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Braves: Still too early for Smoltz deal

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Braves pitcher John Smoltz said before his visit to Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham on Wednesday that he was confident he would be cleared to increase the level of his rehab work. And he was right. "Everything went great," Smoltz said in a text message after his exam. "We are stepping up the program." Smoltz said the timetable still calls for him to begin light throwing in October. He believes he'll know within 20 days of resuming throwing whether he'll be able to continue his pitching career. He's not under contract after this season, but Smoltz and the Braves are expected to work out a deal if he's able to pitch. General manager Frank Wren said Thursday the Braves would like to have Smoltz back, but said that it was too early to discuss a contract.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

John Smoltz, Rich Pilling/Getty Images John Smoltz, Rich Pilling/Getty Images

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September 11, 2008  07:12 AM ET
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Great guy, great pitcher... But he's gettin old.

September 11, 2008  07:42 AM ET
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it's a long hard road back but sounds like he'll know pretty quickly.

September 11, 2008  08:55 AM ET
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Smoltz has a very high pain threshhold and has the desire to pitch..... my bet is he'll be back in a more limited role..... perhaps sharing closer duties with Gonzalez.... would be a potent lefty righty combo and would allow both to last the entire season with their surgically repaired arms.... it would also mean that they could get Smoltz for more like $4-5M, with a lot of it based on incentives..... Where are you going to find a pitcher like Smoltz for that price.....

September 11, 2008  09:01 AM ET
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This would be a great idea. Re-sign him WHILE HE'S STILL HURT. Its not small miracle that the Braves are like 45 games back now. No offense Brave Sir Robin.

September 11, 2008  10:15 AM ET
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He is a great pitcher, and if he wants to play again and is healthy, the Braves should keep him. Im sure they can work out a lower and fair price.

Comment #6 has been removed
September 11, 2008  04:18 PM ET
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If he's able to return,it would be a great thing. Like the idea of him coming out of the pen as a closer (or any other bull pen role for that matter). Braves lost a slew of one run games this year by not being able to shut down the other team.

September 11, 2008  04:23 PM ET
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Sir Robin, that is the best idea.Keep up tha good work.

September 11, 2008  11:41 PM ET
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Time to start the "five year countdown" Mr. "HOF" Smoltz - retire now and reap the rewards of all your hard work !!!

 
September 16, 2008  10:27 AM ET
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Just let him retire. Unfortunately the Braves don't have anything in the bullpen or on the starting staff that will be able to make up for this guy, but he should retire and be inducted in the HOF in 5 years.

Then again if he wants to keep playing, let him play. He's near unstoppable as a closer.

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