Would your thoughts on Smoltz change if...

[Dreamscape]

...he signs with the New York Mets? A recent MLB Trade Rumors article (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/where-will-john-smoltz-land.html) discusses where Smoltz could land this offseason and one of possible spots seems to be Flushing, New York. After missing out on the bulk of starting pitching targets, the Mets, who really need starting help, could use Smoltz.

But would that change the way people look at Smoltz? The Braves/Mets rivalry is not what it once was, but the backlash toward Tom Glavine was significant. Of course, the circumstances are not all that similar. Smoltz has played for two other organizations since leaving the Braves so he would not be going from Atlanta to New York. He's also not leaving Atlanta in a fight.

But, I wonder if he signed with the Mets if it would change how we view him.

[BigWorm]

Different circumstances here. Smoltz is not turning down a lesser lucrative offer to pitch for his long time team in favor of the rival. He is simply trying to lengthen his career. This wouldn't effect me one bit on how I view Smoltz. Heck, I might even find myself rooting for the Mets when he's pitching (not against the Braves of course).

[Hobbes]

Different circumstances here. Smoltz is not turning down a lesser lucrative offer to pitch for his long time team in favor of the rival. He is simply trying to lengthen his career. This wouldn't effect me one bit on how I view Smoltz. Heck, I might even find myself rooting for the Mets when he's pitching (not against the Braves of course).
Agreed. He isn't spurning the Braves. He would be going to one of the few teams willing to employ him. No hard feelings from me.

[bravos4evr]

Yeah it's not like we offered $3mill and they offered$4mill and he bailed to da Mets after a long Atlanta career. He's just trying to keep playing.... Apples and oranges IMO.

[Andy G.]

It wouldn't change how I think of him. In fact, I doubt he'd think twice about signing with the Mets if they offered him a better contract than anybody else. He showed as much loyalty to the Braves fans last year as the Braves front office did to him. He doesn't value the support we've given him over the past twenty or so years as much as he values dollar signs...or the level of respect and appreciation that dollar signs represent...or whatever.

I'll love Smoltz no matter what. He can win the Mets a World Series and I won't love him less. I just don't see him as being different from any other ball player after his actions last offseason. He'll go to the highest contract, assuming there are multiple offers.

[Lauren T.]

I'm a little more curious about the possibility of Glavine getting a front office job with the Braves than Smoltz going to the Mets. So much drama. ;)

[FrankEC]

I wouldn't like him any less if he signs with the Mets. If he does, I think it will be because he has something to prove even if it's only to himself. I'm sure he believes that he can still pitch and wants to leave the game on his own terms. I can respect that. I hope it works out for him.

[The Rap]

Smoltz signing with the Mets would be akin to someone desperate to keep pitching going to a team desperate for pitching. Not similar to Glavine's situation at all.

[Middle Man]

He would obviously be a spy. Glavine would find out everything going on in NY. I hope he signs.

[Chris_Moderato]

Smoltz signing with the Mets would be akin to someone desperate to keep pitching going to a team desperate for pitching.

It wouldn't be akin to that. It would be that exactly.

[mojochopper]

I will forever be a Smotlzie fan for all that he did with the braves. Nothing can take away all of those postseason wins, 96 Cy Young Award, the convert from front line starter to front line closer and back "to help the team any way he could", not to mention obtain braves single season save record in the process, or all the veteran leadership in the club house after Maddux and Glav had left. This guy wore his heart on his sleeve and And gave the braves everything he had to give each and every time he took the mound. He was the last connection from the great 91 season and consecutive division titles. He will always be a "BRAVE" in my book, no matter what. Now, will I continue to pull for the guy if he takes the mound for the Mutts? That's another question all together. I wish him the best personal success but not at the braves expense.

[jlcct]

I always liked Smoltz. I respect his professional enthusiasm. If he wins I will be happy. If we win I'll be happy. If he loses I'm sad and if we lose I'm ...extremely pissed. ....When I talk to my kids I'll tell them about Smoltz.

[KB 34]

The Braves don't have a spot in the rotation for Smoltz or probably the money for that matter. It's time for him to retire but if he wants to pitch hey, I guess NY works. To me the Braves ultimately cut the ties, not him. I have nothing but respect for Smoltz and his career.