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By Braves Fan

January 8, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this

Well said Mark. If John would like to move on (and I think this is more him about him wanting to do something different) then let’s thank him for what he has done and let him know a TV analyst’s seat is waiting.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

January 8, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this

It’s time to shake up the organization. Bring in new front office staff and a new manager. The Braves need to stop recycling whether managment or players. The Braves need to spend some money to get some players. We gave Texeira away, and got Crotchman instead. Where’s the big name pithers they were going to get. We even are losing a 41 y.o. John smoltz, and maybe bring back Andruw Jones. What is going on? It’s not 1995 anylonger. Until the Braves get into the present the only answer is to BOYCOTT THE BRAVES.

By MattyB

January 8, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

As much as it stinks, you’re correct MB. Thanks for the memories, Smoltzie!

By JakeDSnake

January 8, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

More power to Smoltz. I wish him the best. But what pitcher would want to come to the Braves? They’ll just end up on the DL needing arm surgery. I know we’re always looking to blame someone, but McDowell seems to be the only common thread with these pitcher injuries. Unload him.

By bill

January 8, 2009 7:47 AM | Link to this

MB, anyone who thinks that Smoltz is not worth $5M should not be wasting their time reading, or writing, about baseball. John Smoltz has been, and would be, worth every penny if he never wins another game. A team can replace a pitcher’s win total but it cannot replace the intangible effect a player like him has on a team, any team, and the Braves will not be “looking forward” if they fail to keep him. I’m totally disappointed and hope that Wren comes to his senses before it is too late. Bill

By mj

January 8, 2009 7:48 AM | Link to this

Love Smoltz and I hate to see him leave but last year with Glavine and Smoltz not being able to pitch it really hurt our club. You just can’t count on over 40 pitchers in your top 3 spots. Although I would have seen a better exit for our best Brave in 20 years, I am okay with it in the business part. Let’s get some of those younger arms that will get us back in the hunt for October baseball. We need the next Smoltz’s and Glavines in our rotation. Good luck Smoltzy and I hope you win another ring in Boston!!

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 7:48 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Braves Fan.

By eddie

January 8, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this

Bradley, that is BS. The investment was miniscule comparatively. Just another example of how far (and quickly) the Braves have fallen. Wren is a certified joke.

By CoastDog

January 8, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

This would be ‘the proper time to officially recognize that the Braves have joined the other classless organizations that have no soul. I will watch less with less interest now. Disappointing at best.

By brewdawg

January 8, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Not your best. This is NOT comprable to what Dimitroff did. He didn’t “lop” any city icons. Dunn was the only thing remotely close to that, but he was still nowhere near the legendary status of John Smoltz in this city. To wave this off as no big deal is a travesty. After the off-season the Braves have had, I’m pretty sure we could spend 5 million on Smoltz so that he could still possibly wind up do what has become unthinkable in professional sports: retire after playing his entire career with one organization.

Good luck Smoltzie!

By Blair

January 8, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

I understand the need to move forward, but considering the amount of money they have to spend and all smoltz has done for the team and the city, I just think Wren never thought smoltzie would go anywhere else and smoltz said screw it.

By Bravesfan

January 8, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this

I just have to say I am so diappointed in Smoltz and Hampton. I understand this is a business but both of these players were paid extremely well during injuries. Smoltz was paid 14 million for nothing last year and of course we know what Hampton was paid for 3 years of nothing. I would think they could have worked out a Braves contract with some bonus incentives if they pitched 150+ innings. But maybe it is because they don’t see the Braves improving their team in this offseason and they want to play for a winner and the Braves are not one anymore. If that is the case, then I understand, especially for Smoltz, to try and beat the Yanks. The Braves will be a non-factor this year unless they get some players. Wren, please make some moves, it doesn’t have to be Texiera like players, but please something more than A. Jones! What’s next, Julio Franco at 50. We need a 1st baseman that can hit for power and a CF that can hit. Hopefully, JF has fixed his swing or that is another position that needs attention.

By ssiscribe

January 8, 2009 8:02 AM | Link to this

Well said, Mark. As hard as it is to grasp at the same time, it is a business. As difficult as it is to visualize Smoltz in another uniform, much as it was difficult to watch Phil Niekro win his 300th in another uniform, at the same time, baseball is a business that can be cruel and cold to the emotionally attached fan.

I wish Smoltz well … spinning this forward, you have to sign Derek Lowe and Adam Dunn now. Do this, and — believe it or not — this team is better than if you didn’t sign Lowe and Dunn, and count on Smoltz, only to see him not make another magical comeback from the surgeon’s knife.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Blair

January 8, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this

Amen brewdawg!!

By GT65

January 8, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this

Good article Mark. There is no bigger fan of John Smoltz that myself, but you do have to move on, Smoltz has been well compensated over the years and should have plenty of money put away. (I say should, Jack Clarke ‘should’ have had money as well at the end of his career).

He was offered $3M by Atlanta but he’s supposedly been offered $5M by the Red Sox. If $2M means that much to him then he should go, if not, then he could stay.

By ScottInJaxBeach

January 8, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

Bravesfan, I share your sentiments! Both Hampton and Smoltz were paid pretty well last year for barely pitching! I mean for Smoltz to jump a team he has been with for 20+ years to make 2mil more says that there is more to this story than money.

Smoltzie, my friend you have lost a little bit with me my friend!

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

In Frank Wren’s defense — I seem to be using that phrase rather often, don’t I? — he made it clear that he wasn’t counting on Smoltz or Glavine for 2009. If either or both proved he could come back and pitch and wanted to pitch for the Braves, that would be considered a bonus. And, offseason workouts notwithstanding, that isn’t the same as “proving” you can pitch.

Let’s recall that Bobby Cox raved about how well Mike Hampton threw in the spring last season. Let’s also recall that Hampton didn’t make his first regular-season start until July 26.

By Shaking my head

January 8, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, Mark, but I am just not buying what you’re trying to sell, any more than I am buying anything Bozo the Clown—-excuse me, Frank Wren—-is trying to sell. Two million dollars apart with all the money the Braves have available (since every one else has turned them down so far in this miserable off-season)?!? That is chump change in what we now call Major League Baseball.

Times are tough but I can still renew my season tickets if I choose to do so. But in all likelihood, I will not. The Braves were starting to slide under the old ownership regime and the decline has acclerated with the new. As I said, I am not buying what they are selling any more.

By Father of 5

January 8, 2009 8:16 AM | Link to this

With some players (most that you listed — including Thumbreaker Glavine), you are right. None of this applies to Smoltz. My first reaction when I heard he signed for 5M was that he was easily worth 10M. Without blinking. Look at the sub .500 pitchers getting 10M+. Sending Smoltz packing means way more than giving up his numbers. Colossal error by Wren.

By Matt

January 8, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

Can’t say that I blame Smoltzy for trying to get one more ring. It definitely would not have happened with the Bravos. We need to start building from the ground up again….start developing some young pitching talent in the minors. The best baseball teams are built around pitching and solid defense.

By Michael from Afghanistan

January 8, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry Mark, but I think you’re missing something here. We’re not going to be competitive this season against the Phils or Mets. So even after unloading Hampton’s contract and missing out on Peavey, Burnett, Lowe, Furcal, K-Rod and Fuentes is Wren seriously trying to tell me that he doesn’t have $7 million laying around? I mean, if we’re not going to even be competitive, the least they could do is let us watch what could very well be Smoltz’s last season. If they had gotten any of those free agents it would be a different story and I could understand about trying to make salary space, but it’s not. It’s about the silver lining Mark. This is the first time since the 80s that I’ve been ashamed of being a Braves fan, and even way back then, at least they were the lovable losers known as America’s team. I’m even a Red Sox fan, but I don’t want to see this go down.

