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Jan 8, 2009 12:58 pm US/Eastern
AP: John Smoltz Agrees To Deal With Red Sox
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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John Smoltz (file image)
AP
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John Smoltz (file image)
AP
John Smoltz has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, a stunning end to his long career with the Atlanta Braves.
$5 MILLION PLUS INCENTIVES
A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the final paperwork had not been completed, told the Associated Press that Smoltz will sign a $5 million guaranteed deal with the Red Sox that includes the possibility of earning another $5 million in bonuses. The deal was expected to be finalized later Thursday.
But, a Red Sox source told WBZ's Dan Roche Thursday morning that a report of the deal was "premature".
INJURY HISTORY
Smoltz, the only pitcher in baseball history with 200 wins and 150 saves, had pitched for the Braves since 1988. The 41-year-old is coming off major shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of last season, but feels healthy enough to pitch at least one more year.
Smoltz apparently turned to the Red Sox after the Braves balked at giving him more than a $3 million deal, the person said. Atlanta general manager Frank Wren declined comment when reached by e-mail, and there was no immediate comment from Boston officials.
Smoltz began his career as a starter, winning 24 games and the NL Cy Young Award in 1996. Numerous elbow problems led him to shift to the bullpen to relieve the stress on his arm, and he set an NL record with 55 saves in his first full season as a closer in 2002.
After three years finishing games for the Braves, Smoltz moved back to the rotation in 2005 and didn't miss a beat, going 14-7 with a 3.06 ERA. He went 47-26 in his second run as a starter, but shoulder pain cut short the 2008 season after only six appearances.
Smoltz tried to pitch one game as a reliever, then underwent surgery to fix what he said were "five or six problems," including his labrum, AC joint and biceps.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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