Braves Re-Sign Smoltz for $7.75 Million a Year

John Smoltz knew all along that he wanted to stay in Atlanta, and when the Braves offered him a $31-million, four-year contract--a record deal for a pitcher--the decision was easy. He re-signed with the Braves Wednesday.

His $7.75-million average is second in baseball behind the $10-million average Albert Belle will get from the Chicago White Sox.

At least four teams, led by the Cleveland Indians, showed serious interest in Smoltz. The Indians reportedly discussed a $30-million, four-year contract. Baltimore, Toronto and the New York Yankees also talked with Smoltz.

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Details of Belle’s contract with the White Sox became available, and they revealed he will get $10 million in each of the next five seasons, with the White Sox holding a $10-million option for 2002. If the option isn’t exercised, Belle would get a buyout of $5 million to $8 million.

Also, he has the right to ask for a raise any time after the end of the 1998 season if three players sign deals three years or longer for a higher average salary.

Baseball Notes

Right-hander Pat Rapp and the Florida Marlins agreed to a one-year contract worth $1,125,000, more than triple his $350,000 salary last season, even though Rapp was 8-16 with a 5.10 earned-run average in 30 games and 29 starts last season. . . . Reliever Jesse Orosco and Baltimore agreed late Tuesday to a one-year contract worth $850,000. Orosco was prevented from filing for free agency when the Orioles offered arbitration last Friday. . . . Jim Rice, whose future had been in flux during Boston’s 50-day search for a manager, will return as the Red Sox hitting coach.