By Blair

January 8, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this

It comes down to Wren not getting the job done and taking smoltz for granite. Put yourself in smoltz situation - He has fought through numerous injuries and restructured his contract several different times for this team and Wren assumes hes gonna come back. Well sometimes you have to repay the favor and I think smoltz wised up and said they don’t own me and if they don’t want me bad enough after all I’ve done then I’m going somewhere that I can play in October. I know he has been paid well, but from the looks of it the braves didn’t see him enough as a priority and let the heart of the Atlanta Braves walk right out the door!

By Finally...

January 8, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

…reason within a pro sports franchise.

Yes, Smoltz did well, when not injured. However, he is 41, which is OLD for all professional sports requiring physical exertion. If he was able to snooker someone else to overpay to put him on the DL, then good for him. Thanks, John, for the memories, but don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

Can you take Glavine with you? He is from Boston, after all!

By Ben

January 8, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

I agree with Blair here. Wren is sitting on a sizeable salary cap allowance and has been beat in all meaningful free agency negotiations so far this offseason and last. Mark, it’s one thing to look forward and be an optimist if you know what you are looking forward to, but the direction of the team currently seems stagnant, if not regressive. We’ve been told to wait until the arms in the minors develop, like Hanson, but the recent track record of minor league arms coming up hasn’t been stellar (JoJo or Devine anyone?) and the players of the future seem to either destruct (Jordan) or just seem way too far down the line (Heyward and Brandon Jones). It’s one thing to be a smart, farm focused system, but it’s another thing to be gun shy in negotiations and afraid to make an immediate impact deal. $5 million for Smoltz, who’s as much a stabilization and coaching tool as McDowell, is too much but $8 million for Glavine was okay? Can Schuerholz just admitt that maybe Wren isn’t a front line guy?

By Blair

January 8, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

It comes down to Wren not getting the job done and taking smoltz for granite. Put yourself in smoltz situation - He has fought through numerous injuries and restructured his contract several different times for this team and Wren assumes hes gonna come back. Well sometimes you have to repay the favor and I think smoltz wised up and said they don’t own me and if they don’t want me bad enough after all I’ve done then I’m going somewhere that I can play in October. I know he has been paid well, but from the looks of it the braves didn’t see him enough as a priority and let the heart of the Atlanta Braves walk right out the door!

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this

You can’t blame Smoltz for leaving, no. It’s a free country and a free market.

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

Taking Smoltz for “granite”? If that’s a pun, it’s a fine one.

By clint ellison

January 8, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter whether Smoltzie/Glavine/Hampton/Lowe/Dunn, etc, etc play for the Bravos this year—-the team just ain’t there. It ain’t there in starting pitching, it ain’t there in the bull pen, it ain’t there in the batter’s box and it ain’t there in the front office. After giving away Adam Wainwright for nothing, and trading the state capitol for Mark Texeira with nothing to show, you have to realize the days of glory are over. OVER

By If Smoltz is the heart...

January 8, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this

…of the organization, then they are on life support!

By Ben

January 8, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this

I agree with Blair here. Wren is sitting on a sizeable salary cap allowance and has been beat in all meaningful free agency negotiations so far this offseason and last. Mark, it’s one thing to look forward and be an optimist if you know what you are looking forward to, but the direction of the team currently seems stagnant, if not regressive. We’ve been told to wait until the arms in the minors develop, like Hanson, but the recent track record of minor league arms coming up hasn’t been stellar (JoJo or Devine anyone?) and the players of the future seem to either destruct (Jordan) or just seem way too far down the line (Heyward and Brandon Jones). It’s one thing to be a smart, farm focused system, but it’s another thing to be gun shy in negotiations and afraid to make an immediate impact deal. $5 million for Smoltz, who’s as much a stabilization and coaching tool as McDowell, is too much but $8 million for Glavine was okay?

By dbs

January 8, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this

While this is a sad moment, I’m less worried about Smoltz leaving than the fact that Wren seems to get shut out no matter where he turns. What is Wren’s argument about how the team has gotten better this offseason? I can’t see that happening.

If Smoltz was leaving and a true number 1 starter had been signed or traded for, then you’d say OK. At this point, however, resigning Smoltz looks like a substantively better option for next season that most of what’s left on the table, considering Wren’s failures at upgrading the pitching staff over the last few months.

By RpmRob

January 8, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

It’s not the money, its the roster spot. Holding spots for aging pitchers to go 6 innings is holding back the development of new arms. Sometimes we just have to move on. The Braves still have a very good foundation, but we are never going to get better being nostalgic.

By turkey

January 8, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Time to move foward. Looking back is the mark of a team that is giving up.

By whatacrock

January 8, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Listen, while we are at it, we need to trade Chipper as well. If we are rebuilding, come July, there will be some takers out there willing to give up some great prospects. If this rebuilding is indeed what the Braves organization is about, then they need to go ahead and do this now before Chipper is too broken down for anyone.

We don’t get caught up in the loyalty thing any longer. Free agency means no loyalty, so lets just face it and see baseball as the Great American Rental program and the employment agency for high paying agents. See it for what it is now, not what it was. The name of the game is prospects, prospects, prospects!

By Shaking my head

January 8, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

Ben, I agree with your agreement with Blair’s sentiments (except for taking Smoltz for “granite”) and your additional comments.

Frank Wren is the living, walking embodiment of the Peter Principle. For all you younger Braves fans who are saying “Huh?”, Google it.

By Kelley

January 8, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe Smoltz’ decision had anything to do with “moving forward” or needing a change.
It had everything to do with what it comes down to for every MLB player these days: Money.

I am a huge baseball fan, but the game is quickly losing me.

Have these players stopped to look around them lately? Our economy is lousy, millions of decent, hard working Americans are out of work; but yet baseball players like Smoltz and Tex can’t bring themselves to stay loyal to fans or cities, it’s all about getting the extra millions or so just for them.

I know the argument goes that we all would opt for the job with more money. But I’m proud to say that I work with a host of dedicated people who could use their talents to make more money, but they choose to make a difference for less pay. I’m an educator, we don’t get paid a lot, but we choose to do it because we are loyal to a cause, even if it doesn’t bring us a lot of money. In the long run, it is more important than throwing a baseball too I might add.

You made the comparison to football, I wish MLB would place a salary cap as the NFL has. But then players like Smolts might have to sell their private jet if that happened, I wonder if they could survive?

By Ellis

January 8, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

It is time to move on and rebuild this team. The Braves should have started two years ago.

By Mike H

January 8, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Next up, Chipper….Might as well go ahead and trade him if we aren’t looking back anymore…and get rid of that old Bobby Cox fella too while we’re at it! He never did anything for the Braves either… Thanks Frank Wren! Great move!

In all seriousness, I would like to see Bobby back as GM and let him evaluate talent.

By jobu

January 8, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

And here i thought my son, who is just starting to love baseball, would be able to see Smoltz finish out his career as a Brave. When I tell him why Smoltz left, what do I say- the money and try and explain the 2m diff, the championship opportunity in Boston and why it’s okay to abandon your company who has been so loyal and fair to you, the “they don’t own me and I don’t owe them” attitude. It hurts - Smoltz will be missed, no doubt. But the days of loyalty are over- from both sides, to be fair. He’ll always be an “almost lifetime” Brave now.

