Smoltz's Return

[love_that_reefer]

Smoltz returned from the DL and in his first save opportunity this year he blows it. He went an inning giving up two earned runs on three hits. He was definitely rusty and his fastball looked flat. But I have no doubt Smoltz will figure this out.

[Kingdom]

Prolly.

Jayson Stark's article depressed me though. I know Smoltz is 41 and he'll retire in the near future, but it's going to be so weird when he's gone. When you grow up loving the sport and he's a prominant figure in that span, it's like a piece of you dies.

[realmofotalk]

it's like a piece of you dies.

You sound like that Paul Young song.

The way Smoltz was so dominant as a closer and that the role seemed to extend his pitching career, there was reason to believe his return to the rotation was going to be a short-term experiment. But lo and behold, he became their ace again.

[Kingdom]

It's not that surprising. Not everyone can do it, but John Smoltz is John Smoltz. This is why he should be a hall of famer. He could be a top closer or the ace. Hopefully he returns to being a great closer and maybe it further extends his career.

[DirtyKash]

ESPN - Braves' