If healthy, right-hander John Smoltz could emerge as a prize on the open market, becoming an intriguing one-year option for any number of clubs.

Smoltz, who turns 42 in May, still figures to stay with the Braves, for whom he has pitched exclusively for the past 20 seasons.

But the Braves are waiting to determine if Smoltz is sufficiently recovered from shoulder surgery before offering him a contract, creating the opportunity for other teams to bid.

The Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers are among the teams that likely would be interested in Smoltz on a one-year deal. The Rangers and Brewers also could pursue him. And don't forget Smoltz's hometown Tigers, who traded him to the Braves for Doyle Alexander in Aug. 1987.

Smoltz, who holds the major-league records for postseason wins and strikeouts, surely would prefer to pitch for a contender. And the Braves easily could re-emerge as such a team — they've traded for right-hander Javier Vazquez and are trying to add free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett and another hitter.

Smoltz threw off a mound for the first time last Friday since undergoing surgery last June. He threw all of his pitches and greatly impressed Braves manager Bobby Cox, who was in attendance.

"Oh, he'll be back, no doubt in my mind," Cox told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Texas Rangers News News » Smoltz likely to draw interest from several clubs
Smoltz likely to draw interest from several clubs
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