By Dr. R

January 8, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

Totally agree, Mark. The Braves had a great run, but they’re clinging to tightly to the past. It’s time to rebuild the team and go in a different direction, and they can’t do that with two 40-plus pitchers. It’s hard to know how much Smoltzie has left anyway, surely not worth committing big money to. So he gets to pitch in a pennant race for a year and try a different league, the Braves save money and move on and in a year he’ll be retired and get a big ceremony at the Ted and all will be fine. Just because a longtime player puts on another uniform for a year or so, it doesn’t tarnish what he’s done here. Time to let sentiment go and focus on winning again.

By DavidL

January 8, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Great optimistic comments, which are needed now and during this tumultuous offseason, but I rspecetfully disagree with you for two reasosn. 1) An extra 3 million is a small price to pay for leadership and mentorship, especially in a clubhouse that sorely needs that. Bobby has been a one man role-model show for the Braves for years. Our best years were when uniformed players like TP led the charge. Smoltz, even injured, still could teach and train.

2) It just resonates better when a team gets “something” for their nostalgic and iconic player. When Murphy was traded in ‘90, at least there was hope that a player like Jeff Parret would eventually pan out. But losing Smoltzie in a barterless deal? That stings…

Anyway, thanks for the great article. The glass is always half-full.

DavidL

By Mac

January 8, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

Blow it up. Move Glavine to the broadcast booth this season and let Smoltz join him next year. But, let’s move forward with new blood. I love what those guys brought us, but that run is over.

By the way, what Brave had the most successful second tour? Bedrosian, maybe?

By DavidL

January 8, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Great optimistic comments, which are needed now and during this tumultuous offseason, but I rspecetfully disagree with you for two reasosn. 1) An extra 3 million is a small price to pay for leadership and mentorship, especially in a clubhouse that sorely needs that. Bobby has been a one man role-model show for the Braves for years. Our best years were when uniformed players like TP led the charge. Smoltz, even injured, still could teach and train.

2) It just resonates better when a team gets “something” for their nostalgic and iconic player. When Murphy was traded in ‘90, at least there was hope that a player like Jeff Parret would eventually pan out. But losing Smoltzie in a barterless deal? That stings…

Anyway, thanks for the great article. The glass is always half-full.

DavidL

By Kelley

January 8, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

I once saw an interview with Smoltz where he said he stayed with the Braves becasuse he loved Bobby and he would always stay with the Braves to play for Bobby. Did Bobby leave and I didn’t know about it? Or was Smoltz just saying that when he was getting all the money he wanted? Hmmm…..

By rod

January 8, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

Okay, Mark.

Clearly you support Frank Wren and his decisions. Now - tell me one thing Frank Wren has done this offseason to make the Braves better!

He’s done nothing. He got outmanuevered by the Dodgers on Furcal and he’s to scared to offer real money to any of the top free agents. And, he’s trying to bring back Andruw Jones.

FRANK WREN IS A FAILURE.

By HPB GT92

January 8, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this

We all respect John and love what he has brought to atlanta, but if a $2 million difference is enough for him to jump to Boston, then so be it. He has been compensated well by this team and, if he does leave for no more than that, maybe John is the one with the loyalty problem.

I felt many times this last year that the Braves were being hurt by the “selfishness” (for lack of a better word) of Glavine AND Smoltz who don’t seem to realize their time has come and gone. Those two + Hampton tied up lot of money that could have been better spent elsewhere.

By Ron

January 8, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

That’s all fine and good, but where exactly are the Braves going? Sure, hoard the $5 million - for what? Now they’re up to about $50 million they haven’t spent on anything this offseason. Executive bonuses?

If Smoltz were getting $10 million, fine, let him walk. But $5 million is chump change these days. What is Wren saving it for?

I didn’t think this winter could get any worse. Maybe Frank Wren will turn out to be a genius. Right now, however, it looks like he’ll be remembered for driving the Braves back to last place for a decade.

By bubbatech

January 8, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

Mark,

I usually think your columns are thin with content, but this one is exactly what this paper needs. I also agree with it.

Okay, lets look at one of the most successful teams in MLB, it also happens to have one of the smallest payrolls. Thats the Marlins, who have won and played in more world series in the past 15 years than we have. Why? As soon as they have a good season, they dump the old, expensive deadweight and get new, cheap, great talent, and then start the cycle all over again. They have proven time and time again that youth, not experience, wins games.

I hate to say it, but we need to get rid of Chipper and most of our pitching staff.

The method has been proven. Lets follow it.

By yep

January 8, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

I say bring back Bob Horner….oh wait a minute…I think he died.

Never mind

By Lu

January 8, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

Lets see…You spend your entire career in one city…you have endorsements, a fan base, home, family, money all here…so you decide to go North to play for $2million dollars more money when you are already set for life? Yea…I see that as get the money and run…sorry ! ! Dont get me wrong, I have always loved the Braves and Smoltzie. Its just a thing of go to the pen, but the money is what drives us all I guess. Good luck in Beantown and much success to you. Just dont let us see you in the Post season…then its a different story ! ! !

By Rod

January 8, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

Lot of fans here who are mighty forgetfull.

Smoltz is right, the Braves are wrong.

Smoltz has restructured his contract many times to help the Braves. His loyalty has been impecable. Now, that he’s getting older, the Braves (once again) are taking him for granted and telling him that he’ll take a smaller contract to stay in Atlanta and he should like it.

He did exactly what I’d do if my bosses continued to exploit and take me for granted - take a hike!

By Micheal

January 8, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this

Its amazing how the owners of the Braves just keep messing up. This organization is getting worse and worse. I am a huge Braves fan and will still support the team, but I am sorry….letting Smoltz go is a huge mistake. I don’t blame Smoltz for taking the money and having a chance at winning another ring. Good luck Smoltz….I am one of your biggest fans!!

By Father of 5

January 8, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this

“You can’t blame Smoltz for leaving” is right if you consider (1) he just went through a divorce, so he needs the money, and (2) the word commitment doesn’t mean as much to him as it does to others. You can Blame Wren for not offering Smoltz one year of Vazquez money.

My family will spend its money at GTech games and, once or twice, at the Gwinnett Braves. We won’t be at Turner Field unless we get handed free tickets, which might happen a lot this year (and we’ll bring our own food if we go).

By RJ

January 8, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

Hey, you guys are missing something. You’re getting mad and Smoltz or taking the $5 mil from Boston instead of the $3 mil from the Braves. WRONG!!

Boston has offered $5 mil guaranteed and another $5 mil in incentives. So, he’s planning on making $10 mil. (Bradley misstated the facts, as usual).

$10 mil versus $5 mil… I’d tell the Braves to &$%#@ off as well!

By Dawg Fud

January 8, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

hate to lose Smoltz…damn that’s tough.

the NFL is the best league in this country because it treats its employees like crap.

i am being fecetious but you get my point. there are no guarantees (except signing bonuses) in the NFL. take it or leave is their motto. the league is more competitive and successful as a result.

By yeungling me

January 8, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

i’m heartbroken, but i totally understand Smoltz and Hampton both have alimony and child support to pay now…

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

I wonder who weighs less — Bob Horner or Andruw Jones?

By MV7

January 8, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

Good luck Smoltz. You will be missed.

By bubbatech

January 8, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

To further elaborate on my prior post, I think the braves need to figure out what kind of ballclub they want to be: mediocre with a couple of players having a large fan base or competitive with relatively unknown young talent.

