John Smoltz said nothing has changed about his desire to finish his career with the Braves, and the veteran pitcher was surprised and a bit upset over what he said was a misrepresentation of something he told a writer last week.
Smoltz, attempting to come back from career-threatening shoulder surgery, was quoted by Atlanta magazine saying "for the first time, without reservation," he would pitch for another team if things didn't work out with the Braves.
 Jason Getz/Cox News Service The Atlanta Braves announce a season ending shoulder surgery of pitcher John Smoltz, right, as manager Bobby Cox listens. For a larger, high resolution image, click HERE |
That portion of a longer, wide-ranging interview was made into the lead of a wire service story displayed prominently on ESPN.com.
When asked about the story recently, Smoltz said it was much ado about nothing, that he said these same things since he went in for June shoulder surgery: He would do everything in his power to pitch again; he had every intention of staying with the Braves; there was no guarantee the Braves would re-sign him.
"I really don't know why I'm answering this question," he said. "I've been here for 21 years, and I'll be here as long as they have a spot for me."
He's in the final year of his contract and hasn't discussed a new deal yet with Braves general manager Frank Wren. Smoltz, who'll be 42 in May, said he didn't expect to talk contract until he finds out whether he can pitch again.
He had a $12 million option for 2009 that would have vested with 200 innings pitched this season. Smoltz pitched in six games (28 innings) before throbbing pain became too unbearable for him to continue.
"I understand if I'm a zero on a scale of 1 to 10" that there's no need to discuss a contract, said Smoltz, who said he is a "zero" in terms of the Braves knowing if he'll pitch again.
He indicated, however, he feels far better about his shot at returning than he did just before and after surgery to repair severe wear-and-tear damage in his labrum and other parts of the shoulder.
As for pitching for another team if the Braves don't bring him back, Smoltz called that "a no-brainer."
In other words, he's not going through countless hours of painful rehab to pitch again, only to leave his ultimate fate to the Braves. If he can pitch, he's going to pitch for someone.
"I know I'll be here," he said, "unless they say I'm not good enough or I can't pitch."
Smoltz has a regularly scheduled checkup today with Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, where he expects to be cleared to proceed to more rigorous rehab exercises.
So far, Smoltz said trainers and medical people have been "astounded" by his rapid recovery. He's drawing motivation from familiar sources: skeptics in the media and elsewhere who don't believe he can pitch again.
He has fed off that before, coming back from four elbow surgeries to surpass 200 wins, 150 saves and 3,000 strikeouts, the only pitcher to accomplish that feat.
The recovery timetable calls for light throwing in October, and Smoltz said he'll probably know within 20 days of that whether he can reasonably expect to pitch again. "Actually I already know," he said, smiling and not elaborating.
It probably wouldn't be until January or February that he could pitch on the mound and test the shoulder to give the Braves a good idea if he'll make it back. They probably will proceed with offseason plans as if he's not returning.
If he returns, Smoltz doesn't know if it'll be as a starter or reliever.
The Braves are expected to have about $40 million available to spend on 2009 salaries for free agents or trade acquisitions, but they have some major holes to fill, including at least one outfielder and two proven starting pitchers.
