John Smoltz

Pitchers and catchers reporting tomorrow down in Orlando (or "Dark Star" as Dave O'Brien of the AJC has so cleverly coined it)  has a welcoming ring to it.

Every trade, every signing, every prospect, and every rumor has been dissected and bantered about throughout this hot stove season to the point where the only thing really left to do is the most important of all: play ball.

The Braves are reporting to Spring Camp on Friday, and after an off-season full of moves, hopes are high heading into the 2010 season.

With a strong starting rotation, and a revamped offense and bullpen, the Braves think that 2010 will be the year that they return to the post-season.

Here are 5 Bold Predictions for the Braves in 2010, 5 things that might have a slim chance of occurring, but would be fantastic for the Braves organization.

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With spring training on the horizon, the Cubs have a need for a solid starter until Ted Lilly can return, and for a veteran right handed setup man for Carlos Marmol. John Smoltz could fill both needs, while adding a solid veteran presence to the clubhouse.

I am so tired of anyone who uses the "the Yankees spent 60 bazillion and bought the best record in baseball" comment. They even used it last year when they were not even in the postseason. These people I refer to are either Mets or Sawxs fan in my experience, and they always forget that they are the number two and three highest payroll teams in MLB and are sitting home on the couch. Just like their fans.

Trades. The complexity is unbelievable, yet the goal is simple. Throughout the years, thousands of trades have taken place. In some situations, a trade works out great for both teams involved. For example, prior to the 2008 season, Josh Hamilton was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Edinson Volquez. Hamilton played fantastically in 2008, hitting .304 with 32 home runs and 130 RBI's, which led baseball.

Now Boston has a problem like really no other in baseball which is that they really have too much pitching depth on their roster. This is obviously a good problem for Boston and today I will analyze who really deserves to be in their starting rotation. I will give a short synopsis of each pitcher and see if they deserve a spot in the rotation. I will also see if they deserve to be where they are today.

Josh Beckett and Jon Lester

John Smoltz was smiling in front of his locker on Tuesday afternoon as he finally confirmed that he will return to big league pitching on June 25 vs. the Washington Nationals, following a final three-inning rehab stint on Wednesday at McCoy Stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox.

But what he doesn’t want is fans thinking this is just about him.

I will try to keep this as respectful as possible, because you are still my favorite Atlanta Braves player of all time.

I understand that you were upset after the Braves “disrespected” you back in January. I was quite upset as well.

Seriously man, you need to get over it soon. Your constant hostility and sour grapes are getting old.

John Smoltz is a baseball anomaly.

Everyone is well aware of the career that Smoltz had during his 20 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He compiled 210 victories during his tenure in Atlanta while also racking up 154 saves.