For the past several years, the teams with the highest winning percentages almost always were the teams with the youngest players. They dont get tired, bruised, hurt like the old, expensive guys. they play better in the second half of the season and almost always dominate the post-season.

frankly, with the latest low attendance numbers, I think the braves should think about changing the way they do things.

Dump the old, expensive players and get in fresh, new, exciting, cheap talent.

By Jim H.

January 8, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

Smoltz is a competitor and I think he just wanted to go to an almost certain playoff team this close to the end of his career. Who could blame him for that? At the moment the Braves don’t look like a playoff team at all (but that could of course change if Wren ever does anything major this off season. DO SOMETHING FRANK!)

As for the Braves resoning, I can see why they wouldn’t want to commit so much money to a 41 year old pitcher who has had four elbow seurgeries and whose shoulder is now screwed together.

Mark is right, it’s time to move on. It sucks, but MLB baseball is a business.

By Ron

January 8, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Smoltz has repeatedly proven his loyalty to this team, both by taking less money - a lot less money - to stay in Atlanta and by pitching extraordinarily well through pain most of you don’t understand. To turn on him now by calling him greedy is simple-minded and much more disloyal than he has ever been.

Over 20 years, Smoltz has proven who he is - a loyal warrior. He hasn’t changed. What has? The organization. There’s a whole lot more to this story than $2 million.

Letting perhaps baseball’s biggest franchise icon over the last 30 years leave like this is nothing but another blunder for a team that has officially imploded.

By Bob F

January 8, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

Why do we keep having to just accept all of these things. I am tired of the Braves organization fouling up everything. When was the last time they made a smart, correct decision? This is a fatal blow to the fans of Atlanta. What a great offseason.

By Chris Kilroy

January 8, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

Yeah that is great and all, but we have a very thin rotation.

We are paying Javier Vazquez $11M this year and can’t guarantee Smoltz $5M?

Are you kidding?

By Bryan

January 8, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

If the Braves let Smoltz go to another team, I will not and I know others that will not go to a single game to watch them play this year!!! My days of being a Braves fan will be OVER!

By MikeR

January 8, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

am 50 years old and have been a fanatical Braves fan since 1969. I can still name the starting lineup of the 1969 divisional championship team. I grew up listening to Ernie and Milo on the radio, (yes N8 announcers do matter). My 13 year old son loves the Braves.

Now I am done with them. I had planned on taking my son to the annual Braves Fest as we have done the last 5 years. We will not go now. We will attend no games or buy any Braves merchandise. I hope the Braves lose 100 games a season and they draw 2,000 or less for each game. Even in the awful 70�s and most of the 80�s there was at least hope and the feeling that management wanted to build a winner. I will now enjoy every Braves loss.

Please join me in boycotting the Braves. They deserve none of our hard earned money. It tuns out Peavy, Burnett, and Furcal are the smart ones. Who wants to play for an organization that only wants fans money and doesn�t care about winning?

I loathe Frank Wren with every ounce of my being. My son will become a man feeling the same way. There are not enough bad things in life that can come to Wren.

By jake

January 8, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

Time for Smoltz to go to a winning team like Boston. The Braves new owners and managers deem the Braves to squeek by on an average team. Not making any trades, not signing people, only bring up talent from a dried up pool due to many really bad trades.

By PMC

January 8, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

This is true Mark. But in a down economy. Why the heck would anyone make an effort to drive all the way down to Turner Field to watch a miserably constructed team play?

Frank Wren told us he had money to spend and then he didn’t spend any money period. If they truly have money to spend spend the damn money. There isn’t a salary cap. As of right now. The 105 games that Chipper will give you and the other lone super star in Brian McCann aren’t enough reasons to turn on the television much less go see a game. Might as well go to Rome and see if there is any talent down there.

By Rod

January 8, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

The Braves offered $3 mil TOTAL.

The Red Sox offered $10.5 mil TOTAL.

I don’t care if you’re rich or not, that’s a BIG difference.

If the company that you’ve been with for years is offering you $50,000/yr and another (more established and prestigious) company is offering you $175,000/yr for the same work - you’d be lying if you say you’d stay with the company you’re currently with.

Braves screwed up and took Smoltz for granted and thought no one else would want him. Frank Wren is a cheap SOB.

By Chris Kilroy

January 8, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this

Relax everybody WE SIGNED GREG NORTON!!

All is well…

By jake

January 8, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

Time for Smoltz to go to a winning team like Boston. The Braves new owners and managers deem the Braves to squeek by on an average team. Not making any trades, not signing people, only bring up talent from a dried up pool due to many really bad trades.

By Pitiful

January 8, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

MikeR - you sound like a fine dad.

Teaching your child to grow up loathing and hating. My, what a wonderful dad you are. Going to teach him how to rape little girls, too?

By Chris Kilroy

January 8, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

Guys, everything is OK

WE JUST SIGNED GREG NORTON!!!

By Jim H.

January 8, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this

I�m having 1970�s Braves flashbacks. Looks like its time to bring ostrich races back to the ball park to bring in fans!

By yeungling me

January 8, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

Rod, Is Frank Wren a cheap SOB or is he only dealing money he has in his hat?

What this team needs is a real “Arthur Blank” type of owner who is ready, willing and able to fork over cash. Not some nameless, faceless media group with corporate budgets that answer to shareholders and not fans…

By GT

January 8, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Finally, someone on this sportspage willing to say what might not be popular, but what needs to be said. Well done, Bradley.

There may not be any player I have been a bigger fan of in the last 20 years. So it is not easy seeing Smoltz leave. But it is also not as hard as having to endure the results this team has put up the last 3 years.

The sooner this organization can let go of the past, the sooner it can get on with the future. This may be a painful first step, but it is a first step.

By Wrong, Bradley

January 8, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

OK Bradley, you might be right in another place and time, but you’ve missed the boat on this one.

The Braves have money to spend this year. Other than overpaying Vazquez, where has the money been spent? What big ticket names are out there waiting to lick up around 30 mil left for signing talent? Lowe? Not going to happen. I guess they could overpay for a Garland or something similar.

The Braves are between trying to compete now (notice I say “trying”) and trashing it all and doing a complete rebuild. It was a perfect year to try and do some one year deals on proven talent even if they overpaid a bit. I’m not against overpaying as such… I’m against overpaying for “never were’s and never will be’s”. My money is on Smoltz to come back and be effective. 5 or 6 mil to him is not going to break the bank especially since there are no surplus of guys the Braves are going after that are going to command the salary that will eat up a large portion of the 20- 30 mil or so that the Braves should have left to spend this year.

The Braves missed out on Furcal and Burnett. Peavy isn’t in the picture. Tex or CC ain’t coming to ATL. No big money going out to any of those guys. So what is the logic of lowballing or pushing Smoltz away when his successful return might be the only way the Braves could field a pitching staff that might compete in the NL East? C’mon Bradley, where is that high dollar ace the Braves are going to sign or trade for that makes it necessary for the Braves to lowball Smoltz because they are saving that 30 mil to pay him and that power hitting outfielder?

I could understand this move if the Braves were cash strapped this year. But all I’ve been hearing for over a year is that the Braves will have money to spend this off season.

If ever there was a player who deserved a contract from the Braves, it’s Smoltz. He’s pitched when others would not have. He’s taken less money to stay in ATL. You’re talking a one year contract! A one year deal in a year when you have to have something special happen to compete due to lack of talent.

