John Smoltz Decides He's Boston Bound

With John Smoltz expected to sign a one-year deal worth $5.5 million with the Red Sox sometime Thursday, Boston finds themselves with even more depth added to their starting rotation, while Atlanta finds themselves even more depleted of starting pitching.

The Red Sox have offered Smoltz up to $10 million in incentives, while the Braves' package that was offered to the veteran was only worth $2 million with up to $7 million in incentives.

Atlanta fans have to feel a little disappointed with Smoltz, who has spent his entire career as a Brave after making his major league debut in Atlanta in 1988.  His decision may have been influenced by the higher offer presented by Boston, but the fact that Smoltz will be in more contention for a World Series ring in Boston was likely a huge factor as well.

Reports also came out in early November that had Smoltz claiming that Braves' management were taking him and his talent for granted, an early indication that Smoltz was looking to leave town.

While Smoltz's talent is still evident, his health is a huge question mark.  The righty pitched in only six games for Atlanta last season before being sidelined with season-ending surgery.  Smoltz spent the remainder of the season in the press box as a TV analyst.

Boston hopes that Smoltz will continue to have successful rehab this offseason, but due to his age, there is a good chance Boston is paying good money to have another voice on the air during televised broadcasts.

With the departure of Smoltz, Atlanta is left with a starting rotation consisting of Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Jo-Jo Reyes, and a number of possibilities, which include Tom Glavine, who is showing good signs in rehab thus far, and Derek Lowe, who the Braves are meeting with Thursday afternoon.

Atlanta also has their eye on Kenshin Kawakami, a 32-year-old right-hander from Japan.  While the Braves rotation could be very powerful with the addition of Lowe and Kawakami, it would be pretty dismal without them.

Atlanta fans are not only beginning to have doubts about their starting rotation but also with GM Frank Wren, whose offseason has been anything but spectacular.  Fans have seen the acquisitions of Jake Peavy, A.J. Burnett, and Rafael Furcal to be nothing more than fantasies, while the departure of Smoltz only makes matters worse.

Wren may find himself in the hot seat at season's end if things don't go Atlanta's way in 2009.