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DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz waiting for word on future
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Two years after he was generally mocked and lampooned for claiming his arm would be better off throwing 100 pitches every five days than a dozen every couple, John Smoltz is the only starting pitcher the Braves can depend on. That his arm hasn’t fallen off, therefore, is a given. And, so, I must admit here: I was wrong.
“I appreciate that — you’re the first one to admit that,” Smoltz said Sunday, certainly aware that I could lose my license as a columnist and character assassin with this declaration.
There’s a month left in the season. Only AP mathematics keeps the Braves in the playoff race. Only Smoltz is keeping them north of the Nationals. And Richmond.
All of which begs the question: Isn’t it about time the Braves make some sort of declaration?
Smoltz’s contract is up after this season. The Braves hold an $8 million option for next season — a relative swap meet price for a starting pitcher who leads the National League in innings (190) and ranks second in strikeouts (176). The thought of not exercising the option — which needs to be done by shortly after the World Series — seems implausible.
But general manager John Schuerholz has yet to make even a verbal affirmation on Smoltz’s future — and the pitcher isn’t happy about it. Smoltz also did little to hide what most already knew — that he and Schuerholz hardly are chummy.
“I wonder why it hasn’t [been picked up yet],” Smoltz said of his option. “I know what the pat answer is: That’s how we do business around here. But even if it’s going to ruffle some feathers me saying something — you know what? I just don’t understand it. You’ve never heard me be bitter about something, other than bitter that we lose another chance at a World Series. But when people ask me questions, I have to be honest and say I can’t talk about next year because I don’t know what next year is going to [bring].
“I’ve come back from so much, I’ve worked so hard that I’m not going to concern myself with being the prisoner of an environment. I’ve been here 19 years, so the overwhelming feeling is, ‘They’ll never get rid of you.’ But after every single year, I’ve had to work 10 times harder just to work this out.
“All I know is, after these last two years and with my desire to work out, I’ve got two or three more years, easy. I used to always be of the mind-set that, ‘If it’s not here, it won’t be anywhere else.’ But that’s not the case any more. I’ll pitch somewhere else.”
The Braves need significant fixes if they’re going to become a playoff team again. But when Smoltz was asked what areas he would try to improve if he was general manager, he smiled.
“Every time I answer that, homeboy upstairs criticizes me,” he said, a reference to Schuerholz.
One illustration: When the Braves followed a 6-21 June by winning nine of their first 12 in July, Smoltz said the team needed to make a move to keep the run going and Schuerholz didn’t take it well.
Smoltz: “All I said was, now that we’re playing good, I hope management will do whatever it takes. And he went off. Why? What did I say that a normal competitive player wouldn’t say?”
Schuerholz responded to Smoltz’s comments in July this way: “There’s a lot of people volunteering to be assistant general managers. He’s just the latest.”
This much is certain: Smoltz has had a better year than Schuerholz.
Schuerholz put together a team with, among other flaws, a bad bullpen. Smoltz is 12-6 — and only 12-6 because the bullpen has blown six save opportunities. It’s a replay of last season, when Smoltz was 14-7, and eight other wins were lost to blown saves.
Smoltz lost his first three starts last season in his return from the closer’s role. Since then, however, he is 26-10 with a 3.10 ERA.
This season, he is 8-1 at Turner Field, where the Braves are six games under .500 (28-34).
Logic screams he’ll be back. But Smoltz said, “I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
And this from someone who two years ago foresaw something few others did.
Permalink | Comments (304) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By rawr
August 27, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
you speak the truth, jeff. its good to see somebody not afraid of criticizing the “homeboy upstairs,” especially in defense of the heart of this team.
too bad JS tried to slide by with a crappy bullpen again. otherwise, smoltz would be in serious cy young contention with 15-18 wins already.
By ol'sport
August 27, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this
What a shame. John Smoltz has been the one constant for the Braves this year as well as other years. He is certainly an intelligent guy and deserves better. I am disappointed in JS, feeling he has more class and certainly better judgement. Perhaps, since he’s the boss, he should sit down with Smoltz and get the air cleared. What would the Braves have done, record wise, without Smoltz this year. Come on JS. Be the man we all perceive you to be!
By Al
August 27, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
Braves are going the way of the Yankees back in the 60’s. CBS bought the Yankees for a tax write-off and it looks like the same thing is happening with Liberty Media. CBS ran the Yankees into the ground and turned them into one of the worst teams in baseball for ten years in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The Yanks did not come back until Steinbrenner bought the team. Looks like history is repeating itself.
By Johnny
August 27, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
If I had the choice between Smoltz or Schuerholtz I’d take Smoltz. Smoltz is the leader of the team on and off of the field. And I feel like Smoltz is saying things that need to be said. He has the teams best interest at heart and he is a competetor that wants to win. I appreciate what Schuerholtz has accompolished for the team but I do not go to the game to cheer on Schuerholtz.
By Nick at nite
August 27, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this
I am so tired of John Smoltz and his self-serving, self-righteous statements. Everyone in the organization and every fan with half a brain knows he would have been much more valuable in the bullpen the last two years.
But apparently what Smoltz wants, Smoltz gets. It’s no wonder that Schuerholz has some mixed feelings about him.
I’m also tired of the hero-worshippers who insist Smoltz’s record should be much better this year. They are probably the same people who talk to their John Smoltz bobbleheads at night in their mom’s basement.
True, the bullpen has blown several saves. It’s also true the Braves hitters have gotten him off the hook for a number of losses.
I, for one, would not be sorry to see him play his last few seasons elsewhere.