Another place, another time, you may be right. But the Braves have some money to spend and quite honestly, I don’t understand spending it on second tier players who aren’t going to help you improve. I fear Wren is going to overpay for seat warmers who fill a slot waiting for the next generation of player to arrive. I would rather overpay for Smoltz. At least he deserves it and if anyone can come back and be effective, it’s him.

Smoltz was the chance to catch lightning in a bottle. If he came back effective, you had a chance to compete. Instead of catching lightning in a bottle, Wren is going to try and catch a fart in a whirlwind!

By Harry

January 8, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

Stop the presses, I agree with Mark Bradley. I’m sad to see Smoltz go, but he’s 41 years old. Braves need to retool. Next move is trading Chipper in July.

By Smothlz Fan

January 8, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

Mark, you just said: “get over it or find a new team” isn’t the whole point in running a successful club to attract fans and get them to watch and buy tickets? If all of these fans who are upset “find a new team”, Turner Field will be empty next year. As for myself, my “new team” is the Boston Red Sox. The Braves won’t be seeing any of my money in 2009.

By RH

January 8, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

I have been a Braves fan since their arrival. This is the first season I am not looking forward to opening day. I guess the Braves are saving money to throw at players who aren’t going to come to Atlanta anyway.

By LngTimeBrave

January 8, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

As painful as this seems right now, and as much as his leadership and winning attitude will be missed, lets remind ourselves of what another great GM in the ATL said recently, “We can’t make an emotional decision, and the key is making a move a year early rather than a year late. Hate to see you go John, you are the ultimate pro, but if it is where your heart leads you, then it is what you need to do. Lets move forward.

By Blake

January 8, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

To say Smoltz isn’t worth 5 mill is ridiculous. We haven’t spent a dime this offseason on our so called spending spree, so I think we could have fit him in. When Smoltz is healthy there isn’t anyone I would rather give the ball to in a big game. But since there may not be very many big games this year in Atlanta I can understand Smoltz’s decision. This is a hard day for Braves baseball, but thanks Smoltz for all the memories. Good luck in Boston.

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

The point, as I understand it, is to build a winning team. The Braves are clearly rebuilding. Is John Smoltz apt to be part of the team when it gets good again?

If the answer’s no — and I contend it is — then what’s the percentage in keeping him around? (If the answer is “sentiment,” then I contend that’s the wrong answer.)

By Realist

January 8, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

Baloney. It’s not time to move on. It’s time to be angry. This is the worst offseason in recent history.

By Maria

January 8, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

Good job, GT.

By LivininAL

January 8, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

So Mark, you say move on, I understand the thought, but I am just not sure where we are moving. We still need an ace, speed, OF bat, and LH in bullpen, For good or bad, I think this will also eliminate any thoughts Glavin had of returning. But if NOW we go out and OVERSPEND on Lowe, I am going to be irritated. I also think this makes it difficult to offer A Jones and invite to return. Go young ones! I wish SMoltz will in Boston, kick da Yankees!

By Alan

January 8, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, Mark, but I’m not with you on this one, either. John Smoltz should not be allowed to walk away, even if he never pitches another game. This is what the “old,” lousy Braves did to Phil Niekro and Dale Murphy. It stunk then and it stinks now. What’s the strategy with this team? Is it to go young? I don’t think so — not when they trade 4 prospects for a 32-year-old pitcher. Is it to win now? I don’t think so — not when they make little or no effort to add what they so desperately need, an ace pitcher (Smoltz, even damaged, was the best they had) and a power-hitting outfielder. Or is it to scramble around and try to buy talented, older, injury-prone players like Burnett and Furcal? I don’t think so — because when that failed, the Braves stopped doing much of anything. Ben Sheets is still out there, and until today, apparently, so was John Smoltz. Of course, so is Andruw Jones — and it pains me to think that’s where the Braves will turn next. What on earth is the strategy with this team? I don’t care if John Smoltz is 42 years old. (The Phillies won the World Series with a 45-year-old in their rotation, and they’ve given him a new 2-year contract.) Smoltz is the best pitcher the Braves have (or had). He’s a fierce competitor and he will never embarrass himself or his team. And he’s an icon, a sure-fire, first-ballot Hall of Famer. You can’t let him just walk away. He’ll know when it’s time to go, and it’s not now. Not for him, and not for the Braves. This is a very, very sad day. John Schuerholz and Frank Wren should be ashamed of themselves. I can hardly wait to see what they do (or don’t do) next.

By MikeR

January 8, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Prediction… Smoltz will win more games for Boston than Javier will win for the Braves.

Lowe - please run from the Braves. Do not sign with such a low life organization.

It will be fun celebrating the Braves 100th loss sometime in mid September.

By Not Buying It

January 8, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

Agree to a point, Mark. Here’s the rub: When is the organization going to ask us to move forward with a youth movement and take all the body blows that entails for a couple of years, instead of insisting it’s prepared to put a competitive team on the field this year and coming off as penny-pinchers instead? Hard to move forward when you’re not being offered a believable plan for the future.

By Daniel

January 8, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

My issue is the slap to the face of the fans. The Braves are apparently not able to spend what they’d need to compete next season. The $5M or whatever it would have taken to keep Smoltzie around is not going to be spent on a “final piece” to compete this year, and can’t be spent on anything as valuable as Smoltz anyway. Sure, there’s risk, but there’s a lot of upside here too. The fans love to watch a winning team, but that’s apparently not in the cards this year. They love Smoltz too. This was a move that should have been made for the fans.

On the other hand, Smoltz is a fiery competitor, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy pitching in meaningful games this year. It’ll be hard as hell to watch him in another uniform, but its happened before and I’m sure it’ll happen again. (Chipper, I’m looking at you.)

By Ron

January 8, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

Smoltz has repeatedly proven his loyalty to this team, both by taking less money - a lot less money - to stay in Atlanta and by pitching extraordinarily well through pain most of you don’t understand. To turn on him now by calling him greedy is simple-minded and much more disloyal than he has ever been.

Over 20 years, Smoltz has proven who he is - a loyal warrior. He hasn’t changed. What has? The organization. There’s a whole lot more to this story than $2 million.

Letting perhaps baseball’s biggest franchise icon over the last 30 years leave like this is nothing but another blunder for a team that has officially imploded.

By Puttin on the Foil

January 8, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Mark, are you brain dead or just lacking in common sense? The issue right now is fielding a major league team, not contending for a playoff spot. We needed Smoltz as a bare minimum to shore up the rotation since we obviously aren’t going to get a front line number 1 starter. Who are we going to throw out there after Jurgens and Vazquez? Hanson? Campillo? Jo-Jo!!!?? MORTON??!!! BUDDY FRIGGIN CARLYLE!!!?? That rotation is a joke!! We may lose 100 games at this rate. Five million is NOTHING for a starting pitcher now a days. We will pay something comparable for a journeyman pitcher to fill Smoltz shoes without the same results. Hell, Will Ohman will get $4 million!! Smoltz has shown he can come back from injury time and again AND pitch through pain. This is beyond ludicrous, for us not to offer at least 6 million to a guy like Smoltz is a slap in the face to him AND THE FANS. You say its time to look forward, to me this looks like we are looking to the way past of the 70’s an 80’s Braves when nobody wanted to play here because the organization was cheap and inept. Fire Frank Wren….now!

By MSC Brave

January 8, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

There’s only one problem with moving on for the future, you have to make moves to show your doing that. So far the Braves have made one meicore move this offseason! Other teams are signing free agent Pitchers and Hitters and the Braves are doing nothing of any consequence! Very Dissappointing!

