--RHP Kenshin Kawakami joined the Atlanta Braves after agreeing to a three-year contract with the team. Terms were not immediately disclosed. "This is a very significant signing for the Braves," general manager Frank Wren said about the first Japanese-born player in Braves history. "Not only is this a historically important day for the Braves franchise, but with Kenshin, we have acquired a pitcher who will be an integral part of our pitching staff over the next three seasons." Kawakami, 33, is expected to have a role in the Braves' revamped rotation.
--INF/OF Omar Infante avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year, $4,325,000 deal with the Braves. The contract includes a club option for 2011. Infante batted .291 while seeing action at five positions. --RHP John Smoltz signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox. Smoltz leaves the Braves after 21 years, stung by his feeling that the Braves doubted his ability to come back from shoulder surgery and pitch effectively, as evidenced by their contract offer of $2.5 million guaranteed. The Red Sox came in at $5.5 million guaranteed, and both contracts contain incentives that could result in a $10 million contract. The Braves' incentives, however, would have been harder to reach: 200 innings, for example, when Smoltz probably would not be game-ready until late May or early June.
--LHP Tom Glavine, who had elbow surgery in August, has done his rehab and conditioning and long-tossing. He soon will begin throwing from a mound, possibly as early as Jan. 12.
--RHP Derek Lowe and agent Scott Boras met with general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox at Turner Field on Jan. 8, a meeting that was scheduled before the team learned that RHP John Smoltz was leaving the Braves for the Red Sox. The Braves could use an innings-eater to save the bullpen.
--LHP Royce Ring, designated for assignment on Aug. 2, has signed with the Cardinals. Ring kept his job with the Braves as long as he did because he was a lefty, but manager Bobby Cox seldom went to him. Ring, 28, posted an 8.46 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 10 walks in 22 1/3 innings last season.
BY THE NUMBERS: 6 -- Games between the Braves and Red Sox this season, June 19-21 at Fenway Park and June 26-28 at Turner Field. That gives RHP John Smoltz six chances to pitch against his former team.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "If I can pitch pain-free, I think that bodes well for the comeback that most people either A: don't think I should or B: don't think I can. Quite frankly, I've been down this road many, many times." -- RHP John Smoltz, as he was rehabilitating after shoulder surgery last September. Smoltz reportedly agreed to a deal with the Red Sox on Jan. 8.
