According to Newsday’s Ken Davidoff, the Yankees “went after [John] Smoltz hard before they acquired Javier Vazquez.” Given the lack of solid options available on the current free agent market, Smoltz, 42, would have been a nice pickup had the Yankees not acquired Vazquez. I would rather have his low-cost upside – 8.42 K/9, 4.06 K/BB, 3.87 FIP last season – than, say, Joel Pineiro at two-years and $16 million. Plus, by adding Smoltz, the Yankees probably would have signed Johnny Damon by now (though I wonder what would have happened to Melky/Gardner). So, while Vazquez is a much better option, signing Smoltz would not have been a bad move, all things considered.
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8 Responses to Yanks sought out Smoltz
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Good God how can you say that after watching Smoltz flame out against us and the AL East? Sometimes when there is nothing good to say it’s best to say nothing.
I wouldn’t have minded them adding him if they couldn’t find anyone else. His peripherals were strong, despite the bloated ERA, and he was throwing in the low-90′s. That’s not bad. His numbers all seem to indicate that his early season struggles were driven by bad luck, but there was also a story I read about him tipping pitches while with the Red Sox. For these reasons, I would have been okay if the Yankees signed him. There’s some risk there, but it’s minimal, really.
Chris, normally I think you are great, but I don’t get this either. The whole reason Vasquez is great is that he is not only an innings eater, but there is a very good chance he will be a pitcher in the 4 spot that is really a capable 2 pitcher. I get the argument for Sheets, and I would still be on board if they say signed him and dealt Joba for a star young left fielder, then transitioned Hughes into the rotation. But the issue with Sheets is the same issue for Smoltz; the durability. The upside is better. Smoltz also doesn’t have nearly the talent at this age. The Cardinals didn’t resign him, and they are desperate for SP. I just don’t see how this could be anything better then a flier. The Red Sox fans had the same feelings last year, saying things like, “I would take Penny/Smoltz for cheap over Burnett.” They ran out and signed Lackey ASAP, so I don’t see how Cashman could have realistically thought, “Yeah, this is a great plan B.” The only way I could see Smoltz coming was if he was accompanied by a guy like Sheets. The risk way out weighs the reward for Smoltz alone at this age.
I definitely see what you’re saying, Jay. I think, from my perspective, I see last season as an aberration for Smoltz, one that he can bounce back from. I love the Vazquez deal, but if the Yankees didn’t get him and were looking for someone at a reasonable cost and that could deliver if healthy, I wouldn’t have minded them adding Smoltz. A year removed from shoulder surgery could also help him. The Yankees have enough pitching depth so signing Smoltz wouldn’t have been a poor decision (in my opinion). It would have led to some other moves too – resigning Damon, for example – which would have made the move seem better after the fact.
And if Smoltz had flamed out, then the Yanks could’ve easily done what Boston did…
Smoltz????it must be a rumor started by a met fan.. as a yankee fan i would find no humor in it..if it happened i would have vomited..i would rather have guidry start throwing again for us… can not be true
Must every other article on the Yankees have a ‘bang for the buck’ angle? That’s all well and good for fantasy considerations but lacks merit in the real world. John Smoltz? He is, at age 42, one warm-up toss from never pitching again. So could his value be expressed as 0/$ ? I’d hate to end up losing the division/play-off berth by a game because Smoltz went Kaput in August. Let the Yankee brass worry about the beans, and hope that they pick the best talent to win. To the fans that cry about Yankees’ buying rings, I say “tough”. This should be a great if not interesting year!
Agree with most of the sentiments here. It doesn’t matter if he would come cheap or if he would be easily disposed of if it didn’t work out, the principle behind the signing would’ve been idiotic. He sucked vs. the AL East last year. He’s old. The Yanks don’t need an old man that got rocked against superior competition, even if he comes for the same price as the McDonalds Dollar Menu.
I’m SOOOO glad they didn’t go down that road.