By MSC Brave

January 8, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

There’s only one problem with moving on for the future, you have to make moves to show your doing that. So far the Braves have made one meicore move this offseason! Other teams are signing free agent Pitchers and Hitters and the Braves are doing nothing of any consequence! Very Dissappointing!

By MSC Brave

January 8, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

There’s only one problem with moving on for the future, you have to make moves to show your doing that. So far the Braves have made one meicore move this offseason! Other teams are signing free agent Pitchers and Hitters and the Braves are doing nothing of any consequence! Very Dissappointing!

By Don

January 8, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

I do blame Wren for bringing Cox back which makes everything else meaningless - But I do not blame him relating to Smoltz. First of all - if Smoltz had true loyalty to Braves - if he truly thinks he can pitch, there would have been no disadvantage to taking a low bace, high incentive contract - he would got his money anyway if he was successful. Secondly, you do not rebuild a team by giving big base contracts to 42 year old pitchers with 5 arm operations and only one good year in recent years. (Cox is one of worst offensive managers in baseball history — won only because he had 3 #1 best in league pitchers and usually very good #4s and 5s — and then only usually barely won the division - with that much dominance over rest of league in talent - and only 1 WS

By Veteran Fan

January 8, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

Chill folks! Mark is right, we need to move on and take a note from the Rays and develop our young talent and pitchers! John is seeking a chance at a ring and the Braves need to use this money to go after Lowe or Peavy! After what the Yankees did in the off season the Red Sox are desparate to do something otherwise they are locked into third place in the American League East! I will throw another move at you, trade Chipper for Peavy and Johnson for one of the St. Louis outfielders and within two seasons we win the division.

By Niels Boor

January 8, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

Believable: that Smoltz would get a great offer from another team.

Unbelievable: that Smoltz would not give the Braves a chance to match it.

Totally Friggin, Incredibly Effin Unbelievable: that the Braves would not match the offer.

If Smoltz id worth $X to any team, he is certainly worth $X to the Braves. Probably twice as much, imo.

Bradley: “[Wren] made it clear that he wasn�t counting on Smoltz or Glavine for 2009.”

He also made it clear that if they could pitch, the money to sign them would not be coming out of the $35-$40M said he had available.

Even if he already had a figure of $3M in his head for Smoltz, only the difference between that and the Sox’ offer would impact his other spending plans this winter. (“Spending plans” — yeah, I said that with a straight face).

And are the Braves that much smarter (hah!) than the Red Sox? If the Sox thought Smoltz could pitch, why didn’t the Braves? (It’s not like the Sox were trying to pull something on us, like they might with the Yankees — eg, either stealing a player or driving his cost up for divisional competitive purposes.)

Regardless of what the Braves do in 2009, the whole season is tainted and each and every victory will be a bitter one — and regardless of whether Smoltz rules in Boston or flames out in ST.

Worst move ever. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Bradley: These things happen. Better to let a 41-year-old pitcher take a guarantee of $5 million to play for the Red Sox, who toss millions around like pennies, than to risk $5 million of your own on his surgically altered shoulder.”*

Small consolation such penny-wise, pound-foolish frugality will be when we finally see which losers the braves throw their “pennies” at.

Andruw? Baldelli? (Talk about risk there!)

Or the ones they have already thrown their “pennies” at — Burnett??? No risk there, huh, Bradley??? Furcal? No, no risk there — backs always come back from surgery. That’s why they call them backs.

Bradley: “the Braves would be wise to take a tip from the Falcons”

No, they wouldn’t — different economic contexts. The NFL has a hard payroll cap — MLB does not.

Bradley: “The trouble with being a Great Grand Organization is that you tend to view all paradigms from within.”

So you’re saying that the rest of MLB would consider this a wise move?

We’ll see.

PS: And that was a pretty damned flippant intro, if you ask me.

bubbatech: “Okay, lets look at one of the most successful teams in MLB, it also happens to have one of the smallest payrolls. Thats the Marlins, who have won and played in more world series in the past 15 years than we have. Why? As soon as they have a good season, they dump the old, expensive deadweight and get new, cheap, great talent, and then start the cycle all over again. They have proven time and time again that youth, not experience, wins games.”

I’m afraid that you don’t know what you’re talking about, son. The Marlins are a a blight on the face of the American sports landscape — they exist only to bilk FL taxpayers out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

“I’m certain there are Marlins fans, and I’m certain that there is an argument to be made that their approach to success cycles has some merit. However, you have a sports organization that has, for more than a decade, had exactly one goal, and that goal has not been “to win a championship.” That the Marlins fell into a title in 2003 happened, but the real goal of this franchise has been to get its hands on hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local tax revenues in the form of a new stadium. They haven’t cared how much of an embarrassment they’ve become, haven’t cared that their payroll falls below the central fund revenues they get from the rest of the league, haven’t cared that the actual attendance at their games often falls below five thousand people. They can turn a profit, and they can continue to make a reach for that $300 million jackpot.” — Joe Sheehan, Baseball Prospectus.

By Eagle26

January 8, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

Ultimately, I believe that Smoltz just wants another shot at the World Series (a guarantee of $2 million more seems immaterial), and although I’ll never count the Braves out before the season starts, I’m pretty nervous about the roster we’re going to run out there. Maybe Mr. Bradley is right: we should look at this objectively from the outside. Still, I can’t help but think that Frank Wren could have handled this matter, along with several others this offseason, in a better manner.

By MSC Brave

January 8, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

There’s only one problem with moving on for the future, you have to make moves to show your doing that. So far the Braves have made one meicore move this offseason! Other teams are signing free agent Pitchers and Hitters and the Braves are doing nothing of any consequence! Very Dissappointing!

By Bill

January 8, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks Mark for my thoughts exactly.

Smoltz is Mr. Brave. 21 years of great service to the Braves and Fans. He is a winner and we all know the Braves are not going to win this year. Smoltz may not have but one more year and if he can get that ring and win in Boston more power to him. I wish him the best.

Time for Braves to stop bring back X Braves and time for Bobby Cox to retire. Get some New young blood in the system.

By dannyc

January 8, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

Smoltz hung around last year long enough to get 3000Ks while hurt. Let him go where he wants to go

By Chris Kilroy

January 8, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Mark -

Who is there to mentor our “rebuilding” process rotation?

Javier Vazquez?

I know you were probably tasked to write a counterpoint article by your editor or something to the predictable fan invective, but this is not a year to alienate a fickle consumer base who is short on disposable income.

This offseason has been one blunder after another by the Braves front office.

Their ‘centerpiece’ is signing a #3 starter. Javier Vazquez should only be a #1 starter on a team like the Marlins or les Expos

By im4ball

January 8, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Mark,

You are exactly right. In fact, no one knows if Smoltz will even be able to pitch and if he does, how much or how effective he can be. Not many team can afford or even should take a risk like that for millions of dollars.

In truth, it is time for the Braves to move Bobby Cox too…for several reasons but not the least of which is that he is probably behind much of this recyleing the Braves have been doing. I also think that Cox is not a great “in game” manager.

It is time for a change in the Brave organization. Get a younger manager and a younger team.

By Hartwell

January 8, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

For god sakes fire Frank Wren. Who has he signed, no one. We have lost out on every trade, every free agent, and no we are loosing the face of the Braves and oh by the way, our best pitcher.

When is the last time you remember the Braves not filling any holes during the off season under Shuerholtz. Not only did we not fill any holes, we got worse. Please god get rid of Wren. We can’t stand one more offseason like this.

Come back Smoltz. I will chip in for you salary. Please.

