"John Smoltz' short, ignominious stay with the Red Sox is over.

After initially indicating a willingness to accept a minor league assignment to Pawtucket to begin working out of the bullpen with an eye toward returning to the Red Sox when rosters expand on Sept. 1, Smoltz changed his mind and informed the Sox that the International League was not an option.

In a text message last night, Smoltz said he would speak publicly when he knew more about his future.

The Sox are now left with the option of either trading Smoltz or releasing him outright. While a major league source indicated that as many as four National League teams have expressed an interest, it's doubtful that any club would be willing to take on Smoltz' contractual obligations.

A far more likely scenario would involve the Sox giving him his release, allowing an interested team to sign him for the pro-rated minimum. Smoltz' new team would then not be responsible for his current roster bonuses, which include $35,000 for each day that he's on a major league roster."