By Clyde
August 27, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Schuerholtz has to go. He’s making bad decisions and now his players are turning against him. His latest trade(Betemit for Beaz) was ignit. I say sell the team to Auther Blank and let him clean house in management and keep our young talent.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By skeezix
August 27, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
If I were the owner, I would cut homeboy before I’d trade Smoltzie. Smoltz has always been clutch whereas homeboy has done a lousy job for two years in a row-especially with the pitching. Plus he, who is suppose to be so good at evaluating talent, gave up Dye, Glavine, Maddux, and now Betemit. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that he’s the reason Leo split.If homeboy wants to know why we are one of the worst teams in the bigs, he only has to look at himself….
By Don
August 27, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
Dead on, Smoltz has a very good year, Scheurholz, a sucky one. Maybe Schuerholz is the option management shouldn’t pick up. We are beginning to look like the Royals of the late 80’/early 90’s, aging veterans and a dilapidated farm system and look at where they still are. Maybe it’s time to move in a different direction.
By Dawgs2006
August 27, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Nick at nite: You are right. I would not be sorry to see Smoltz playing somewhere else next season. In fact, I would like nothing better. Smoltz does not deserve this garbage. He is a winner and the Braves are no longer building for success. As for Smoltz in the bullpen, he would have only made a hand full of appearances since the starters on the staff are so horrible. With all things considered, you have shown everyone what an idiot you are.
By KC
August 27, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is just speaking out of frustration. He doesn’t have anything against JS, and I’m sure that Smoltz recognizes the job that Shuerholz has done here for the last 14 years.
Jeff Schultz on the other hand, does seem to have some kind of beef with JS that I really can’t figure. This isnt’t the first of his columns that seem to cast the Braves’ GM in an unfavorable light.
John Shuerholz is the best in the business… period. Smoltz’s option will be exercised, and everything will work out there. It’s a non-issue.
By Mac
August 27, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Refreshing to hear the truth. How in the world can anyone JS included treat someone who’s meant so much to this team over the years. He is by far your best starter this year and much better than any pitcher JS has ever traded for.
I’m afraid after watching our minor league teams over the last few years and watching this pitiful team put together this year that JS has finally done for us what he accomplished in his final years with Kansas City. Unless some major changes are made I don’t see us returning to the pinnacle of the previous years for a long long time.
By mountain_jim
August 27, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
Good for Smoltz for speaking up.
“Schuerholz responded to Smoltz’s comments in July this way: “There’s a lot of people volunteering to be assistant general managers. He’s just the latest.”
When he said that, I realized for the first time that he is an a**hole. And Schuerholz is the reason the Braves crapped out this year no closer for too long blew the season.
By fjensen
August 27, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
Davies pitched 8 innings of shutout in Richmond today. He is ready for Atlanta. Ditch Yates, play McBride in 7th.
By BirdDawg
August 27, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
Nothing matters as long Booby Cox is choking in the dugout.
Until that clutch loser is gone, this team will never win another World Series.
By Andrew
August 27, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Schuerholz is a Yankees type of GM. He is good when he has a lot of wiggle room and a lot of room for error. But he’s not good on a fixed budget because he always waits until the last minute to get a deal done “under the radar” and that doesn’t work when the other teams know you only have a certain amount to spend.
It used to be “oh, the Braves want this guy and they may increase their payroll a few million to get him” but now it’s “ha, the Braves can’t afford him” but Schuerholz hasn’t adapated and gone into the market early enough to have a legitimate backup plan. Now teams like the Tigers and Reds are putting their best offer out there early and there is nothing left for the guys like Schuerholz … he’s trying to be sneaky when every other teams knows what payroll he has and that it won’t change one bit because of ownership.
By Beach Dawg
August 27, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Ugh, I appreciate Smoltz — he is truly one of the greats and certainly one of the prime reasons this season has not been more of a disaster. However, I am now hearing disention from the players for the first time. A really bad sign that does not bode well for the future. While all may not have be a bed of roses in the past everyone pretended, at least publically, that it was.
By Skydawg
August 27, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
If Schuerholz doesnt offer Smoltz the option year, I’ll personally run his A$$ out of town myself. I’m so tired of that egotistical, self-serving SOB I could puke.
By SAL
August 27, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Hmmm, let’s see who do the Braves need back, Smoltz or Sheurholz? A hall of fame pitcher (only solid starter on team) or a GM happy with 1 championship and 14 division titles that drafted his non-prospect son? Well, after a nano-second of deliberation, good-bye Sheurholz. By the way, you can take your minor league bullpen, your son and Bobby with you. Be sure not to let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out.
Hey Nick at nite, seems I recall Smoltz being the only one of the big 3 (Glavine and Maddox the others) that said “I’ll take less to stay in Atlanta” and did it. He could have gone to the Yankees and maybe had another WS ring. I don’t think any semi-intelligent person (this may exclude you) can attack the man’s character.
By JJMB
August 27, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz has done every damn (sorry, John) thing this org has asked of him. And he has done it brilliantly. He knows his arm and body better that anyone else. If he wants the start, then he STARTS. Keep him happy, Schuerholz.
By Sane Jane
August 27, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
One thing is for certain; few on this blog will be winning any spelling bees anytime soon.
With that said, Schuerholz needs to pick up that option. 8 mill for Smoltz is a bargain.
By Sane Jane
August 27, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
One thing is for certain; few on this blog will be winning any spelling bees anytime soon.
With that said, Schuerholz needs to pick up that option. 8 mill for Smoltz is a bargain.
By Stan
August 27, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
At the rate JS is going the ex Brave personel Dean Taylor, Picolo, etc. will have the Royals passing the Braves in a few years!!
By Stan
August 27, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
At the rate JS is going the ex Brave personel Dean Taylor, Piccolo, etc. will have the Royals passing the Braves in a few years!!
By Champ
August 27, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
Smoltz has nothing to lose unlike younger players, even the Jones boys. John’s career is nearing the end he as nothing to lose, so he is a good judge of how the players feel. Thanks for speaking up and being a leader John. JS has made some studip decision this past year. Unwilling in the off-season to overpay for a much needed closer, he gave up the present, then in despiration JS gives away the future by giving away Benemit for a rent an old underperforming pitcher whose contributions will never compensate for what they gave up. Doesn’t make sense that he would not get what he needed then because it was overpaying yet now he will overcompensate the Dodgers when the season was in serious doubt. Should of traded JS when his stock was up.
