The New Year is only a week old, but we’re already off to some wild changes!
No, I am not talking about our soon to be president. That in itself is a huge change but the sports landscape is changing rapidly.
In the first week of January we have already seen:
1. Boston College fires their football coach for interviewing for the vacant head coaching position with the New York jets.
2. Bobby Bentley resigns at Presbyterian College to go back to Spartanburg District 5.
3. John Smoltz apparently agree to terms with the BOSTON RED SOX!
That last one has my head spinning! Smoltz, who has spent his entire 21-year career with the Braves apparently has come to terms on a one year, $5.5 million guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $5 million in incentives.
While I am keenly aware that Smoltz is 41 and coming off a major shoulder surgery to me, there comes with 21 years of service with one organization a certain amount of loyalty to the same employee.
Smoltz on more than one occasion turned down significantly more money to resign with the Braves.
The Braves have had a less than stellar off-season so far. They failed to come to terms on a trade for Jake Peavy, the ace of the San Diego Padres. They then identified A.J. Burnett as their fall back target and lost out to the Yankees for him.
They still have not acquired that power hitting corner outfielder they publicly stated was a priority and now, will have to deal with the fall-out from no signing Smoltz.
Let’s be clear, signing Smoltz baseball wise is a risk. NOT signing Smoltz is a BUSINESS disaster! Sources say that less than $3 million was the amount that Smoltz and the Braves were apart.
Smoltz has been the face of the franchise, their best pitcher in the post season, EVER and a main stay in working in the community.
Not signing Smoltz sends the wrong message to the fans. IT is a typical example f short term gain is long term foolish.
The powers at be with the Braves evidently got caught up in saving some money now but will see the consequences for their decision for years to come.
Fans make emotional investments in their teams regardless of sports. Fans get crushed when their players leave for another franchise and more often than not blame the player.
This time, the fans can squarely level their fury in the direction of the Braves.
Smoltz gave 21 years of service to the Braves and that should have earned him the right to get a fair market offer.
This should be a good lesson for everyone that the body of a persons work should far and away mean more than one event you’re trying to work through in the present.
Again, short-term gain will be long term foolish!
There's a petition out calling for Frank Wren's firing:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?FireWren
We’re only a week into the new year, if it’s been this hectic to start, buckle up cause the rest of the year should be very, very interesting!
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