ATLANTA, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- After being wooed by a number of teams, most notably both World Series participants, 34-year-old righthander John Smoltz agreed to a three-year contract Sunday to remain with the Atlanta Braves.
The deal, which has a club option for 2005 and is worth a reported $30 million, keeps Smoltz with the only team for which he has pitched at the major league level. Despite a series of arm injuries over the past four years, Smoltz was among the most sought after players on the free agent market because of his ability to start or close.
"John Smoltz has been an important part of the success of this organization over the last decade," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "We are glad to have him remain a part of our organization."
After 12 productive years as a starter, Smoltz became the Braves' closer last season and converted 10 of 11 save chances. He added two saves in the postseason and seems suited for the role -- provided his surgically repaired arm can hold up.
Smoltz made his first 381 appearances as a starter, but when he returned from the disabled list last July, the Braves opted to use him out of the bullpen. Within a month, he was their closer.
By showing he could do both jobs, Smoltz was among the most attractive pitching options for a number of teams. The Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly made a pitch to Smoltz in which he could fill either role. As recently as Saturday, the veteran pitcher reportedly was headed to the New York Yankees as a starter.
The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals also were rumored to be interested in the free agent.
After missing all of the 2000 campaign following "Tommy John" surgery, Smoltz tried to return to the rotation at the start of this season but broke down by mid-June.
A four-time All-Star and the 1996 National League Cy Young Award winner, Smoltz is one of the cornerstones of Atlanta's vaunted rotation. But he has had a history of elbow problems, dating to the strike-shortened 1994 season, when he underwent arthroscopic surgery.
Smoltz had his best season two years later, going 24-8 with a 2.94 ERA and winning the Cy Young Award. He was 43-23 over the next three years.
Smoltz has a career record of 160-116 in 392 games. He also is 12-4 with a 2.72 ERA in 33 career postseason appearances.
The signing of Smoltz continues what figures to be a busy offseason for Atlanta. The Braves already have locked up Gold Glove center fielder Andruw Jones for six years and must make calls on free agent All-Star pitcher John Burkett and long-time catcher Javy Lopez.
