January 7, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Sox reportedly agree to terms with John Smoltz
The Red Sox have reportedly signed free-agent righthander John Smoltz to a one-year contract, this according to Mark Bowman of RedSox.com. The deal, which could be announced as soon as Thursday afternoon, is believed to be worth $5.5-million, with performance and roster-based incentives that could bring the total value to $10-million. Smoltz, 41, pitched in only 28 innings last season due to shoulder trouble, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.57 ERA and 36 strikeouts. Smoltz had surgery on his right shoulder in June, and isn't expected to be ready to pitch until the end of May. It is unclear what role Smoltz will ultimately occupy with the Red Sox, although the twenty-year veteran has said he'd like to return as a starting pitcher.The eight-time All Star and 1996 Cy Young Award winner owns a career record of 210-147, with a 3.26 ERA and 3,011 strikeouts in 3,395 innings pitched, all with the Atlanta Braves. Smoltz has also recorded 154 career saves, including a run of 40+ saves in three straight seasons from 2002 through 2004. Smoltz is one of only two pitchers in major league history, along with former Red Sox great Dennis Eckersley, to win 20 games in one season (24 wins in 1996) and save 50 in another (55 saves in 2002).