Original Post: Another round of free agent pitchers came off the market this week when Ben Sheets and Jon Garland found new homes. That likely increased the leverage of John Smoltz, but the veteran right-hander may be in no rush to make a deal.
It was reported earlier this week that the Mets were active in discussions with Smoltz's agents and would use him as a starter.
Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News says Smoltz could also chose to pass on the Mets for now and wait until mid-season to find a new team. That approach worked last year for Pedro Martinez, who ended up in the World Series with Philadelphia.
Smoltz could avoid the grind of a long season and also chose a team that is assured on being in playoff contention.
I'm not in the business of telling other people what to do in their careers and this would be no different. If I were Smotlz and 43 years old, I'd probably do the same thing. If he waits it out, it leaves him more opportunities to pick his club. He wants to go to a team that's going to compete, so waiting helps him again there. Not to mention the clubs themselves can tell later on in the season what their needs will be. Especially after seeing Pedro's success and World Series run, if I were Smoltz there is no way I'd sign anytime soon. If the Mets can stay in playoff contention, they will stay in John Smoltz contention.
Added by Tom Pich at 11:27 am: Smoltz's agent denies the report, saying that the Mets never offered Smoltz a contract, and that Smoltz is open to joining the Mets.
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