The Nationals and John Smoltz have "sincere mutual interest," according to a source of Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Current Nats and former Braves president Stan Kasten is said to be a longtime fan. However, Rosenthal says the Cardinals remain Smoltz's top choice.
Previously, Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi linked the Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, Mariners, Astros, Rangers, and Orioles to Smoltz, while ESPN's Jayson Stark named the Phillies.
Smoltz had his ups and downs this season, but his offseason popularity makes sense. He's not coming off surgery this time, but his base salary will almost certainly be south of last year's $5.5MM.
