Despite the disappointing season, manager Bobby Cox is looking toward 2009 with rose-colored glasses. 

--RHP John Smoltz, according to multiple media reports, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Red Sox. 

It's the money. 

It's the money. 

It's the money. 

After three decades writing for major newspapers, I rank John Smoltz among my top 10 favorite athletes. 

OAKLAND 

Bobby Cox has been through this before. 

John Smoltz was the bearded face of the Braves' figurative Mount Rushmore, and now the great pitcher is leaving. 

Braves officials met Thursday with free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe at Turner Field, with the shock of John Smoltz's exit reverberating in Atlanta and an increased sense of urgency in the air. 

Even through the anger and frustration and cold-slap realization associated with this winter that it's suddenly not cool to be a Brave, one could manufacture legitimate excuses. 

Even through the anger and frustration and cold-slap realization associated with this winter that it's suddenly not cool to be a Brave, one could manufacture legitimate excuses. 

After signing Trevor Hoffman, the Brewers are looking for another arm. 

What more can go wrong for the Braves?The most stunning blow yet in a miserable offseason was dished out Thursday when John Smoltz reached a preliminary agreement with the Boston Red Sox after spending his entire big league career in Atlanta. 

Bill Shanks talks about the John Smoltz situation and then takes phone calls.