[Lefty Noob]

Where will John Smoltz be playing next season? It may not be with the Braves, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz. "Smoltz’s contract is up after this season," Schultz says. "The Braves hold an $8 million option for next season — a relative swap meet price for a starting pitcher who leads the National League in innings (190) and ranks second in strikeouts (176)... But general manager John Schuerholz has yet to make even a verbal affirmation on Smoltz’s future — and the pitcher isn’t happy about it."

Do you think Smoltz will still be with the Atlanta Braves next season?

[EmpireWF]

I doubt it. Figuring he will still pitch, he can command a lot of money on the free-agent market as a starter. Atlanta will just have to cut ties and focus solely on young guys.

[Lefty Noob]

But its Atlanta who holds the cards here. For $8 million, they keep him around another season. Sure, as a free agent he'll probably command a lot more, but why in the world would Schuerholz let that happen?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

His future ends at Cooperstown.

This guy is a Haller...part of the Big Bad Braves Team...ace starter and ace reliever...I'd put him in.

[legend]

I just wrote an article on Smoltz- always a victim of poor run support, lost two of the greatest games in World Series history 1-0, although he didn't get the loss in the 1991 game vs Jack Morris. 15-4 in the post-season, Braves all time saves leader after just three plus seasons with 154, shares the NL saves record for a single season with 55, most wins in a year by a Braves pitcher, 24, a Cy Young in 1996, 17-3 in 1998. A Silver Slugger besides. A definite Hall of Famer.
Maybe he's a Yankee next year!

[MJHMarc]

I heard that the Mets might be interested in acquiring John Smoltz, since Omar Minaya likes power pitching. However, I would rather have Barry Zito for about the same price.

[david murray]

Big game tonight---don't look now, but the Braves are creeping back into the wild card race. I'm glad Smoltzie will be on the mound, and there is no way they don't exercise that 8 million dollar option for next year!