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Smoltz Willing To Leave Rotation
Written by Colin on April 29, 2008 – 10:36 pmJohn Smoltz is willing to leave the starting rotation and return to the bullpen, the AJC is reporting.
Smoltz, who just went on the DL today with biceps tendinitis, said in a phone interview Tuesday that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to help the team out.
“Right now I’m sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I’d like to end it.”
The rotation would definitely be hurt by the loss of Smoltz, but the bullpen could use his magic closer capabilities right now with Moylan gone for the season and Soriano out for at least a while longer. Smoltz converted 154 saves in three and a half years as a closer from 2002-2004.
The trick here is that while we want Smoltz dominating for six innings, he may not be able to handle it. He apparently has aged and his body can’t take the starting job right now. If he heals up properly and can return to the rotation, he’ll be much appreciated. But if he can’t start for the Braves, I’d much rather have him in the closing spot than not at all. His arm is needed whenever he can pitch.
Smoltz promised he won’t rush back and that the Braves would be OK.
“I will be fine. The team will be fine. And the next time I throw will be because I’m ready.”
What do you think? How is this going to affect the Braves heading into May and beyond?
Tags: John Smoltz
Posted in Injuries | 16 Comments »
By Jonathan on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
I’m torn. It’s hard to see someone you idolized as a little kid winding down their career.
That being said, if a move to the closer role would keep Smoltz healthier and pitching longer, I’m all for it. I would still prefer to see him as a starter, but not if it’s something that could potentially end his career any game.
By Smitty on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
This type of whatever-the-team-needs attitude is the thing that has always set him apart from your average super-star pitcher. (can you imagine the same thing frm Roger Clemmons?)
I appreciate Smoltz’s selflessness.
By Jonathan on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
Clemens is too busy doing other things . . . or country singers. Sorry, I had to.
By Smitty on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
I promise. I won’t make any sick comments about giving injections in the buttocks.
Wait. I just did.
By Peter on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
Here’s a list of the alias’ for Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz:
Mr. Flexable,
Starter,
Closer,
Mr. Team Player
Smoltz has always been known as a team-first player and it could cost him a chance at the Hall of Fame going from starter to closer only to return to a starter once again. Any way you slice it, he has produced, helped out the Braves and excelled in both positions on the Braves pitching staff. Hats off to John Smoltz, a team player if there ever was one!
By doyle truman turner sr. on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
I have been watching john smoltz pitch for the atlanta braves sinse he came to the big leage,he has done everything to help the braves in everything they have ask him to do,but I don’t want to see him miss going to the hall of fame,he has earned the time off to get well and come back to the starting rotation ,I would rather see him start,that is what he is all about,he is one of the best,and the team will miss him when he is gone.
By doyle truman turner sr. on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
he is one of the best pitchers the atlanta braves have ever had,I would like to see him get well, and come back in starting rotation, that is where he belongs,he also belongs in the hall of fame, he has won my voat.
By Cameron on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
The great quote from the article was some thing to the effect of “People say that the team can’t win without me, but they cant win with me as a five-inning pitcher either”, and, honestly, I think he should return to the ‘pen, considering his service ank K’s, its the best for all parties, he won’t put anymore strain on the arm than he has to, and the team’s bullpen strengthens, even if the rotation loses one of the best. With Moylan gone, I think it would be best to have a healthy Gonzalez/Soriano setup duo with Smoltz back in the role that he filled so well, closer. No matter how this works out, ‘pen or rotation, I just hope he can pitch a year or two longer.
By Cameron on Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
the quote I was referring to was from the Braves.com article
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I'm torn. It's hard to see someone you idolized as a little kid winding down their career.
That being said, if a move to the closer role would keep Smoltz healthier and pitching longer, I'm all for it. I would still prefer to see him as a starter, but not if it's something that could potentially end his career any game.
By Smitty on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
This type of whatever-the-team-needs attitude is the thing that has always set him apart from your average super-star pitcher. (can you imagine the same thing frm Roger Clemmons?)
I appreciate Smoltz's selflessness.
By Smitty on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I promise. I won't make any sick comments about giving injections in the buttocks.
Wait. I just did.
By Peter on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Heres a list of the alias for Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz:
Mr. Flexable,
Starter,
Closer,
Mr. Team Player
Smoltz has always been known as a team-first player and it could cost him a chance at the Hall of Fame going from starter to closer only to return to a starter once again. Any way you slice it, he has produced, helped out the Braves and excelled in both positions on the Braves pitching staff. Hats off to John Smoltz, a team player if there ever was one!
By doyle truman turner on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I have been watching john smoltz pitch for the atlanta braves sinse he came to the big leage,he has done everything to help the braves in everything they have ask him to do,but I don't want to see him miss going to the hall of fame,he has earned the time off to get well and come back to the starting rotation ,I would rather see him start,that is what he is all about,he is one of the best,and the team will miss him when he is gone.
By doyle truman turner on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
he is one of the best pitchers the atlanta braves have ever had,I would like to see him get well, and come back in starting rotation, that is where he belongs,he also belongs in the hall of fame, he has won my voat.
By Cameron on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
The great quote from the article was some thing to the effect of "People say that the team can't win without me, but they cant win with me as a five-inning pitcher either", and, honestly, I think he should return to the 'pen, considering his service ank K's, its the best for all parties, he won't put anymore strain on the arm than he has to, and the team's bullpen strengthens, even if the rotation loses one of the best. With Moylan gone, I think it would be best to have a healthy Gonzalez/Soriano setup duo with Smoltz back in the role that he filled so well, closer. No matter how this works out, 'pen or rotation, I just hope he can pitch a year or two longer.