By TONE-TONE
August 27, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
EVERY ONE NEED TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND CALM DOWN. LOSING BRING THIS KIND OF ATTENTION. IF THE BRAVES WERE WINNING, IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT STORY. SOONER OR LATER, THE RUN HAD TO END. LET’S TAKE IT WITH GRACE.
JS HAS A BOSS. HE HAS A BUDGET. IF HE HAS TO TRADE SMOLTZ, THEN HE WILL BE TRADED. THE BRAVES NEEDS SET UP, MIDDLE, AND LONG RELIEF. SMOLTZ CAN BRING THEM THAT. THEY CAN TAKE THEIR CHANCES WITH HAMPTON,HUDSON, RAMIREZ,JAMES,AND DAVIES.
ALSO, THEY SHOULD TRADE ANDREW JONES, MARCUS GILES, TYLER YATES FOR A LEGITAMATE LEFT FIELDER AND BULL PEN HELP. MOVE FRANCOUER TO CENTER AND DIAZ TO RIGHT.
SO, LET’S ACCEPT THIS SEASON AND USE THE FAMOUS “LET’S WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR”, PHRASE. IT IS TOO LATE THIS YEAR. JUST ABOUT ALL THE TEAMS AHEAD OF THE BRAVES IN THE WILD CARD, WILL BE PLAYING EACH OTHER. IT’S HARD TO GAIN GROUND. THE ONLY WAY THE BRAVES CAN EVEN HOPE TO GET IN, THEY WILL HAVE TO WIN EIGHT TO TEN GAMES IN A ROW. WITH THAT MIDDLE RELIEF,ESPECIALLY TYLER YATES, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE.
IT ALWAYS SEEM THAT JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE GOTTEN RID OF ONE OF THOSE MINOR LEAGUER, HERE COMES ANOTHER THAT COX JUST SEEM TO BE STUCK ON. GET RID OF REITSMA AND HERE COMES MR. YATES. PORONTO IS WAITING ON DECK AND IN THE HOLE IS MCBRIDE.
By mike
August 27, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
I know I would be a complete wreck waiting to know if my employer was going to pick up my $8,000,000 option for next year too Smoltzie. Of course the reason I would be nervous would be because I might be getting an 8,000% raise next year.
By Champ
August 27, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
Smoltz has nothing to lose unlike younger players, even the Jones boys. John’s career is nearing the end he as nothing to lose, so he is a good judge of how the players feel. Thanks for speaking up and being a leader John. JS has made some studip decision this past year. Unwilling in the off-season to overpay for a much needed closer, he gave up the present, then in despiration JS gives away the future by giving away Benemit for a rent an old underperforming pitcher whose contributions will never compensate for what they gave up. Doesn’t make sense that he would not get what he needed then because it was overpaying yet now he will overcompensate the Dodgers when the season was in serious doubt. Should of traded JS when his stock was up.
By Yars
August 27, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is having a good season, and he is p** off that the Braves are awful, and that the front office made some moves a little too late. If the Braves don’t pick up next years contract on Smoltz, that will tell the fans that they don’t expect to be in contention for a long time. The NL is so weak this season, I won’t be shocked at whoever wins the NL wildcard wins it 1 game over .500. If the Braves lose the wildcard finishing 2-3 games out, boy that would stink.
By Del
August 27, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
My guess is that you could add CJ, AJ and MG to the list of players who are less than thrilled with JS’s performance the past two years(and you might be able to add BC to that list).
This might be an interesting poll for AJC to run!!
By Sane Jane
August 27, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
Tone, your comments make no sense (plus, the ALL CAPS is annoying).
Smoltz can’t be traded for like 7 different reasons - he’s a 10/5 guy for starters. He’s in the final year of his contract - if the Braves don’t pick up his option, he walks as a free agent. He won’t pass through waivers.
Sheesh. I’m sorry to be harsh, but that was a really really poorly informed post. Read up & then come back, eh? And “Caps Lock” - it’s right above Shift.
By Local Yokel
August 27, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is the heart and soul of The Atlanta Braves. Only a fool would not pick up his option. Let’s hope JS has not become a fool!
By T
August 27, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
If you ask him, “Homeboy” is just a mouthpiece for the decision makers above him… In the past he has received much more praise than deserved. “Homeboy” has allowed some of Atlanta’s best sports performers to part ways with our city in the last several years for many reasons. Well, Smoltz is one of the last in a fading group of Braves stars.
What’s is gonna take before the Atlanta fans demand that not another star leaves the Braves?
Direct all plea’s to “Homeboy” in the front office of the Braves. Mr. Smoltz, please do not go to another team. It will break a lot of Braves fans hearts. If you must, good luck and know that there are several people who know what is going on at Turner Field.
By Dave
August 27, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
I’ve been an admirer or the GM (whose name I can’t spell) for most of his tenure here but, to be charitable, I think it’s time for him to retire. He killed any chance for success this year by waiting way too long to fix the bullpen. He could have gone to Chipper last winter and talked about a contract restructure to save some money and landed Wickman or Wagner at that time. Basically, what he’s accomplished this year is to tick off Smoltz, Andruw, Glavine, and god knows how many others. I think Bobby would stay on as GM and might even welcome the change, given his age. Bobby would be better than JS to pick the next manager, that’s for sure.
Time to take your book signings on the road, JS, permanently.
By Jorge
August 27, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
I, for many, wish to see John Smoltz’s option exercised. He has earned the honor of being the one player worthy of playing out his time in Atlanta. The fact that he has been the constant throughout our fabulous run is appropriate. No other player has shown more talent, courage, grit, and class than Smoltz. He is the best face of the franchise during the past sixteen years; only Dale Murphy and Phil Niekro rival his name as an Atlanta Brave.
