Major League Baseball

Smoltz won't retire, searching for new club

Published Aug. 15, 2009 5:36 p.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

John Smoltz definitely wants to pitch again in 2009.




Smoltz, 42, does not intend to retire, according to a major-league source. He is open to joining clubs as either a starter or reliever, the source said.

The Red Sox have until Monday to either trade or release Smoltz. Earlier this week, he refused the option of an assignment to the minor leagues.

The Dodgers, Rangers, Cardinals and Marlins are among the teams that will be interested in Smoltz if he becomes a free agent, sources said.

A trade is possible because Smoltz has cleared waivers, but the bonuses in his contract would complicate negotiations with the Red Sox.

A release is more likely, according to major-league executives.

Smoltz receives about $35,000 for each day he is on the active roster and other appearance-based bonuses. He also receives a $500,000 bonus if he is on the active roster and not the disabled list on the last day of the season and a $500,000 bonus if he is traded.

If Boston releases Smoltz, the Red Sox will be obligated to pay the remainder of his one-year, $5.5 million contract he signed in the offseason.

If Smoltz signs with another team, Boston would receive an off-set of the pro-rated minimum salary. Under that scenario, Smoltz's new team would not pay him any bonus money, as the bonuses are negated once a player is released.

The Red Sox designated Smoltz for assignment on Aug. 7 after the righty gave up eight runs in 3 1/3 innings in last Thursday's loss to the Yankees. In eight starts this year, Smoltz is 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA.

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