Smoltz Contract Exstension

Good news last night. The Braves give John Smoltz a contract exstension. This will likely mean Smoltz will play his entire career as an Atlanta Brave. How often do you see a player do that?

"Smoltz's new contract provides him the opportunity to pitch in Atlanta through the end of the 2010 season, at which time he would be 43 years old. He's guaranteed to make a healthy $14 million in '08. If he pitches at least 200 innings next year, he'll make $12 million via the vesting option that is in place for '09.

The club option for the 2010 season will be worth $13 million if he completes 200 innings in '09 and $12 million if he doesn't."

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This was a surprise to me, I heard absolutely nothing about a possible exstension. At least we know the Braves will have a reliable starting pitcher for another 3 years. Does this have anything to do with the Braves pending ownership? ( Liberty Media)