Smoltz shopping around for new team?

For the second time this winter, there were reports Wednesday that Braves veteran John Smoltz would consider other teams — the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and his hometown Detroit Tigers — if the Braves don’t re-sign him.

Smoltz is coming back from June surgery on the rotator cuff and labrum of his pitching shoulder. The 41-year-old free agent threw off the mound without pain last week, his first mound session since the operation.

His agents apparently sent video of the workout and his medical reports to a few teams. Braves general manager Frank Wren said the Braves weren’t alarmed or offended.

“I think you have to know what’s out there,” Wren said, meaning Smoltz and his agents had to see what level of interest he might draw on the open market.

Smoltz and Wren have made it clear throughout the offseason that once Smoltz was far enough into his throwing program to show the team he’ll be able to pitch in 2009, they expect to work out a contract.

“We’ve said all along that we’re in a situation where we’ll watch him over the winter, and make a decision at the appropriate time,” Wren said. “From our perspective, we’re not there yet.”

Wren added, “If he can pitch, we would like to have him back.”

Manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Roger McDowell witnessed Smoltz’s mound session and were impressed. Cox said he had no doubt Smoltz would be back, and that both the Braves and Smoltz were assuming it’d be as a starting pitcher.