Rob Neyer's new post references an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report that, among other teams, the Astros have expressed interest in John Smoltz this off-season.
Neyer:
Like most of the rest of the unsigned veterans who used to play in All-Star games, Smoltz probably is still good enough to play in the majors. It's just a question of money and pride.
What do you think? Should the Astros take on Smoltz? And in what role?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label John Smoltz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Smoltz. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Astros NOT interested in Smoltz.
So suck it, Rosenthal. Hours after Fox Sports added Houston to a list of teams interested in John Smoltz, McTaggart sets the record straight:
Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros. And while the Astros have kicked around dozens of names from the list of free agents who have filed, sources indicate their interest in Smoltz just isn't there.
If Valverde leaves, the Astros will need a closer, but it ain't gonna be Smoltz.
Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros. And while the Astros have kicked around dozens of names from the list of free agents who have filed, sources indicate their interest in Smoltz just isn't there.
If Valverde leaves, the Astros will need a closer, but it ain't gonna be Smoltz.
Monday, August 17, 2009
John Smoltz just keeps popping up
USA Today won't let the "John Smoltz to Houston" thing die.
With Mike Hampton missing his next start because of a shoulder strain, there's a ready-made spot in the rotation waiting to be filled. Once Hampton is able to return, rookie Bud Norris is already 61 innings over the number he threw last season. Houston could certainly use the pitching depth, but would Smoltz be effective in a hitter's park like Minute Maid?
What say you?
With Mike Hampton missing his next start because of a shoulder strain, there's a ready-made spot in the rotation waiting to be filled. Once Hampton is able to return, rookie Bud Norris is already 61 innings over the number he threw last season. Houston could certainly use the pitching depth, but would Smoltz be effective in a hitter's park like Minute Maid?
What say you?
Monday, August 10, 2009
Examiner says Astros signing Smoltz a "strong possibility"
Which is also like saying it's an option. However, the Examiner chimes in:
With reliever Doug Brocail landing on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder and left-handed starter Mike Hampton battling a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, Astros general manager Ed Wade could be in the market for a veteran arm to provide stability to both the rotation and bullpen.
History proves that owner Drayton McLane jumps at the opportunity to sign aging veterans to cost-effective, low-risk, potential high reward contracts. Like Hampton in the offseason, Smoltz fits the profile for McLane.
After taking the weekend series at Minute Maid Park against the Brewers, Houston remains tied for third and six games out of first in the NL Central. It may appear to be a lost cause, but McLane typically refuses to throw in the towel
In 2006, the no-hope Astros were eight games behind the divisional-leading St. Louis Cardinals before going on a 10-2 tear to close out the season. Had they not dropped the final game of the season in Atlanta, Houston would have forced a playoff.
Ironically, it was Smoltz's six scoreless innings which officially concluded the Astros' season.
With the door closing on Smoltz in Boston, another might open in Houston. Ultimately, the decision to continue playing comes down to Smoltz, but he should have plenty of options.
I hope Smoltz does pitch, and pitch well, again. I just hope it isn't here.
With reliever Doug Brocail landing on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder and left-handed starter Mike Hampton battling a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, Astros general manager Ed Wade could be in the market for a veteran arm to provide stability to both the rotation and bullpen.
History proves that owner Drayton McLane jumps at the opportunity to sign aging veterans to cost-effective, low-risk, potential high reward contracts. Like Hampton in the offseason, Smoltz fits the profile for McLane.
After taking the weekend series at Minute Maid Park against the Brewers, Houston remains tied for third and six games out of first in the NL Central. It may appear to be a lost cause, but McLane typically refuses to throw in the towel
In 2006, the no-hope Astros were eight games behind the divisional-leading St. Louis Cardinals before going on a 10-2 tear to close out the season. Had they not dropped the final game of the season in Atlanta, Houston would have forced a playoff.
Ironically, it was Smoltz's six scoreless innings which officially concluded the Astros' season.
With the door closing on Smoltz in Boston, another might open in Houston. Ultimately, the decision to continue playing comes down to Smoltz, but he should have plenty of options.
I hope Smoltz does pitch, and pitch well, again. I just hope it isn't here.
Would the Astros take a flier on Smoltz?
I hope not, but there's some baseless speculation in this MLB article.
The Red Sox would like Smoltz to restructure a clause in his contract that allows him to make $35,000 for each day he is on the Major League roster.
The report also states it is unlikely that any NL team would be willing to take Smoltz in a trade without the Red Sox agreeing to some form of financial adjustment. The Dodgers, Cubs, Brewers and Astros are seeking pitching.
Are the Astros really seeking pitching (beyond the given that every team is always looking for pitching)? With a rotation - in effect later this week - of Oswalt, Wandy, Moehler, Hampton, Norris (and Bazardo, should Hampton not be able to go), would you want Easy Eddie to take a chance on Smoltz?
The Red Sox would like Smoltz to restructure a clause in his contract that allows him to make $35,000 for each day he is on the Major League roster.
The report also states it is unlikely that any NL team would be willing to take Smoltz in a trade without the Red Sox agreeing to some form of financial adjustment. The Dodgers, Cubs, Brewers and Astros are seeking pitching.
Are the Astros really seeking pitching (beyond the given that every team is always looking for pitching)? With a rotation - in effect later this week - of Oswalt, Wandy, Moehler, Hampton, Norris (and Bazardo, should Hampton not be able to go), would you want Easy Eddie to take a chance on Smoltz?
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