Astros not interested in Smoltz

Veteran pitcher John Smoltz has reported to have drawn the interest of several teams, according to a report on Foxsports.com. One of those teams listed was the Astros, who could be looking for an lower-priced pitching option on the free agent market.

While the Astros have kicked around dozens of names from among the free agents who have filed, sources indicate their interest in Smoltz just isn't there. Smoltz is open to starting or relieving and could serve in the closer role for a team in need for help at the back of the bullpen.

Astros' closer Jose Valverde and setup man LaTroy Hawkins are both free agents, and Houston could be forced to find a closer if they both leave. But it just doesn't appear it will be Smoltz, who went 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA for the Red Sox last year before going 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA in seven starts for the Cardinals.

-- Brian McTaggart