However, even Smoltz will agree that mortgaging the future for the mistakes/ miscalculations of “homeboy’s” moves this year carry a caveat. It hurt tremendously that Blaine Boyer, John Foster, Chris Reitsma, Mike Hampton, Kyle Davies, the oft-injured John Thomson, and his twin brother Horacio Ramirez were all injured. The loss of these players created a domino effect that decimated the entire pitching staff - from starters to bullpen. During our run, no edition of this team has ever experienced such horrid luck with pitching injuries. Thanks to the disaster created by these injuries, we lost Wilson Betemit, a trade that will hurt us deeply.
As much as Edgar Renteria has been an asset to the team, I would have never traded Andy Marte for him; I would have taken my chances with Betemit at short this season - limited range and all - and had Marte for the near future. All Chipper Jones has done recently is show a penchant for getting hurt a lot and show the wear and tear of his years. His feet are not going to get any better, and Andy Marte’s time would’ve been now, what with the nucleus of this team being built on youth.
Andruw’s time is short, also. It is no secret that his periodic bouts with complacency, as well as his lack of overall hustle, have been a source of total consternation to Bobby Cox and his team- mates. His knee problem is chronic, and it will not get any better. It is his time now to move on also, to get some value in return. Ryan Langerhans will never be Andruw in his prime; that said, he is a grinder, a hustle guy, and a very good defensive outfielder who can be a good leadoff hitter.
Marcus Giles is also injury-prone. While he has been a Cox favorite, and is a good team guy, a platoon of Martin Prado/Tony Peña/Willy Aybar will in the long run be a greater asset to the team than Giles could ever be.
Of all the trades made in the past year, I fear that the trades of Betemit and Marte will be spoken of in the same breath as the Jeff Bagwell trade fifteen years from now, and that will come back to haunt JS for years to come, to say nothing of the tarnish on his legacy. It truly was a pair of bad trades by any measure, and I would be hard-pressed to forgive such carelessness.
Yes, John, you are competitive. Yet, as an Atlanta Brave first, even you will admit that mortgaging the future is always an unforgivable sin under any circumstance. However, the bigger mistake would be to not sign you so you may end your career in the uniform you were born to wear all the way to the Hall of Fame.
By R.E.H.
August 27, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Please let’s not make the same mistake that we made with two other of the finest pitchers of the last twenty years, this one would hurt so much more. The yankees would pay at least two to three times more. George has been after John for years. By the way does any one else see the Yankees payroll being a half billion dollars in the next few years besides me!
By R.E.H.
August 27, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Please let’s not make the same mistake that we made with two other of the finest pitchers of the last twenty years, this one would hurt so much more. The yankees would pay at least two to three times more. George has been after John for years. By the way does any one else see the Yankees payroll being a half billion dollars in the next few years besides me!
By alan
August 27, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
Relax, everyone, and that includes you, too, John Smoltz. John Schuerholz never negotiates with players (or their agents) during the season, and he’s unlikely to do it this year, either. Shortly after the Braves’ season ends (no postseason, apparently, despite Smoltz’s excellent work), Schuerholz will exercise Smoltz’s contract extension for another season. Book it. He may even do it before the season officially ends if (I can’t bring myself to write “when”} the Braves are mathematically eliminated from the wild card race. But he will do it. John Smoltz isn’t going anywhere.
By Dennis
August 27, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
Wow! I became a fan of baseball in the early 50’s with the Atlanta Crackers and saw the first regular season game played at Fulton County Stadium. I makes me nauseous to read most of this claptrap. In Chicago the team is an habitual loser and yet they fill the stadium and live and die for the Cubbies. In Atlanta, after 14 wonderful seasons, the inevitable happened…the Braves have had an ordinary season. Schuerholz and Cox are certainly instrumental in the successes and of course equally responsible for some bad decisions. Smoltz is old enough and wise enough to avoid saying what he did in public…especially to Schultz, who does what he can to stir up trouble. If you want to look at a source of dissension, look no further than the writer of this blog.
By Dennis
August 27, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Wow! I became a fan of baseball in the early 50’s with the Atlanta Crackers and saw the first regular season game played at Fulton County Stadium. I makes me nauseous to read most of this claptrap. In Chicago the team is an habitual loser and yet they fill the stadium and live and die for the Cubbies. In Atlanta, after 14 wonderful seasons, the inevitable happened…the Braves have had an ordinary season. Schuerholz and Cox are certainly instrumental in the successes and of course equally responsible for some bad decisions. Smoltz is old enough and wise enough to avoid saying what he did in public…especially to Schultz, who does what he can to stir up trouble. If you want to look at a source of dissension, look no further than the writer of this blog.
By TONE-TONE
August 27, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
OK Sane Jane. Sorry for the caps.But I can understand your frustrations. I have been a Braves fan before you were borned! Anybody can be traded, so what if he has a 10/5. That does not mean he can not be traded. What it means, is that he can try and veto the trade. You should read up on that. I hate to be harsh. It is time for the braves to rebuild. You must own your own business and not work for someone. J.S. do not own the BRAVES. He have to answer to someone else! You should stick to sewing and leave this stuff to real fans!
By R.E.H.
August 27, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
If the organization some how did not continue with John they would have made the same mistake three times in last ten years. You all have been watching, their performances haven’t been done in a closet . These are three of the finest pitchers in the last twenty-five years, of course I am speaking also of Tom and Greg who just keep rolling along. I am not so naive to think that money wasn’t a big reason why they weren’t resigned. George easily pay three times the figure being discussed. By the way does anyone else also believe that the Yanks payroll will be at a half billion dollars in the next few years.
