Braves, Smoltz agree on contract extension

Smoltz, who turns 40 next month, will receive $14 million in 2008 as part of the deal. The new contract also includes a $12 million option for 2009 that becomes guaranteed if Smoltz pitches 200 innings the previous season. The club has an option for 2010, at a cost of $13 million if he pitches 200 innings in '09 or $12 million if he falls short of that total.
Source: ESPN

Smoltz will finish his career as a Brave, it's a good news. But the financial problem seems out there. Between Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, and Chipper, the Braves have about $46M invested next year. Add in McCann, Gonzo, and Soriano...that's a good $7M. Then, plus Reteria's $8M, the budget would be set around $61M.
** I had Hampton's part with average $8M/yr. If with $15M instead, the total amount would be about $68M.

這樣看來，Andruw 季末應該是走定了。原本我認為，不考慮情感的因素、就球隊有限的預算，以 $14M/yr 留下明年就 41 歲的 Smoltz 值得商榷，因為 Smoltz 畢竟已經逐漸走到球員生涯的末段，而今年剛滿 30 歲的 Andruw 至少還有五、六年的好光景，留 Smoltz 捨 Andruw 到底是不是個好主意？當然，這裏假設的前提是「如果不留 Smoltz，就會留 Andruw」。

而就情感來說，能看到 John Smoltz 這位偉大的球員一生都待在 Braves 是件令人興奮的事，尤其現今銅臭味十足的 MLB 更屬難得，閃過我腦袋瓜裏的印象就只有於 2007 同年入選名人堂的教士先生 Tony Gwynn (1982-2001) 和金鶯隊的鐵人 Cal Ripken Jr. (1981-2001) 二位偉大球星。

Smoltz 對續約這件事的反應也讓球迷動容。

"I'm the most blessed man in the world," Smoltz said. "To have had the opportunity to have played all my career in one city and for pretty much just one manager, I just couldn't have asked for more."

"Words can't describe how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to finish my career as an Atlanta Brave," Smoltz said in a statement. "I am thankful to the Braves organization for giving me the chance to play this long and to play out my entire career with one team."

管他媽的鳥預算，我決定繼續當個快樂驕傲的勇士球迷。Smoltzie, you are THE MAN!

Reference:
Cox pleased with Smoltz deal
Braves give Smoltz an extension