John Smoltz set to sign with Cardinals

It looks like John Smoltz has a new home, and is anyone surprised it's in the National League?:

Right-hander John Smoltz will sign Wednesday with the St. Louis Cardinals if he clears waivers, according to an online report.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, citing "multiple sources," reports on its Web site that Smoltz will join the club and become its fifth starter, replacing rookie Mitchell Boggs. Boggs was the losing pitcher Tuesday night as the Cardinals fell 7-3 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Earlier Tuesday, ESPN.com reported that Smoltz was "strongly leaning" toward choosing the Cardinals, who contacted Smoltz's agent on Monday.

Redbirds general manager John Mozeliak told the Post-Dispatch on Monday that he called Smoltz's agent, Lonnie Cooper, to express interest in signing the 42-year-old righthander as a setup reliever.

"We're looking at a number of options for our bullpen right now. It's fair to say he is someone we have legitimate interest in," Mozeliak told the Post-Dispatch.

Geez, Cardinals. Why don't you take all of our leftovers? Why don't you take Julio Lugo off our hands, too?

Oh, wait.

I really don't understand Smoltz. He refuses an assignment to Pawtucket and says he doesn't want to pitch out of the bullpen, but look where he's going to go: the 'pen! Smoltz could have just gone to Pawtucket, sat there for a few weeks and then come September be called up and be ready to go. But no. Instead, he decides to go back to the NL-- where he last pitched well -- and try to get a ring there.

Whatever, Smoltzie. I wish you the best of luck in your new red uniform.