By desertbrave
August 27, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
Shut up John. You get paid to throw 100 pitches every 5 days…. Big whup. If you had stayed in the bullpen would we be here? Nope. The team gave you what you wanted. The team also gave you what you wanted when you sucked and your arm was falling off. Oh I suppose that was for the good of the team too? I am tired of these athletes losing touch with reality.
By Dave
August 27, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
Half a billion yankee payroll in the next few years? Probably not, but $300M yes, and that will only continue and increase the gap (and results in the standings) between the haves and have nots. Sad, whatever happened to the “best interest of baseball” clause in the commish’s job description? Even the weaker market clubs don’t complain any more because more and more tv money keeps them afloat (while their franchise value keeps going up).
By JJMB
August 27, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
desertbrave, your brains have fried in your burned-out trailer. There is a reason desert rats were chased out into the sandy abyss. You are ample proof of this axiom.
By Greg
August 27, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
First thing first, the Braves players through the 1991-2005 run are the reasons why the haven’t produced more WS titles. Smoltz is frustrated that the Braves haven’t made any moves to help the team and have discussed his future with the Braves. The Braves act like they ain’t got no money to buy talent. Maybe since when they bought a lot of talent it didn’t produce a lot of WS titles;They are afraid to take a financial risk of buying players to get over the hump. Schurholz’s decisions have helped the Braves as much as it has hurt the Braves period. I wish Bobby Cox would move to being GM and JS serve another organization, he needs to go back to Kansas City where his organization won a WS back in 1985. His knowledge of getting talent and that talent to turn an organization around can help the Royals badly!!!!!!!
By Jeff
August 27, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this
THE REAL PROBLEM IS NOT SCHUERHOLZ OR SMOLTZ!
The problem is that the Braves are still owned by a New York-based corporate conglomerate that cares nothing about the Braves except how much they can sell them for to another corporate conglomerate.
We need to stop blaming each other and as Atlantans we need to demand that something that is truly based in Atlanta actually buy this team and be willing to pay for it to succeed.
Perhaps we should just start boycotting the games?
By Sane Jane
August 27, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
10/5 players don’t “try” to veto the trade.. they do veto the trade (if they so chose).
But he STILL has to pass through waivers… so he wouldn’t be going to Detroit or NYY… other scrub teams would put a claim on him faster than you can misspell “born”. Do you see “John Smoltz, Kansas City Royal”?
Blech.
All I’m saying is that your assertion that “John Smoltz needs to be traded” is nonsense… logistically, it’s just not gonna happen. If anything, he walks as a free agent.
All Schuerholz is doing is waiting till the last possible minute to pick up his option, in case Smoltz blows his elbow out or has some other freak injury before the end of the season. It’s a shrewd move; undoubtedly the proper business move… it just stinks from a fan’s perspective.
By the way… that “someone else” Schuerholz reports to (for now, until the sale is complete) is Terry McGuirk, President of the club. Since you asked.
But I’m just a chick; maybe I should stick to sewing.
By Louis Vales
August 27, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
Hurry up and sign him there “Homeboy” especially after he blasts you and then watch after he gets a nice fat deal at his age he does his Pavano, Burnett, Clement, Gagne impersonation, and want to bet he doesn’t give any of it back?? Sign up HOMEBOY, man John(the HOMEBOY JOHN) if you let him punk you like that might as well head for Waycross. Homeboy!!! Unbelievable!!!!
By Jeremius Shakazulu Abul El-Alamin Muhamid
August 27, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this
Jeff, you’re right. Does anyone think a bunch of yankees in NY give a damn about Atlanta winning a world series? Yeah, they cared when the concept was lining their pockets, but now they want to sell. Pussyass commissioner Seleg (downhill since Bart Giomanni died -GRHS)will do anything for a buck. Do you think he will stand in the way of a stock swap deal that leaves Atlanta twisting in the wind? I doubt it. If he can’t stand up to Barry Bonds, he won’t stop Liberty Media.
By Head coach
August 27, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
If Smoltz wasnt coming back Schuerholz would have traded him before the deadline. His option will be picked up because too not trade him and then let him go in free agency for nothing more than a sandwich pick(between the 1st and 2nd round) would be career suicide for Schuerholz.
By John Schuerholtz
August 27, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
Everyone, please get off of my back. I drafted my son three years ago even though he couldn’t hit .300 at Auburn. No one else would draft him so I took him in the 17th round to make his mom happy and give him a chance. He still can’t hit and is stuck in class A ball so now I have to run the team into the ground so he can get called up to the show. Once he finally plays in a big league game, I will retire and turn things over to someone who has a clue what they are doing and will finally get a decent second baseman, leadoff hitter, and a relief pitcher that we didn’t pick up from a construction site on 400.
By Caroline
August 27, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
There are two pitchers the Braves need back next year - John Smoltz and Bob Wickman. Get it done JS!!
By JJMB
August 27, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
Sane Jane, I knew that “sewing” thing would rile you. ouch.
By burt
August 27, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
after putting togather the present bullpen for 2006 mr. schuerholz,let me share with you a story about a hard working FARMER. “the farmer says if you want good clean oats for your horse, you have to pay a fair price,but if you want the oats that has already been thru the horse, then you can get them a whole lots cheaper”. if smoltz isn’t resigned, it will be a sad day for atlanta. if smoltzs get on the free market 29 other teams is gonna want to know HOW MUCH. the bidden will start at 8 mil.
By Cdaddy
August 27, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
I never had thought I would have felt this way, but based on at least this year’s performance, perhaps it is time that Schuerholz be replaced. Perhaps next to only the infamous trade for Len Barker, the trade of Wilson Betemit to LA for a yet to prove himself 24 year old infielder and a (another) lame relief pitcher is not only bad, it makes me wonder what Schuerholz has been taking. Damn!
