John Smoltz Nearing Deal With Red Sox

The Red Sox are filling some of the remaining things on the to-do list with the signing of Rocco Baldelli and now the likely signing of John Smoltz. Boston needs a spot/5th starter for the rotation and John Smoltz fits the bill. He will be a great addition to the staff and should help the young pitchers get to the next level. More from Extra Bases:

Smoltz was leaning toward Boston's offer which was said to be somewhere in the vicinity of $5.5 million guaranteed with the opportunity to earn a few million in incentives which could hike the salary up to $10 million. The Sox and Smoltz have been talking since before the Winter Meetings. The Sox do not anticipate that Smoltz will be ready until later in May, but one of the incentives being discussed would be a roster bonus if he's with the team by June 1.