Wickman & Smoltz back in Atlanta for '07

Bob Wickman will return in a Braves uniform. Atlanta gave Wickman a 1/$6.5M deal to remain the closer through next year. Wickman has been stellar since coming over from Cleveland. There was speculation that Wickman would retire at seasons end but after his success in Atlanta that changed his views. I'm glad he's coming back and this will finnally solidify a vacancy the Braves have had for two years. You might think that $6.5M is a bit too much for this guy, but if you've seen the number of blown saves over the last two years you would understand our situation. Overall, a good move by Atlanta.

Schuerholz finnally picked up John Smoltz's $8M option for next season. JS claimed that there was never any hesitation on not picking up the option. I was a little concerned about it after the "meetings" this summer, but all is well. That makes for two signings in two days; who's next, Andruw?