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The John Smoltz Rundown
By: mbohn
Now that it is official, and the dust has somewhat settled, it is time to look at what went down with John Smoltz. Hit the jump for more.When it was first reported that John Smoltz’ agent was shopping his client, back during the Winter Meetings in Vegas, it took a lot of Braves fans by surprise. The last that I had heard, at that point, was that Smoltz was not on the market until he was further along in his rehab. All signs pointed towards Smoltz keeping things close to the vest, and that we would hear about him in late January or February. Maybe that is what the Braves’ front office thought at the time as well, and with all that has gone on this offseason, I think that Wren probably thought he could wait on Smoltz until after concentrating on other needs.Well, Smoltzie had other ideas, and so did the Boston Red Sox. When it was all said and done, the Red Sox committed to almost twice the cash that the Braves were willing to commit to, and at first glance it appears that the money was the issue. At second glance, however, it seems that maybe Smoltzie’s ego was the real issue.My theory is that Smoltz wanted preferrential treatment because of his tenure in Atlanta, and all that he had done for the Braves. The money was merely a way to put those sentiments into something tangible. What Smoltz did not take into account was the money that Atlanta had paid him in 2008. That was $14mil for a workload of 28 innings. So if in fact it was the money, which I do not think is the case, then Smoltz is a complete asshat.So Smoltz wanted to be treated like an elite pitcher, and to see the Braves willing to commit to him and trust that he will be healthy and able to pitch at a Smoltzish level. The Braves, however, do not want to continue to pay Smoltz not to pitch. That is completely understandable, and when you factor in 2008 it just becomes all the more logical.So Smoltz decided to move on to Boston, be it for a shot at the post-season, more money, or to quell his ego. Either way, dude is gone, and Braves fans need to move on as well. Personally, it pains me to think of Smoltz in another uniform, but I understand both sides of the argument and hold no ill will towards anyone. Well, except those stinking Red Sox….
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