Report: Red Sox sign RHP Smoltz

Jan 8, 2009 - 7:48 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox reportedly have added another high risk, high reward arm to their pitching staff.

According to a report Thursday on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's web site, the Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with veteran righthander John Smoltz that includes additional incentives worth up to $5 million.

When contacted by PA SportsTicker, the Red Sox refused to confirm the report.

The move would come a week after the Red Sox reportedly agreed to terms with two-time All-Star Brad Penny after he was cut loose by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Smoltz, who will turn 42 in May, has spent his entire 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves but will now move to the American League for the first time. A Cy Young winner in 1996, the veteran righthander has had success both as an inning-eating starting pitcher and as a closer, earning five All-Star appearances as a starter and three more as a reliever.

His 2008 campaign was cut short due to a shoulder injury as he underwent season-ending surgery in June after posting a 3-2 record with a 2.57 ERA in 28 innings.

For his career, Smoltz has put together a 210-147 record with a 3.26 ERA in addition to 154 saves - becoming the only pitcher in history to win at least 200 games and save at least 150.

According to the report, Smoltz had said many times in the past year that he wanted to finish his career with the Braves, but the team had not offered a major league contract to him that was anywhere near the amount that the Red Sox have reportedly guaranteed him.

The Braves reportedly were expected to go no higher than $3 million guaranteed, regardless of other offers he got.

However, Braves CEO Terry McGuirk told the newspaper that those numbers were not correct and that he was "shocked" and "surprised" by Smoltz's decision.

"We've offered him a package that would get him in the $10 million range, if he were to pitch a full season and pitch well," McGuirk told the newspaper. "For him to walk away from that and to go to another place, I'm just shocked and surprised."

Smoltz later released a statement refuting the Braves' claims.

"I was going to withhold comment until the announcement of my signing with a new team, but I now feel the need to clear up any misconceptions and inaccuracies about the contract negotiations between myself and the Atlanta Braves," Smoltz said. "There were large discrepancies between the offer from the Braves and offers from other teams.

"I have always loved the city of Atlanta, and it will always be my home. I will cherish my 21 years with Bobby Cox and all my Braves' teammates. I continue to wish the Atlanta Braves nothing but success in the future."

Smoltz, who earned $14 million last season and had a 2.00 ERA in five starts before pain in his shoulder forced him to the disabled list.

He tried to come back as a closer, but after one appearance he went back to the disabled list and announced he would have shoulder surgery. The procedure on his rotator cuff and labrum was considered career-threatening, and wear and tear to Smoltz's labrum was extensive.

But Smoltz, who had already come back from four career elbow surgeries, recuperated from this latest surgery quicker than expected and was throwing off a mound during the first week of December, according to the report.

Smoltz would likely not be able to pitch until late May, but the Red Sox normally overstaff their starting rotation to account for injuries, as they did with righthander Bartolo Colon last season.