Hey, it’s dry at Turner Field today. (Not quite sunny yet, but that’s OK.) And I hear there’s a pretty decent match-up on the mound. John Smoltz makes his eagerly-awaited and one-day-sooner than expected start. Kinda.

Shoot, even those of us who saw Smoltz in spring training didn’t really see him. He made only one Grapefruit League start down there. I’m thinking Tiger Woods has a better idea of where Smoltz’s stuff is than we do. So I’m looking forward to it, as I’m sure all of you are. And we all owe a debt to Tom Glavine don’t we? For taking one for the team and pitching in Coors Field, so Smoltz can go against Johan Santana here today.

I knew Glavine was a good guy, but yeah…he did say this morning, he’d be expecting some kind of something in return from Smoltz. Perhaps a few strokes in a round of golf, or better yet maybe a plane ticket to somewhere warm would be fitting.

Bobby’s got the every day lineup in there today - too early in the season for the Sunday day game after a night game business - and it’s the Mets. And it’s Santana.

And that includes Kelly Johnson, he of the pinch hit grand slam Saturday afternoon. No way was he going to sit today. This will be his first start since the second game of the season. He’s had five days (including an off day and a rain-out) to give that right knee a rest since he made his last start during the home opener on Monday.

“It feels real good,” he said this morning. “Last two days went from jogging when I didn’t think I could run much more than that, to the next day being able to run. Simulate running the bases today. It’s getting close to normal.”

Johnson said he had an MRI on the off-day Tuesday and it came back negative, so surgery isn’t necessary. It’s just a treat-and-tough-it-out kinda thing.

Not sure how confident Bobby Cox is feeling about it, when I commented/asked about Kelly being ready to go today, he said: “See what happens. Find out.”

Jo-Jo Reyes was packing his bags for Richmond this morning. He was optioned back to make room for Smoltz on the roster - I’m assuming Smoltz. The Braves haven’t officially announced that one yet…but ok, let’s not even go there. Too much wacky stuff has happened here this week.

Anyway, speaking of Richmond? I just came from there, and I know I’m spoiled, but the Diamond does leave a bit to be desired. The clubhouse reminded me of the visiting clubhouse at Wrigley Field, only without the charm of the fact that it’s at Wrigley.

I offer a shout-out to Gil from Mechanicsville for his hospitality, intelligent input, and the pillow his wife gave me to sit on for a couple cold innings on the upper deck bleachers during the home opener on Thursday. Preesh….

The bigger roster decision will come Wednesday when Chuck James is activated to take Mike Hampton’s place in the rotation vs. the Rockies. Looks to me like Jeff Bennett is proving pretty useful around here for his long relief ability and the groundballs he can induce.

Maybe the choice then comes down to Blaine Boyer, Chris Resop and Royce Ring. Given the accolades I overheard Bobby giving a reporter today on the bench about Boyer, I’d guess it won’t be him. But then, Bennett is the only one of those four who has options left. The other three would have to clear waivers if the Braves are to put them in Richmond. Bennett is the easy answer. But the hard one too. Hunches anyone?

DOB is on his way to Colorado already to give you full coverage of the four-game series with the defending NL champs, and to freeze his rear off. But given the high he’s feeling with the Jayhawks, don’t think he’ll feel it too much. So I’ll be bringing it to you live today. Enjoy the matchup.

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