1. Home runs from Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Chris Woodward turned the game in the 7th inning. Braves pitching behind starter Buddy Carlyle and the bullpen held Florida to 3 hits.

The Braves lost the 2nd game, 5-1 last night. The Marlins got a great pitching effort from Rick Vander Hurk, a no-hitter into the 7th inning. He earned his first career victory. John Smoltz took the pitching loss for Atlanta, his record for the season fell to 7-3. The Braves only had 3 hits on offense in the contest.

This afternoon at 1:05, the Braves and Marlins will play their 4th game in the space of 42 hours in this series. Kyle Davies gets the pitching start for Atlanta.