By Lee in S GA

January 8, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

Well said Mark -

Smoltz is a competitor yes, but the man is over 40 coming off of surgery and clearly wants a chance to play in the post season and have that felling of being a winner again. Remember the man does not like to lose and he is not getting any younger. Also remember with his age and pass injuries he may not even make it out of spring training, even may it 1 month into the regular season or even a greater risk of not being able to pitch the complete season. No, the Braves should not this match this amount of money. They should sign Dunn, Lowe, or hell somebody that can provide a much needed boost to this deflated team.

By Ben

January 8, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

I agree, Mark, that they need to rebuild. But they also need to deal with the reality of the Atlanta sports market; as fairweather as this town is, you can’t live on the promise of a bright future. The Hawks, for example, had pretty much the same team in place prior to last years playoff run for some time and still couldn’t draw. All the good faith the Braves have built in the early and mid 90s is going to be shot in a bottomless rebuild process and, to a more economical sense, they are losing market to TB and Washington, two up and coming “southern” teams. The first 10-12k fans at Turner are going to be guaranteed as the diehard on hand in this comment section, but the place holds 50k now. You aren’t going to get half full in Atlanta on the promise of the future in a franchise who’s only recent success story (that’s stayed) is behind the plate or at short…FOR NOW… If the matter of not spending or being competitive in the free agency market all comes down to Liberty Media being penny pinchers, then the argument needs to be made clear to them that this isn’t a town with a long enough attention span for an out and out rebuild. We’ve got to be in the conversation each year from the get go. As it relates to Smoltz, he’s a draw and he’s not blocking anyone that we’ve seen recently from coming up (the cobbled rotation late last season was not cause for optimism), especially with the departure of Hampton and Hudson’s furlough. And further more, how is Bobby supposed to feel about this, that we are in the second week of January with no big name or even prospect signings thus far and a load of cap space yet his front office lets a (probable) sure thing walk over such a relative small amount? Mark, if you are advocating the end of curtain calls to kick start the rebuild, why not just ask for Bobby’s seat as well?

By Mark Bradley

January 8, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but try as I might I can’t find “mentor” listed on the Braves’ organizational chart.

By don

January 8, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

Within the span of just more than a year, Wren has single-handedly devised the implosion of this once great organization. While most teams in MLB are busy with player movement, Wren has sat idle with ample money on his hands.

At this point, the Braves have a #3 starter (Jurrjens) and a #4 (Vazquez). We don’t have a #1 or #2 and Smoltz certainly fits the bill for one of those slots.

Nice job Wren!!

By bravesfan

January 8, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

The Braves paid Smoltz 14 million last year to rehab his shoulder after he gave them 6 appearances on the mound. They have given him over 130 million in his career and have provided him with the platform to become the public figure that he is. Are the Braves at fault here for offering him the potential to make 7 million this year? Where is the loyalty from Smoltz? See you in June at Turner Field when the Sox come to town!

By don

January 8, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Within the span of just more than a year, Wren has single-handedly devised the implosion of this once great organization. While most teams in MLB are busy with player movement, Wren has sat idle with ample money on his hands.

At this point, the Braves have a #3 starter (Jurrjens) and a #4 (Vazquez). We don’t have a #1 or #2 and Smoltz certainly fits the bill for one of those slots.

Nice job Wren!!

By SC Ace

January 8, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that Smoltz has been very outspoken about his desire to pitch in the postseason. He’s the consummate big game pitcher, and the Red Sox will give him that opportunity - and will give him a heckuva stage for the regular season. When the Yankees come to Fenway, the atmosphere will be as electric as anything seen here in a decade or more.

Smoltz will become the 2009 version of Curt Schilling in Boston - without the egomania. A big-game pitcher, an outspoken leader, etc.

I’ll be rooting for Smoltz to get another ring - certainly not gonna happen here.

By Marty

January 8, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

John pitched 28 innings in 08. He earned $14 mil. That’s $2 mil. per inning. Seems to me he took the more than the Braves for granted. Maybe he can keep Francona’s bubble gum bucket filled, while stealing money from the Red Sox like he did us. Enjoy the golf game with Papi.

By don

January 8, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

Within the span of just more than a year, Wren has single-handedly devised the implosion of this once great organization. While most teams in MLB are busy with player movement, Wren has sat idle with ample money on his hands.

At this point, the Braves have a #3 starter (Jurrjens) and a #4 (Vazquez). We don’t have a #1 or #2 and Smoltz certainly fits the bill for one of those slots.

Nice job Wren!!

By Marty

January 8, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

John pitched 28 innings in 08. He earned $14 mil. That’s $2 mil. per inning. Seems to me he took the more than the Braves for granted. Maybe he can keep Francona’s bubble gum bucket filled, while stealing money from the Red Sox like he did us. Enjoy the golf game with Papi.

By Shannon

January 8, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

So let me get this right we held on to Mike Hampton ( a roster spot ) forever and we can’t shell out $5mil for Smoltz. Who is out there on the free agent market that can hold a candle to John when he is healthy Lowe the guy is 36 and wants 16 mil a season for 4 years. You have got to be kidding me. Pay the guy his money and hopes that he will be the pitching coach after this season. We give a backup catcher a 2 year 3 mil contract but John isn’t worth more than 3 mil, Hey Wren I hope you are happy with the choices you have made….you stink as a G.M. from now on i think i am going to refer to you as C.K for club Killer that is what you have done for the Braves since you have arrived.

By SC Ace

January 8, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Let’s not forget that Smoltz has been very outspoken about his desire to pitch in the postseason. He’s the consummate big game pitcher, and the Red Sox will give him that opportunity - and will give him a heckuva stage for the regular season. When the Yankees come to Fenway, the atmosphere will be as electric as anything seen here in a decade or more.

Smoltz will become the 2009 version of Curt Schilling in Boston - without the egomania. A big-game pitcher, an outspoken leader, etc.

I’ll be rooting for Smoltz to get another ring - certainly not gonna happen here.

By Marty

January 8, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this

John pitched 28 innings in 08. He earned $14 mil. That’s $2 mil. per inning. Seems to me he took more than the Braves for granted. Maybe he can keep Francona’s bubble gum bucket filled, while stealing money from the Red Sox like he did us. Enjoy the golf game with Papi.

By JB

January 8, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

Bradley,

You’re off your rocker. If we are trying to compete this year Smoltz could help us. The Braves should pony up to keep him.

IF its time to move on, Wrenn should trade Chipper and shouldn’t have traded for Vazquez.

This is a travesy. Screw the Braves.

By David

January 8, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

If Smoltz wants another opportunity at a Ring…that is fine by me. However, I don’t want him or anyone else to say he left because the Braves didn’t make him a strong offer and took him for granted. Really, what’s another $1.5 million (I’ve heard they offered him $3.5 guaranteed) when you have over $30 million in cap space.

That’s what I find most upsetting.

By Bill

January 8, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

Braves need to use Falcons GM take on players. make calculated decisions-they won’t be emotional driven.

By The_Future

January 8, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

For the 2,178th time….

Bring up Schafer, bring up Heyward, bring up Hanson…

Everyone needs to stop acting like this is something it’s not. We NEED to be in full rebuilding mode PERIOD. That garbage we sent out the past few years was outclassed by the Phillies, Mets and OFTEN the Marlins as well.

Stop paying for merchandise, stop going to Turner Field. Take about 5 years off and come back when there’s something to look forward to.