By Sane Jane
August 27, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
I love how a dude who doesn’t even understand the fundamentals of player/contract movement is going to tell me that I don’t know what I’m talking about.
Fellas, please.
By Spike
August 27, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
That there is no love lost betweeen Smoltz and his GM isn’t news, and Smoltz has been around Atlanta long enough to earn the right to criticize management for not responding to needs. All during the off season the talk was the need for a closer and bullpen help, and look what we ended up with. I’m not ragging the bullpen because they are guys just like you and I trying to make a living. Tyler Yates had pitched less than 10 innings in two years and was brought to the bigs…is that his fault? Ken Ray had no success to speak of and was in a semi pro league last year and made the team out of spring training and has done remarkably well even though he’s tiring after all the work this year. Where were Paronto, Mc Bride, Villareal? For the most part we got what we paid for.The point is, if Smoltz doesn’t speak up we’ll end up next year writing the same crap, so I applaud Smoltzie for being outspoken and I hope Chipper gets on the wagon also, then management and ownership will have to listen. As pointed out earlier, the scariest part of all of this is the new ownership and their committment to winning.
By Jason
August 27, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
What is the difference to Smoltz if JS picks up his option now or two months from now? JS seems handcuffed when has only a $95million budget. He has poorly allocated his budget by severely over paying players. Can you imagine the $15million Marlins if they had a $95million payroll? They might win 130 games.
By LAC
August 27, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
Why in the HELL…Do we have THE WORST GM’s in Pro sports ? Here in Atlanta !
schuerholz has turned into a lifeless wimp.
Then the guy with the Hawks…LOSER and then dumb waddell… Why can we NOT have the best ? I amdamn tired of spending $ to see teams that will never win a title…They ALL are afraid of spending MONEY…Just like every company out there who could pay the lowest man on the pecking order $100K and not miss a dime…We are heading for a CRASH with the Braves… This liberty crowd looks like a loser for sure… But we already have losers in charge… Be THANKFUL Atlanta sprit is not in charge…They still have their diapers on !
By LAC
August 27, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this
Why in the HELL…Do we have THE WORST GM’s in Pro sports ? Here in Atlanta !
schuerholz has turned into a lifeless wimp.
Then the guy with the Hawks…LOSER and then dumb waddell… Why can we NOT have the best ? I amdamn tired of spending $ to see teams that will never win a title…They ALL are afraid of spending MONEY…Just like every company out there who could pay the lowest man on the pecking order $100K and not miss a dime…We are heading for a CRASH with the Braves… This liberty crowd looks like a loser for sure… But we already have losers in charge… Be THANKFUL Atlanta sprit is not in charge…They still have their diapers on !
By Curtis
August 27, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
I think Jane should send her resume in for the GM job.
By LAC
August 27, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
Why in the HELL…Do we have THE WORST GM’s in Pro sports ? Here in Atlanta !
schuerholz has turned into a lifeless wimp.
Then the guy with the Hawks…LOSER and then dumb waddell… Why can we NOT have the best ? I amdamn tired of spending $ to see teams that will never win a title…They ALL are afraid of spending MONEY…Just like every company out there who could pay the lowest man on the pecking order $100K and not miss a dime…We are heading for a CRASH with the Braves… This liberty crowd looks like a loser for sure… But we already have losers in charge… Be THANKFUL Atlanta sprit is not in charge…They still have their diapers on !
By Ron Roberts
August 27, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
Having been a writer for a mid-market daily newspaper a few years back, I can assure you…
…John Schuerholz is a grade-A arrogant p******.
That being said, his body of work in Atlanta, overall, has given him the wiggle room to be such an arrogant S.O.B. over the years.
See, the problem is this… there’s plenty John Schuerholz has done wrong in the offseason and during this season that’s hindered the 2006 Atlanta Braves, and for once, there’s plenty of heat in the kitchen.
Ya know what they say about handling the heat, right?
If Schuerholz doesn’t like what’s being said (or implied, in Smoltz’ case when he merely hoped management would assist the team when there was a brief spike in performance following the June slide), then he should hang up his apron and let somebody else prepare the menu.
I appreciated hearing ANYBODY from the Atlanta Braves organization saying (to the fans, in essence) that there was a hope to improve this team. As a fan, I certainly hope my favorite team, when struggling, still wants to be better and compete for a championship. So what the hell did Smoltz say that was so wrong, John?
I’ll tell ya what problem was… when Smoltz said he hoped management would better the roster before the trade deadline, that put the onus on Schuerholz to actually do it.
Sorry, mister holier-than-thou general manager, but that’s your damned job, anyway, and if your my crap doesn’t stink attitude can’t deal with a little criticism, you’re in the wrong business. Fact is, before Smoltz made that statement, we had no hint of an assurance from the Braves that there were indeed any such hopes to improve this team… in fact, the track record of the Atlanta Braves, since they lost Gary Sheffield has been “we’ll do what we can for as little as we have to spend, and if we can’t do it that way, we’ll call up a kid from the minors and pray it works out.”
Kitchen’s kinda hot, Schuerholz. Get to cookin’ or get out.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 27, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Well, this isn’t good. Smoltz may be pitching for a free agent contract next year. I just can’t believe that JS wouldn’t resign him but this ridiculous policy of not negotiating contracts during the year are killing this team. This is a no brainer. This team wouldn’t be anywhere near where they are at without Smoltz. What the heck are they waiting for.
Honestly, JS has not been a very good GM this year. I have even wondered how he and Cox are getting along. Cox has to be upset at the rejects that he was given out of that bullpen. JS hasn’t acted with any sense of urgency. He seems to get very offensive anytime his moves or non moves are questioned. That is always a sign that someone isn’t totally sure of what he is doing.
