October 31, 2008 The Sports Network reports that John Smoltz filed for free agency on Friday. The 20-season veteran Smoltz has spent his entire career with the Braves, starting in 1988. He appeared in only six games this past season before undergoing shoulder surgery.
Our View:It appears that Smoltz will indeed attempt to comeback and he could return to a closer's role again as he seeks to keep his shoulder healthy.
October 27, 2008 John Smoltz's agent claimed Smoltz may pull a Roger Clemens and wait until mid-season to return, but if you ask Smoltz, he never said any such thing, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I know nothing about it," Smoltz replied. “It’s news to me."
Our View:Smoltz is still hopeful that he will be able to work his way back from June shoulder surgery to pitch at the start of the 2009 season, but at this point his return to the hill is still a bit of a stretch though all the early reports have been positive.
October 9, 2008 John Smoltz's jersey worn while recording his 3,000th career strikeout is being sent to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View:The jersey will be part of a "Today's Game" exhibit. The spikes used by Derek Jeter when he set the record for most hits at Yankee Stadium while be among other items on display as well.
October 3, 2008 The Atlanta Braves believe both Tom Glavine and John Smoltz will be healthy come spring training, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I think in both cases [for Smoltz and Glavine], they’re ready for spring training. We won’t know for sure until they increase the intensity on their throwing programs later in the winter, but I think both of them are on track to be ready," said Braves GM Frank Wren.
Our View:Smoltz had his shoulder repaired with surgery, and Glavine had both shoulder and elbow surgeries this season. The team would like to bring both back, but counting on them - along with Mike Hampton - to be healthy all season is a dangerous proposition.
September 10, 2008 John Smoltz said he received good news from his checkup with the doctor on his surgically repaired shoulder, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “Everything went great,” Smoltz said. “We are stepping up the program.”
Our View:Smoltz won't attempt to throw until October, but it should be clear by the end of that month if he will be able to give it a go in 2009. Here's to wishing that he has at least one more season left in his right arm.
