4:10pm: David O’Brien is not surprised by Smoltz’s comments, and mentions a conversation a few weeks ago with GM Frank Wren. Wren suggested the Smoltz/Glavine situations might not be addressed until December or January. As expected, Wren is targeting veteran starting pitching and outfield help this winter.
11:40am: Jay Busbee of Atlanta Magazine asked John Smoltz about his rehab from shoulder surgery. To Busbee’s surprise, Smoltz offered up some interesting quotes:
"I say this for the first time, without reservation, if I’m going to bust my butt and if I feel like I’m good enough and it doesn’t work out here, I will be pitching somewhere else…My dream scenario would be to pitch in the playoffs again, and that’s coming from a guy who’s been in 13 of them. To me, that’s what I’m about. So if the door gets closed here, it’ll have to be explored somewhere else."
Smoltz also makes it clear that he prefers to play out the rest of his career in a Braves uniform. Busbee suggests Smoltz’s quotes are meant to apply pressure on the Braves to make their decision. He probably won’t make outlandish demands for his next contract; I expect him to re-sign with the Braves after the season.
