During a press conference at Fenway Park this morning, Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein introduced the newest member of the team John Smoltz to the media. (Note: video may load slowly. Here is the transcript of the press conference.)
[flash http://ianbethune.com/smoltzpresser1.FLV w=384 h=288]
video courtesy of NESN
To make room on the 40-man roster for Smoltz, the Red Sox designated David Pauley for assignment. He will wear No. 29 which was worn by hitting coach Dave Magadan, who kindly gave up the number without Smoltz even asking.
Smoltz will get a chance to face his former club, the Atlanta Braves, when they come to Beantown for a 3-game set on June 19th through the 21st.
He will earn a base salary of $5.5 million and can earn another $5 million incentives listed below:
- $125,000 for his first day on the active roster
- $500,000 if he’s on the roster the final day of the season
- $35,000 for each day he’s not on the disabled list after June 1st, up to $4.375 million
Smoltz could also earn $1.375 million if he is named Comeback Player of the Year or wins the Cy Young. There’s also a clause in his contract for $500,000 if he gets traded away.
