For the first time since 1989, the Braves will begin a season without John Smoltz in the clubhouse. Smoltz signed a free agent contract with the Red Sox during the off-season. During his time as a Brave, Smoltz won 210 games, saved a franchise record 154 more, and won 12 postseason games. In 2008 Smoltz pitched through tremendous pain and pitched well in his five starts posting a 3-2 record, a 2.00 ERA, and posting two 10 strikeout games. Despite his success on the field, Smoltz could no longer deal with the pain and shut down for a month. After a few minor league rehab appearances Smoltz returned for a single relief appearance on June 2 which resulted in a blown save. Smoltz was forced to undergo shoulder surgery under the care of renowned Dr. James Andrews. After the surgery, Dr. Andrews said that he had never seen a shoulder as badly damaged as Smoltz’s was. Smoltz would most likely not be ready to pitch at the beginning of the 2009 season.

With this knowledge, and the fact that the Braves had one quality starter returning for the 2009 season, Braves GM Frank Wren faced a tough decision. The Braves made a low offer of $2 million with a lot of incentives to Smoltz. The Red Sox, after coming to Atlanta to watch Smoltz throw in a now legendary workout, offered Smoltz a larger $5.5 million guaranteed contract plus incentives with the understanding he would only be asked to pitch the latter part of the season. With the higher guaranteed contract and, in my opinion, a better chance to win another World Series, Smoltz agreed to terms with Boston within days.

Who knows what Smoltz would have been able to contribute on the field this season? Wren had to assume Smoltz wouldn’t be able to go at the start of the season. After last season when injuries forced seven pitchers to make 13 or more starts and only one pitcher made more than 25 starts (Jurrjens with 31), Wren sought out veteran durability. In a combination of free agent signings and a trade, Wren brought in workhorses Javier Vazquez, Derek Lowe, and Japanese star Kenshin Kawakami. Tom Glavine was re-signed to be the fifth starter. Top prospect Tommy Hanson (the subject of my next post) figures to be the first one called upon should any of these starters get injured or falter, and veteran Tim Hudson should be able to return in August after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Will the Braves miss John Smoltz on the field? In my opinion the answer is an easy “no.” The Braves had half a season last year to prepare for life without Smoltz. While the Braves did not win much with Smoltz out, their rotation the last half of the year should have been pitching in Richmond.  While all Braves fans appreciate his talent, grit, and competitive spirit, he simply could not be counted on to contribute in the way the Braves would need him to this season. However, the absence of Smoltz will be felt in the clubhouse. Smoltz was the guy the media could always go to for a quote and an honest assessment of the team. He was also great at keeping things loose in the clubhouse as a jokester and judge of the kangaroo court.

What can Red Sox fans expect from Smoltz? Think a better version of Curt Schilling without the blog. Smoltz is a big game pitcher, and he will pitch through pain. Hopefully Smoltz’s surgery will allow him to pitch pain-free for the first time in several years. If so he should be able to spend a few more seasons adding to his Hall of Fame credentials. Smoltz is expected to be activated around June 1, which will mean he should get a few appearances in before the Braves and Red Sox match up in back-to-back weekends at the end of June. I’m hoping these series will be a World Series preview.

Interestingly, John Smoltz also becomes the latest in a long line of Brave legends that did not finish their careers as a Brave. No player who has had his number retired by the Braves played his entire career for the organization. Warren Spahn went on the pitch for the Mets and Giants during his last season. Eddie Mathews split his last two seasons between Houston and Detroit. Hank Aaron finished up as a part-time player for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1975 and 1976. Phil Niekro went on to pitch four more seasons and win 50 more games for the Yankees, Indians, and Blue Jays after the Braves deemed him too old after the 1983 season. Niekro did finish his career as a Brave in a token appearance when he started a September game in 1987 after being released by the Blue Jays. Dale Murphy was traded to the Phillies during the 1990 season, one season prior to the Braves beginning their string of 14 straight division titles. Murphy finished his career as a member of the inaugural Colorado Rockies before he was forced to retire early in the season.