Paul Byrd isn't retiring. 

Carl Yastrzemski is the greatest living Red Sox player, a title he assumed when Ted Williams died in the summer of 2002. 

Twenty-three years have passed since John Smoltz made a walk like this, from behind a curtain and out to a dais, where a crisp white jersey lay next to a new cap. 

Looking for next year's prized free-agent arm? Ken Rosenthal says it's going to be John Lackey unless the Angels get busy soon. 

The beauty of Jim Rice's election to the Baseball Hall of Fame is that he is going to Cooperstown on his terms. 

The Boston Red Sox have announced the signing of right-hander John Smoltz, who joins the team after major offseason shoulder surgery. 

The American League East is going to be stacked in 2009. 

The familiar cap with the "A" on the front no longer fit, so John Smoltz turned to Plan B - Boston. 

Tom McDonald's job isn't usually this stressful. 

Jan. 

1) Dan Renaud, East Greenbush: From his Talking Point on Thursday, half of the Red Sox players that John Freeman accuses the team of "buying" to win the World Series were acquired via trade, not free agency. 

John Smoltz said Monday night that he will be a starter once he is ready to pitch for the Boston Red Sox after missing most of last season following major shoulder surgery. 

A major league manager needs many things to succeed. 

HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC 

--RHP Takashi Saito agreed to a one-year deal with the Red Sox, giving the team a pitcher with ninth-inning experience to serve as a setup man to RHP Jonathan Papelbon.