What a bummer. As far as we know, braves didn’t even make an offer. I can’t imagine Smoltz would want to leave if the money in ATL was even close.
When Glavine left, it was understandable because it put him closer to home. Smoltz isn’t signing with Detroit. This guy has been with the team for 20 years and they just let him go. Wren is a bum.

I’m sawry Smawltyz, but I jest can’t wawtch ya whear that fawkin’ yun-e-fawrm man. Ye dissed ma Braves man, naw I gotta diss ywou! Dawn’t spend all ya fawkin mawney in wone place, heh!

1. Anyone else think this means FW will pursue one of the remaining FA starters (as opposed to going into next season w/ what we have)?

2. Why does DOB have nothing to say about this?! I have defended the guy, and maybe he’ll have something to contribute later, but he’s missing the boat so far.

If Wren offered as much and Smoltz left, then all of the respect I had for Smoltz goes right out the window. Fucking sellout.

If Wren just didn’t even offer anything to a healthy Smoltz, then he deserves to be fired on the spot.

DOB commented about ten minutes ago:
"Hey, I posted just as Mark was posting his story. If the $5.5 mill figure is accurate, then yes, I believe he’s gone, too. Because I KNOW Braves had no intention of giving him anywhere near that much guaranteed money.

To be honest, Braves hadn’t even committed to a major league contract yet, which is why I wrote after winter meetings that I was less confident than before about them signing Smoltz. Because we were told there, at winter meetings, that Braves weren’t ready to make an offer and that they were going to construct their team with or without Smoltz and Glavine and all that.

If Smoltz is leaving, then it’s because they haven’t given him any assurances of a guaranteed major league contract anywhere near what Bostons is offering. And if that’s the case, can’t say I blame him at all for leaving."

DOB likes to flip flip IMO.

The completely irrational, fan part of me is dying at hearing about this. I mean, it’s John Freaking Smoltz. I barely remember watching the Braves before he was with them. I got his autograph for the first time this year in Spring Training and was so excited I called up like 15 people immediately. The guy is a god and the toughest player in Braves history.

That being said, the more logical part of me is actually behind not bringing Smoltzie back (and even less behind bringing Glavine back). The truth is, the guy only pitched 28 innings last year and he looked like he was in pain on every single pitch. And yeah, when he’s healthy he’s still as dominant as can be, but he’s turning 42, he’s had a ton of major arm surgeries (seriously, I’ve lost count, 2? 4? 6? somebody help answer this one), how often can you reasonably expect him to be healthy anymore?

As much as I hate to say it, if somebody is willing to guarantee him a major league job and a bunch of money, then good for him, but I don’t think it would be prudent for the Braves to do so. We saw how having a bunch of money tied up in players who aren’t playing hindered them this season, but more importantly, we saw how expecting players to play who can’t hurt them. Signing up for another season of counting on guys who are likely to see more days on the DL than off just doesn’t seem like a good plan.

I love the guy and I’m thankful for all the memories, but if he really needs that kind of financial security and job security, then I wish him well in Boston.

failure for Wren. Not that he could have given the guy an incentive laden contract that would have kept him.

Blows Peavy, Burnett, looking like an idiot in the Furcal deal, and still no starters signed or power bat. Throw this guy in the scrap heap along with Bobby Cox.

Been sitting here waiting for the punch line to this joke.

We…you…he…I…SOB

I love Smoltz as much as the next Braves fan, but $5.5mil guaranteed is a lot to throw at a very old starter (?) with a big time injury risk. It’s going to suck a lot of ass to see Smoltz not pitching in a Braves uniform, but it’s probably the right move to make.

Unfortunately, most Atlanta fan are very fickle and will probably see this move as a reason to attend games even less frequently.

I feel like I did the last time I got dumped. I can change. I’ll be better. I won’t drink as much. Whatever it takes.

Please don’t go.

I have ten dollars. Maybe we can start a collection. Everyone pass the hat around.

and I am speechless at this. I won’t even say anything bad about Wren. I’ll let all the people that have argued with me this winter say it all.

My opinion on the Smoltz development is I hope the sources are wrong but if this is true…. stomach punch after stomach punch

HE SHOULD BE FIRED THE MOMENT SMOLTZ SIGNS THE DEAL. WHAT A FUCKING DOUCHE.

Can’t blame Wern for not throwing 10 million at him, hes not worth it. We are not ever sure he can pitch next year. I love John Smoltz as much as everyone else, but we have to let him go. He wants another chance for a ring, to play in the playoffs, and Boston is his best chance. I can’t be mad at Smoltz for that.

its a sad day, dont get me wrong……beers on me

Whats even more insulting is the fact that in the upper corner is an ad for Red Sox gear.

In an offseason where Ryan fucking Dempster got like 12 per people are bitching about 5.5 maybe 10 for John Smoltz? Are you people stupid? For the potential lift he brings to your staff he’s worth that much not to mention the fact that this is deflating to fans, players, and members of the organization. You cannot put a price on the happiness of your veterans that basically got the message “We are not competing this year”.