Loading ...Smoltz Progressing Well
Written by Jonathan on December 6, 2008 – 9:29 pmI’m sure I speak for many Braves fans when I say that I really want to see John Smoltz back in a Braves uniform for a little bit longer before he hangs up the spikes on a great career. I also speak for those fans in saying that I don’t want to see him play in anything but a Braves uniform should he make the decision to come back for the 2009 season. For all of us, there is encouraging news in the AJC today.
Smoltz threw from a mound on Friday for the first time since his shoulder surgery in June and experienced no pain or discomfort. At this point in his rehab, he has been described as being “way ahead of schedule”. The official answer from the Braves at the current time is that they cannot yet count on Smoltz for the 2009 season, but it appears that his rehab is at least coming along fairly well. It seems that Bobby Cox is very confident that Smoltz will be back on the mound for the 2009 season, saying, “oh, he’ll be back — no doubt in my mind”.
Though saying that he can’t yet count on Smoltz for 2009, Frank Wren has indicated that he hopes to offer him a contract when he reaches a point in his throwing program that it seems like he will be ready to pitch again. It’s good to see that 5 arm surgeries throughout his career have not killed the desire in Smoltz to get the Braves back to postseason play.
It’s not yet clear what role Smoltz would take up on the pitching staff and I presume that a lot of that would depend on how the rest of his rehab program goes. He has, however, indicated that he would be willing to return in any role that would be helpful to the team, though he would love to return to the rotation. Whether it be as a starter, in the bullpen, or as the closer, I’d be more than happy to see Smoltz back out at Turner Field.
So what do you think? Will we see Smoltz back in 2009? Will he be back in a Braves uniform? What role do you see him serving on the pitching staff?
Tags: Injuries, John Smoltz, Pitching, Rehab, Surgery
Posted in Injuries | 4 Comments »
By Jonathan on Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I'm fairly confident that, if Smoltz's rehab continues as it is going, that we won't have to worry about him coming back in a different uniform. I don't see Smoltz chasing more money to pitch somewhere else and that he will be in Atlanta as long as he is offered a contract.
By Colin Ake on Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
I'm with you – I think Smoltz comes back to Atlanta. Just not sure in what role.
By Matt on Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
One word….CLOSER. With the braves not having a definitive closer in the last couple of years, and given the simple fact that Smoltzy's arm hasn't seemed up to the starting role as of the last couple of years either, I'd love to see him come back as the closer.
By Jonathan on Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
While I agree with you there, Matt. The Braves have started to indicate that they will likely look to put him in the rotation. That's where Smoltz wants to pitch it seems. I'm confident in Gonzalez as the closer as long as he can stay healthy throughout the year.