Few have had as long of a tenure with the Atlanta Braves as John Smoltz. However, the 20-year stint in Atlanta nearly met an early end at the hands of a World Series foe.  In an interview with MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, Smoltz revealed he came closer to signing with the New York Yankees.  Following the 2001 season, Smoltz was coming off his first season following Tommy John surgery. He had been the closer for the final month of the season, but he wanted to return to the rotation. However, the Braves saw him as a closer going forward, which led to a riff during contract negotiations.  Meanwhile, the Yankees, coming off a World Series loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, saw him as a potential addition to the rotation. Then Yankees general manager Gene Michael wanted to capitalize. Negotiations saw him miles apart from the Braves in terms of role and dollars.  “He knew my arm was healthy,” Smoltz said.…