It's a Business

Smoltz to Boston...

Well, according to those in the know, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz is heading to Boston. Smoltz, who has pitched only for the Braves in his career, has been offered a 5+Million dollar contract, plus incentives to go pitch in Beantown. Smoltz is still recovering from surgery on his labrum (shoulder) last season and won't be ready to pitch at least until May.

((photo courtesy of Newsday))

See Buster Olney's story from the 4-Letter word here

Boston.com chimes in as well here

The loser in this, I think is the Baseball fan. Yes, the Braves may be included in that as well, but at least according to reports, they don't seem to be convinced that Smoltz will recover and be the same Smoltz he has been. The Braves need to move on, for too many years they have remained tied to the players of the past, guys who have helped them succeed but are on the downside of their careers. They need to begin rebuilding, using the top-flight farm system they have and grow them young. The Braves and their fans need to realize they aren't going to be Boston or New York and need to be content with that. Look at what Tampa did last year, it proves that you don't need to be the highest paid team with all the big names to win.

Personally, and this is my opinion. Boston and New York are horrible for baseball. They just throw money at every big name player out there. More often than not it doesn't work out and hopefully it won't this time either. If both teams went 0-162, it would be the greatest thing in the history of competitive Baseball. As for Smoltz, I've interviewed him more times than I can count and he has been nothing but a class act. I don't expect that will change if he goes to Boston. It may look weird, but quite honestly, it is the reality that is now Baseball. Baseball is now about seeing who can waste more money, Boston or New York and the rest of us have just become passengers watching the ship that is baseball sail into the sunset. (Damn that is deep!)