Braves Re-Sign Smoltz for Record $31 Million

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.

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.

“We wanted to be patient but we also wanted to do the right thing,” the Cy Young Award winner said. “This, in my mind, is definitely the right thing, to carry forth the tradition that we started here.”

Smoltz, 29, led the majors with 24 wins and 276 strikeouts, along with a 2.94 earned-run average. He added four more wins in the postseason before the Braves were beaten by the Yankees in the World Series.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates won three division championships after acquiring Jay Bell from the Indians in 1989. They may return the favor by dealing Bell back to Cleveland.

The teams initially discussed a seven-player deal involving Bell and infielder Jeff King, but the Indians are focusing now on Bell as Jose Vizcaino’s replacement at second.

The San Diego Padres, who are looking for a second baseman, also were interested in King. But Pirate General Manager Cam Bonifay wanted two top prospects for King, who hit 30 homers with 111 RBIs last season, and San Diego was willing to part with only one.

Unless the two sides compromise, San Diego will probably send pitcher Dustin Hermanson to the Florida Marlins for infielder Quilvio Veras, according to sources.

Padre General Manager Kevin Towers said he planned to speak Wednesday night with Jody Reed, who is signed for next season.

Baseball Notes

Right-hander Pat Rapp and the 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. . . . Left-hander Jamie Moyer and the Seattle Mariners officially completed their $3.7-million, two-year contract. Moyer, 34, passed his physical after winning a career-high 13 games against three losses with a 3.98 ERA in 34 games with Boston and Seattle. . . . Reliever Jesse Orosco and Baltimore agreed to a one-year contract worth $850,000. Orosco was prevented from filing for free agency when the Orioles offered arbitration last Friday.

Details of Albert Belle’s contract with the Chicago White Sox became available. 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. . . . 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.