Here’s a taste of Chipper’s comments to Jeff Schulz just a bit ago:

Asked how he felt about this, Chipper said: “I’m pissed. I’m really pissed.”

About his conversation with Smoltz last night:

“He went through the whole scenario with me. The underlying tone was extreme disappointment — and from my end it was shock. I could see anyone one else going somewhere before John Smoltz. He’s been one of the faces of this franchise for 20-some years. With all of the gambles that the Atlanta Braves have taken over the years on players, for a couple of million more dollars, you don’t gamble on John Smoltz when he tells you he’s going to be back?

“The one guy I would gamble on is John Smoltz. After everything that’s happened to this organization this winter, the players and the fans need something good to happen. I’ve been keeping up with the news. I’ve been reading the blogs. The one silver lining we had was John Smoltz being back in the lineup this year. We could have had that dominant guy back in the lineup. But we won’t – and for what, a couple of million dollars?”

(when did you talk to him)
“It was between 11 and 12. He was very upset. This is the only organization he knows, It’s like a breakup. There are some guys in that clubhouse who just lost a father figure. I lost a brother. If he’s retiring, that’s one thing. But for him to be playing somewhere else is unacceptable to me.”

On the idea that Smoltz would’ve been worth the money even if he doesn’t pitch again, based on what he’s done for the team:

“He’s totally worth it – just to give him that opportunity. John Smoltz deserves that right. At 41 years old, there’s no reason to not give him that chance. I don’t care how many anchors or staples or whatever are in his shoulder. If I’m gambling on one guy, it’s John Smoltz.”

Given developments this winter, does Chipper want to remain a Brave?

“I would love to stay here. But so would John Smoltz. I’ve said all along, every dog has his day. Today, it’s Smoltz’s day. I dare say my day is not far off.”