I see where Jeff Conine was traded to the Phillies and have to wonder why he wasn’t traded here. What about Moyer. He has some money to work with but didn’t make any more moves besides Baez and Wickman when it was obvious the starting rotation needed help. I personally don’t think Smoltz is the only one not happy with JS. He is just the spokseman. I still say I think part of Chipper’s problem earlier in the season was that he was upset that he restructured his contract for what appears to be no reason.
As I said earlier, this policy of not negotiating during the season is stupid. It has cost us Furcal and Sheffield in the last 3 years. I don’t care what anyone says. Sheff would have stayed if a deal had simply been offered to him. I don’t think he would have demanded 13 mil like he got from the Yanks. He would have played for 10. He is on record saying he would have taken less money to stay in Atlanta if they acted like they wanted him. What about Furcal. If JS has simply offered him 6 to 7 mil in April and May of last year like he wanted, Furcal would have stayed and the Dodgers offering him 13 mil would have never came into play. Is Furcal worth 13 mil? No! Is he worth 6 or 7 mil? Yes! Again, Furcal is on record saying he would have stayed if a deal had been made before the all-star break.
The fact is if JS makes Smoltz mad then it will be very bad for the Braves. While the team may hold the option, Smoltz holds the cards. If he starts demanding a trade, then that could cause an upset clubhouse. The other guys will watch how Smoltz is treated and wonder what will happen to them.
JS better pull his head out of his butt and exercise the option before he loses this team and maybe even Cox. I bet anything Cox is not happy with the way things are going
By Sane Jane
August 27, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the love, Curtis. Would you believe I am a public schoolteacher?
When Chipper restructured his deal in the offseason (of which I was highly critical; still am - he’s way too fragile to be converting option years into guaranteed ones), it was supposed to free up money so the Braves could sign some talent.
Did we? Did that money get spent?
Or pocketed.
By Larry
August 27, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
JS writes how JS and JS aren’t very nice to each other.
How cute!
By Ron Roberts
August 27, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
…and frankly, with Chipper’s $6 million going largely unspent, (how ya think he feels about making that offer, the team accepting it, and doing nothing with it to actually improve the team, Schuerholz? Think he might be a little peeved at “the organization,” too?) and with the loss of contracts to pay Thomson, Sosa, Brian Jordan, Todd Pratt, Reitsma, et al, there’s about $10-11 million under the AOL/TW-slash-Liberty Media salary cap to improve on what is a very young and talent-laden team.
This is the offseason where Mr. Schuerholz will have to prove his worth. Ya think maybe his arrogance has worn thin w/other GMs in the Majors? I sure hope not.
By Louis Vales
August 28, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this
Jeff Conine is a borderline “warning track power” has been who hit one fewer homer last season than Willie Mays hit in one game. Yea, bring in Jeff Conine!!
By Peter Brawley
August 28, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
OUCH! To beg a question is to assume what one claims to be proving.
You mean it RAISES the question. Where is the copy editor!?
By Howard Wright
August 28, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
Nick at night is crazy.
By JL in Rabun Co.
August 28, 2006 03:18 AM | Link to this
There are often two sides to consider in a complicated situation. First, I have been a big fan of John Smoltz and I hope he will be back in Atlanta next year. I expect that from what he has said, he would like to have the assurance and guarantee that his option is being picked up now. That would assure him that he would earn the $8 million next year and do so in Atlanta. It would also make him feel wanted and appreciated for what he has done for the Braves in the past. I can clearly see this side of the situation. On the Schuerholz side, he must use the money in his budget wisely and efficiently. While he may feel that a healthy John Smoltz would clearly be worth the $8 million committment for next season, Smoltz does have a history of developing arm problems late in the season. Schuerholz may feel that it is only wise and prudent to wait till the end of the season to make the $8 million committment so that he can be assured that the money is wisely invested in a healthy John Smoltz. That would seem to be in the Braves best interest, especially when working with a limited budget. I sincerely hope all of this works out favorably for the Braves and John Smoltz, but I do think there are two sides to most issues. This is my first time to post a comment. I hope it may be of some help.
By Dion
August 28, 2006 03:20 AM | Link to this
Ok for starters, Chipper got screwd. He was trying to help the team but end up just hurting his pockets. He could have kept the money and the braves would still be in the same situation, stuck on the outside of the wildcad race looking in. Is it just me or did Andruw go in to a BIG slump after hearing about his name on the waver wire,, hhhhmmmmmm. The excuse of injury is a no factor with him because he is always hurt. John Smolts is a star player and deserves the right to say whatever he feels. What he said is true. He knows what it takes to win and he has shown it this year, too bad others haven’t followed. Here are my views on some of our players, if you dont like it tell me what you think!!!
John Schuerholz: Get the hell out of town and dont come back!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobby Cox: Hell of a manager, this isn’t his fault he had a horrible bullpen to work with and tried his bedt I am sure.
John Smoltz: Hall Of Fame for sure. He has been the backbone of the Atlanta pitching staff for years. If you let him go he will just come back and beat the hell out of you like all players the Braves trade with the exception of Glavine. Maddux wil destroy the braves when they play.
Chipper Jones:Getting OLD. I think he has a couple of decent years left in him if he can stay healthy. His feet are ok and he has one of the highest batting AVG. in the National Leauge. The only drayback with him is that he is way too injury prone. if he could have been healthy for the entire season maybe we wont be over 5 games out of the wildcard.
Andruw Jones: The best defensive outfielder in the leauge, hands down. Though he gets talked about for “so called” lack of hustle, he makes his plays. He is so smooth in doing so that it seems to come easy, this is being mistaken as lack of hustle. As for his offense he wont hit over .290 or seal 25 plus bases but he will still get you 30+ HR and 100+ RBI’s every year. Why woyld you want to get rid of that plus an amazing glove???
Jeff Francoeur: OVER RATED. If Atlanta wants to ma another WS run they will have to get some bats in the lineup that can hit over .260, draw walks, and wont slump for 3 weeks at a time after being hot for 1 week. His slumps are horrid!! I am not saying trade him, his D is great beside AJ but a left fielder that can swing a bat and help in the outfield. Jeff is not a superstar but a role player in the outfield an an occasional offensive lift if you catch him on the right week.
