Tigers Acquire John Smoltz?!?

LAS VEGAS -- The Tigers are among the clubs that have requested medical information on free agent John Smoltz, a gesture certain to stir emotion among fans across the state who remember ruefully the native son’s departure in a 1987 trade with the Atlanta Braves.

Smoltz, 41, appeared in only six games with the Braves this year before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. But he has resolved to pitch again next year and threw “very well” in a workout Friday, according to his agent, Keith Grunewald.

“He was ecstatic,” he said. “He felt great.”

The Braves, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets are among the interested teams, but sentimentality and practicality could bring Smoltz to Detroit.

Smoltz would prefer to pitch as a starter in 2009, and the Tigers’ rotation remains unsettled after Justin Verlander, Armando Galarraga and the rehabilitating Jeremy Bonderman.

Smoltz was born in Warren, became a multi-sport star at Lansing Waverly High and maintains close ties to the area. He returned to Michigan recently to watch Michigan State’s basketball team play North Carolina at Ford Field.

Smoltz’s grandfather, the late John Frank Smoltz, worked on the grounds crew at Tiger Stadium. Nicknamed “Father John,” he was so recognizable at the old ballpark that Ernie Harwell was the first person to arrive at his funeral wake.

John Adam Smoltz, the pitcher’s father, played his accordion behind the bar at the venerable Lindell A.C. while Tigers players celebrated their 1968 American League pennant. He helped on the grounds crew and was an usher at the ’84 World Series.

Smoltz was drafted by the Tigers in 1985 and traded to Atlanta two years later in a deal that brought Doyle Alexander to Detroit and helped the Tigers win the AL East.

Smoltz has won 210 games and saved 154 others in a storied career with the Braves. More than two decades later, he has a chance to return to the place where it all began.

Does anyone here have any take on this or no?

I think it would be nice to have him as either a closer or a starter. Health may be a concern but I wouldnt mind it.

gdennis59 wrote:

Does anyone here have any take on this or no?

I think it would be nice to have him as either a closer or a starter. Health may be a concern but I wouldnt mind it.

I haven't heard anything other than what is already posted

No news as of yet.

I would rather see Smoltz come to Detroit as a closer. With his arm injury last year, the less strain on that arm the better.

Plus, I am simply ILL at the idea of 'Nando as our closer..... :puke2: