You guys are getting one of the best in the bigs in Smoltzie. It’s very sad to see him go after all these years, but I wish you guys and him luck this season.

Even though I have doubts about both. I don’t expect to see Smoltz before June.

I should probably wait to see how 2009 goes, but Theo is getting real good at making low-risk, high-reward deals. Smoltz, Baldelli and Penny are all past or potential All-Stars – if they stay healthy, we should expect great things from these moves.

Good low-risk, high-reward moves by the Sox.

are the chances of Smoltz agreeing to come out of the pen for the Sox? Or will they even try that?

Or if J.D. does and Rocco has to start in his place or whatever…the Sox could maybe then use somebody like Chris Carter, Jon Van Every, Zach Deages, or Jeff Corsaletti (in general, someone already in the system) to replace that player on the roster for that time being. Just a thought to those who are saying we still need somebody.

What numbers will they wear though? Will Smoltz take Foulke’s old 29? Will Rocco take Nomah’s old 5?

I know it’s been said by Bmacbandwagon up there, but you guys got a true class act. The Sox were in better position than the Braves, in terms of finances and roster construction, to take on the risk of signing Smoltz.

Here’s hoping Smoltzy gets to go toe-to-toe with CC a few times this season…you guys won’t be disappointed.

Smoltz once played a good friend, also a very competitive guy, in pingpong. Smoltz won.

“I bet I can beat you playing left-handed,” Smoltz said.

Then he did.

“I bet I can beat you playing from my knees,” Smoltz said.

Then he did.

What I would give to see Smoltz and Pedroia, mano y mano, on the ping pong table.