Matt Diaz/ Ryan Langerhans: Good pinch hit back up players. Not starters that would round out the Atlanta outfield. The Braves need a quality left fielder. Ryan is great od defense but his bat is not the best by any means. Matt is a good hitter but he dosent have the best range or arm. If Ryan could play the field and let Matt hit for him every at bat then we may have something but we all know that isnt possible!!!!! POINT IS we need a left fielder.
Adam LaRoche: Emerging Star first baseman. He may not ma an Albert Pujols but he has a nice bat, Power, and a decent glove. I expect Adam to have an even better year next season than he is having now. He fits well with the Atlanta plan and I feel he has proven himself worthy to stay in the lineup as the Braves FB.
Brian McCann: WOW. Best Catcher in the NL without a doubt! This guy is a stud!! He will Finish this year in the top five batting AVG. he is a clutch hitter and he dosent strike out a lot. He is wise beyond his baseball years. He has a higher % of throwing out runners that any othe catcher along with his offense. This guy will be around and be good here in Atlanta for a long time unless JS (HOMEBOII) decided to make a dumb move, would not put it past him.
Tim Hudson/ John Thompson: Too Unreliable, Let em go. You may be able to get another quality starter for Hudson. Thompson gets rocked, after every good game he has a FEW bad games. We can do better without him or TIMMY
If atlanta had Avg pitching out of the bullpen they may be able to make it back to the playoffs next season. They will need some healthy starters along wit a healthy set of Jones boys. their offense will be there but they just need a lot of help on the pitching end. Another good starter in the offseason would not be a bad idea. If I offended anyoun with my comments, Sorry, to end this The Braves need to do something FAST we Atlanta fans arent used to this abuse and false hope!!!!!
By Train Wreck Bystander
August 28, 2006 06:01 AM | Link to this
Smoltz stood by while the bullpen lost one-run games by the bushel in the early part of the year.
When the team needed a closer, he wouldn’t step up. When the team got a closer, it was too late.
Smoltz is sweating now. Do you think any future team will treat him with kid gloves like the Braves have?
I don’t.
By Louis Vales
August 28, 2006 06:54 AM | Link to this
Wow!! If Smoltz doesn’t sign, they might not win as many World Series as the Marlins have in the last 10 years!!! HOMEBOY—-UNREAL!!! Give him the money Time Warner. I’m sure if his near 40 year old troubled elbow blows out that he will repay you after all the millions he has made even though this will result in he and his extended family might not be able to live as well for the next 3 generations. HOMEBOY—John, He Called You A Homeboy!! Now go reward him to show you that is how it’s done.
By Mark
August 28, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this
Its funny how writers are so much in love one day and then not so in love the the next day.Im sure JS has a few people above him letting him know what to do and when.We all love JS and JS( John Smoltz) as well,The Braves are in a tough position being between owners.It want get better anytime soon , because the sell is about taxes..not owners who love the Braves..thats greedy America again.So thats what I think. Good Day
By Bill
August 28, 2006 07:31 AM | Link to this
Smoltz is the last reason to herald the Braves! He has been the most consistant person on the field and off. He is an asset to the community (a rarity lately). He has done everything that this organization has asked and has performed top notched and if they don’t bring him back, then why watch a sinking ship. Smoltzie needs to always be a BRAVE.
By Bill
August 28, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this
Smoltz is the last reason to herald the Braves! He has been the most consistant person on the field and off. He is an asset to the community (a rarity lately). He has done everything that this organization has asked and has performed top notched and if they don’t bring him back, then why watch a sinking ship. Smoltzie needs to always be a BRAVE.
By Eddie
August 28, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this
LET HIS CRYBABY A* GO!ONE SEASON IN 15 YEARS WE ARE NOT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS AND HE IS WHINING.IM SICK OF HIM WHINING ON THE FIELD IF THE UMP DONT CALL A STRIKE 15 FEET OFF THE PLATE AND WHINING OFF THE FIELD TO THE MEDIA.HE NEEDS TO GO UP STAIRS HIMSELF,IS HE TO OLD TO CLIMB STEPS,IM SURE THEY HAVE A ELEVATOR.SHIP HIM BACK TO DETROIT WHERE HE BELONGS AND LETS GET THAT KID THAT THROWS OVER 100MPH AND MORE.GET OUT SMOLTZY!!!YOU PIECE OF S__T!
By John
August 28, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this
The article makes perfect sense why the Braves are so bad. This is another perfect example of Schuerholz and the Braves thinking they can put a winning team on the field, doing it on the cheap and it’s not working now and it hasn’t worked for sometime. I can’t figure out why everyone is so surprised with the way Smoltz and his contract situation is taking place. Look at what has happened in the past few years, Glavine, Drew, Maddux, as well as bone head trades. Who’s next Andrew Jones for a Milwaukee relief pitcher. I think it might be time to cut ties with perhaps the general manager and not the players.
By Ron Roberts
August 28, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this
Sorry, but anybody who suggests that Smoltz should go from starting every 5th day to closing in mid-season, just isn’t informed enough to warrant reading their posts.
The man moved to the ‘pen to help the team, and they hardly even got to him in the playoffs. Out of concern for the team’s future performance, he opted to move back to the rotation for his own health (it’s not as strenuous on his arm, folks) but because our starters were the likes of Russ Ortiz, John Thomson, and Jared Wright.
By Train Wreck Bystander
August 28, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
Then feel free to skip my posts, Ron R.
Smoltzie not only stood by when the pen needed him, but he lectured management in the press for not helping the pen out.
Cut and dried.
By mart
August 28, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Smoltz is as responsible as anyone else for the October debacles.
By KC
August 28, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this