Free agent right-hander John Smoltz, a likely Hall of Fame pitcher who has started and closed games since 1988, is the object of speculation that has a number of teams showing interest – including the Seattle Mariners.
Smoltz has talked publicly about returning to the National League after going 2-5 with a 8.32 earned run average with Boston in 2009. In seven starts with St. Louis late in the year, he was 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA.
The 41-year-old worked 78 innings in 15 starts last season, and ended the year with a career record of 213-155 with 154 saves.
According to Foxsports.com, the Mariners are one of about a half dozen teams that have expressed ‘preliminary’ interest. Like the John Lackey rumor, this one may be at the far end of reality.
Then again, that may be where the Seattle Mariners will be shopping this winter.
NO!
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The Mariners are inquiring on everybody. They have cash, its responsible to do so. Can’t wait till we are done with random rumors. Smoltz seems like a low probability of being a top priority for the M’s
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John Smoltz is better off in NL let or does everyone need to be reminded of his stint in AL with boston didn’t pan out that good and why would Mariners want Hall of fame pitcher still trying to live on the past and just retired already as his stuff isn’t what it used to be.
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This guy is 41 years old. He was great in his prime, but that was nearly 10 years ago!!! I thought there was some sort of youth movement we were all looking forward to at one point in time! I know some of the younger guys on the team need a year or so longer in in their farm system, but I think we need to stop pursuing guys in their late 30′s and or early 40′s!! Is it just me that thinks this way?
I like the addition of Griffey again, hope Sweeney and Branyon come back as well. I may be crazy here, but I think they need to look at Washburn before they look at Smoltz….
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I would prefer him over bringing on Wash back on a mulit-year deal. But I think Smoltz shoud be a guy who comes with a incentive laden contract. Personally I wouldn’t sign him with the intention of needing him. Only pitching him if he is performing. I seriously doubt that he believes he as sunk that low. Something tells the risk that we are willing to put up for Smoltz wouldn’t be enough to bring him to Seattle. But Z is looking everywhere as he should. This is just another rumor.
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Exactly….. Just a rumor!! They need hitters more than they do pitchers!! That I do know.. After seeing the last few seasons, I think we can all agree that players who can hit the ball is what we need!!
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