MLB icon John Smoltz, renowned for his Hall-of-Fame pitching career primarily with the Atlanta Braves, is now gearing up for a different kind of competition. The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida, will feature Smoltz alongside professional women golfers from the LPGA Tour and various celebrities and athletes.
In an exclusive interview ahead of the tournament, Smoltz shared his enthusiasm for the event and his motivation to participate, emphasizing the joy of competition. Reflecting on the LPGA Tour, he expressed admiration for the players’ exceptional skills, highlighting their fundamental soundness and incredible talent. Smoltz acknowledged the pride and banter among celebrities in their own tournament, emphasizing his competitive spirit by stating, “If they’re going to keep score, I want to be on the leaderboard. I want to win.”
When delving into baseball, Smoltz touched upon several intriguing topics. One notable discussion point was Shohei Ohtani’s substantial contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, prompting Smoltz to offer his insights on the dynamic player’s impact on the sport.
The conversation naturally shifted to the Atlanta Braves and their prospects for the upcoming 2024 season. Smoltz, synonymous with the Braves, provided valuable commentary on the team’s outlook, adding a layer of insider perspective to the interview.
Not confined to baseball, the interview also ventured into the realm of music, with a mention of Morgan Wallen’s ’98 Braves song. This intersection of sports and culture showcased the diverse topics covered in the conversation.
As John Smoltz prepares to showcase his competitive spirit on the golf course, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions becomes not just a sporting event but an opportunity for fans to gain insights into the multifaceted interests and perspectives of a baseball legend. The interview encapsulates the excitement and anticipation surrounding this unique event, set against the backdrop of a great golf course and a meaningful cause.
Joey Mistretta: Let’s delve into the world of baseball. As an Atlanta Braves legend, you’ve witnessed the team’s journey. Despite falling short last year, the Braves had an exceptional offensive season, facing challenges with a new format and a rusty offense after a five-day break. What are your thoughts on their outlook for 2024?
John Smoltz: Last year was a unique set of circumstances, a perfect storm. The Braves had an offensive explosion in the organization’s history, but the long break seemed to impact their performance. Credit to the Philadelphia Phillies for capitalizing on the situation. The Braves are poised for success again, representing the National League East. Health will be the key factor. A dynamic team with young talent, the sky’s the limit offensively.
Shifting gears to a controversial topic, pitcher’s innings limits have been a point of discussion. Being a legendary pitcher yourself, what are your thoughts on pitchers not going deep into games, often exiting around 90 pitches?
John Smoltz: It’s not the pitcher’s fault; it’s an industry problem. The reward system dictates the approach, urging max effort and quick transitions. The issue lies with the industry, not the players. Players may not even have the leverage to demand change. While I find the philosophy flawed, it’s the current norm shaped by analytics. Unfortunately, it contributes to an increase in injuries. Players operate within the parameters set by the information and expectations prevalent in the game.
Shifting to MLB free agency, it has seen its share of attention, particularly with Ohtani’s signing. However, other signings have been slower. There’s talk of a potential structure similar to the NBA, with a condensed timeframe for free agency. Do you think MLB would entertain such an idea?
John Smoltz: It’s an intriguing concept. Baseball has a way of sorting itself out. The current system doesn’t guarantee dominance for specific teams, unlike other sports. Regardless of spending and free-agent acquisitions, baseball’s beauty lies in its unpredictability. Over a 25-year period, we’ve seen around 15 different champions, showcasing the uniqueness of the sport. The 162-game season and a 26-man roster make baseball distinct from other sports like basketball. The two may not equate in the same way.
Joey Mistretta: Let’s dive into the realm of free agency, and I can’t ignore the elephant in the room – Shohei Ohtani’s colossal contract with the Dodgers. What are your thoughts on this groundbreaking deal?
John Smoltz: It’s undeniably unique, something I’ve never seen before. Whether it sets a new trend for contracts remains to be seen. Ohtani’s exceptional abilities allowed the Dodgers to explore this unconventional approach. While he won’t be pitching next year, the true test of the contract lies in the following years. Ohtani’s dual-threat prowess makes him the greatest player in the game, and the Dodgers’ moves suggest they’re eyeing not just one championship but multiple. The business and marketing aspects are evident, but time will reveal the true value of this contract.
Joey Mistretta: Building on Ohtani, let’s shift to his former teammate, Mike Trout, with the Angels facing challenges. Considering the team’s struggles, do you think Trout should entertain the idea of requesting a trade?
John Smoltz: The decision to explore a trade is subjective and depends on a player’s aspirations. While pundits may suggest a timing issue for the organization’s drastic change, Trout’s immense value is unquestionable. His contract’s essence and the window for a team to capitalize on acquiring him might be closing. Whether Trout finishes with the Angels or not is uncertain. The team, once reliant on Trout as the drawing card, now faces the reality that even the two greatest players in the game couldn’t secure a postseason spot. It underscores the complexities of baseball, requiring numerous components to navigate a 162-game schedule successfully.