By Anthony

January 8, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

What do you mean if he wins 20 games for boston more power to him? That’s crap. We need him to win 20 for us. Who else do we have that’s gonna do it? Nobody. And how can that be a sign of going backwards. It would be okay if you had somebody else to plug in and help you win but our options are slim now and we seem to have a GM that can’t close the deal on any free agents or trades.

By hartwell

January 8, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

Fire Frank Wren. Please. The Braves have gotten much worse this offseason and not added hardly one to improve our team. When is the last time Shuerholtz squandered this many opportunities and then let the face of the Braves leave, and our best pitcher.

By Georgia LOVES John Smoltz

January 8, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

Please Do *N O T * Do It, Mr. Smoltz !

You are deeply L O V E D here in Georgia.

Boston will never appreciate and cherish you the way your friends and neighbors here in Atlanta always have and always will.

PLEASE DON’T GO, JOHN !!

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By DirtyDawg

January 8, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

I was really counting on 2009 to be a big improvement over 2008, and then in a twelve hour period I get the news about Stafford and Moreno and now this. So much for wishing and hoping. Fact is I’ve got faith in Mark Richt and his staff, however I’m beginning to think that the Braves GGO (wasn’t that a throw-away golf tournament they used to play just before the Masters?) is living in the past even more than the fans are.

Face it folks, it’s over. The Braves were fun while they lasted, but until they get an owner back whose ego is at least as big as his bank account - and his bank account is huge - we’re gonna be a second division club. Used to be players would take a discount to be with the Braves, no longer. And so long as we keep giving away our top prospects for marginal talent, or talent that we have no hope of re-signing, we won’t be able to count on building through the farm-system.

You know it sure is a sad thing to realize that a year is doomed before the first week is over. The only thing that’ll make it worse is if the arrogant Gator fans get something else to be smug about.

By say it aint so

January 8, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Your off base here Mark. This is worse than letting Dale Murphy go. In today’s market, $5 million is chump change. Tickets and attendance will suffer this year because Frank Wren keeps botching up. This isn’t the 90s and the Braves are going to have to drop their no trade clause if they want anyone to ever come to Atlanta again.

By awm

January 8, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Well said, could not have said it any better. TIME to get some young fresh blood, and start rebuilding the team. He is at the end of his career. GREAT CAREER , all the best to Smoltz and his family.

By The Future Looks Horrible

January 8, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

WOW just WOW can this year get any worse for the braves? I feel sorry for Frank Wren, but not really! He needs to step up and start paying the big bucks for the team to be legit again. This isnt the 90s or early 2000s again, this team hasnt won a World Series since 1995!!!! This team for 2009 is looking like the WORST since 1989. I dont blame Smoltz and I hope he wins 20 games and shows the braves the mistake they made. The braves need to go after some BIG name players if they even want to try to contend this year, what about pettite or manny? At least the crowds will be big at turner field…Sorry I dont think Javier Vasquez is going to have the fans going ga.ga and storming Turner Field….This GM, this Franchise, and Liberty Media are starting turning pathetic. When do the Falcons report for training camp?

By Niels Boor

January 8, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

Bradley: “But you can�t plan for tomorrow on the basis of what a 41-year-old might (or might not) do. You have to move on.”

You certainly can plan for tomorrow based on what “41-year-old” Smoltz has actually done the past few years.

Number one — Smoltz has come back from surgery more successfully than probably anyone in MLB history (please excuse my hyperbole; the basic point is still valid — Smoltz’ proven track record of astounding recovery from surgery).

Number two — “Though Smoltz has had his share of arm injuries through the years, this past season was the first time since 2000 that he made fewer than 30 appearances. As recently as 2007, Smoltz was still pitching at a high level, going 14-8 with a 3.11 ERA and 197 strikeouts.” — redsox.com

Number three — Smoltz has had good to great seasons three out of the last four � 2005, 2006 & 2007:

667.1 IP, 577 Ks, 135 uiBBs, 3.22 ERA, 1.14 uiWHIP.

He logged over 200 IP each year, with ERAs between 3.00 and 3.50 and WHIPs between 1.15 and 1.20.

Show me how Smoltz’ risk is higher than Peavy’s, or Lowe’s or (hah!) Sheets.

By ZTRANE

January 8, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

Well put Mark. Hate to say it but Smoltz is an a’hole. He has won a world series with the Braves, got paid to sit on the bench last year, and now claims that the Braves weren’t aggressive. We are talking about a 2 mill difference here. He could be loyal and stay with his club and top off a great career as a Brave. Wren is right by not offering more. He is a 41 yr old risk. I love what he has done for the Bravo’s, but I hope he gets injured in his first game with the Sox and sees how worthless a move that was for a couple more mill that we all know he doesn’t need!

By The Future Looks Horrible

January 8, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

WOW just WOW can this year get any worse for the braves? I feel sorry for Frank Wren, but not really! He needs to step up and start paying the big bucks for the team to be legit again. This isnt the 90s or early 2000s again, this team hasnt won a World Series since 1995!!!! This team for 2009 is looking like the WORST since 1989. I dont blame Smoltz and I hope he wins 20 games and shows the braves the mistake they made. The braves need to go after some BIG name players if they even want to try to contend this year, what about pettite or manny? At least the crowds will be big at turner field…Sorry I dont think Javier Vasquez is going to have the fans going ga.ga and storming Turner Field….This GM, this Franchise, and Liberty Media are starting turning pathetic. When do the Falcons report for training camp?

By James T. Kirk

January 8, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

The ANSWER Is: John Smoltz and Hillary Clinton

-

The QUESTION: Name two people who will be “on the mound” in April.

By GeorgetownKid

January 8, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

99 times out of 100, I would agree entirely with this column. This is the 100th case, however.

What percentage of Braves jerseys sold are Smoltz jerseys? He is by far the most popular player on the Braves, so low-balling his salary offer makes Frank Wren look very, VERY bad.

According to David O’Brien, the front office has been “quietly optimistic” that Smoltz would be a top-of-the-rotation starter this year. So, not only is John Smoltz a fan icon, but he would have made us much better this year (unlike the aforementioned minor-league deal for Javy Lopez and the likely minor-league deal for Andruw Jones).

Therefore, not only is this a terrible PR move for the Braves, but it is bad baseball planning as well.

By Chipperknows

January 8, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Mark-

It seems to me that money (business) isn’t the only motivator with today’s players. How many of them want to play for a team that is a contender?

I can’t recall the Yankees shipping off an over the hill Mickey Mantle or a Yogi Berra, can you? Had they done so, New Yorkers would have torn down old Yankee Stadium long before now.

There is a great deal to be said for creating and maintaining a winning tradition. Sadly, the Braves and the new Wren regime (soon to be replaced because of horrible ticket sales and awful management decisions like this)don’t get it.

Please know that Turner Field will be the baseball equal of Tombstone, with the tumbleweed blowing all around the outfield. Umpires and catchers will have to watch their language because voices carry in a nearly empty stadium.

But more and more, it seems that the Braves are looking more like Andruw Jones at the plate. They just keep swinging and missing badly and more frequently.

I’d simply like to see some editorial comment worthy of the current condition. I simply wonder whether the AJC is the mouthpiece of the fans or of the Braves front office. Just a business, indeed.

This franchise is about to experience a nuclear winter in terms of public relations.

I don’t know what to believe anymore. I do know this: We have truly returned to the days of the 70’s and 80’s for this franchise. Expect 3,000 per game attendance numbers that will likely be inflated.

This isn’t the right thing to do with Smoltz. Plain and simple!

By Chipperknows

January 8, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this