John Smoltz in a Red Sox hat. Wow. When the story first came out I was not very happy with the Braves organization and especially Frank Wren. The braves were supposed to have a lot of extra money this year and were ready to spend it. But not on John Smoltz? But when I heard about the negotiations and that in reality the braves would be paying John more money in total (guaranteed + incentives) I turned my frustration and bewilderment towards John Smoltz. John took the offer that gave him more guaranteed money. The Braves would have given him 1 million dollars just to sign. Then after 30 days on the ACTIVE roster he would get another million dollars then after another 30 days etc... Frank Wren did what he had to do. He took the emotion out of the business and made a smart move. He did not want another Mike Hampton situation. Now the Braves have signed Derek Lowe for a 4 year 60 Million dollar deal (Reported by the ajc not confirmed by Frank Wren). What recession right? Derek Lowe was 6-1 with a 1.27 ERA in his last 10 starts. I am getting ready for Braves Baseball.
while i agree that the braves had some concern about his health, the red sox offer was A LOT better than the braves. The braves offer did give him more money, but only if he pitched the whole season. and if he only pitched half the season, he wouldn't have been guaranteed nearly as much money by the braves as the red sox guaranteed. the braves this year have a lot of money to spend, and im sorry, but adding 2, maybe 3 million, to that contract to smoltz, who has been here through it all, is not only worth it, but also out of respect to him. but the braves didn't do it. how dare you blame smoltz! braves are to fault. i mean, with the money they had this offseason, they couldn't afford 2-3 mill more for smoltz guaranteed? not only do we need his skill at pitching, but we need his veteran leadership. the braves organization is to blame. not him!!!!
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