It's about time

Calling John Smoltz a shell of his former self would be an insult to shells.

I figured it was a good signing because He Knows How To Win® and He Hasn't Forgotten How To Pitch®, but with each successive start, it's looking like he doesn't and he has.

The Yankees were able to power their way to victory last night, despite Joba Chamberlain's career-high seven walks, to extend their lead over the Red Sox in the division to 3.5 games. At only 1-8 against their archrivals, that's remarkable.

A.J. Burnett and Josh Beckett get the nods at the Stadium tonight. Step on their throats, Yankees.

Red Sox sign Saito

The Boston Red Sox signed yet another player to an incentive-laden contract. Takashi Saito will join ex-teammate Brad Penny, along with Rocco Baldelli and John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal reports.

The contract will guarantee at least $1.5 million and could reach $7 million if he reaches his incentives.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm a little worried about all of these moves. There is no guarantee any of them will stay healthy, but if they can be scary if they do indeed produce.

Smoltz to sign with Red Sox; Baldelli too?

MLB.com's Mark Bowman is reporting John Smoltz will sign with the Boston Red Sox. According to a source, Smoltz will call the Braves tomorrow to tell them of his decision.

Smoltz is coming off of shoulder surgery and isn't expected to pitch until June 1, according to Bowman.

Meanwhile, Rocco Baldelli is close to signing with the Red Sox, according to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo (via Sliding Into Home.)

Braves think they still have Teixeira

Sorry, Atlanta, but he's ours.

Via Jim Baumbach at The Final Score comes this hilarious bit from the Braves' 2009 spring training ticket site:

Join the Braves in sunny Lake Buena Vista, FL, as they embark on a new journey toward National League East supremacy. They will play 18 Spring Training games at Champion Stadium.

Come on out to the ballpark and see the Atlanta Braves take the field for their 12th season of Spring Training at Champion Stadium. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see returning Braves stars like Mark Teixeira, Chipper Jones and John Smoltz as they play alongside the stars of tomorrow.

This is why copy editors will always have a job. At least they spelled "Teixeira" correctly.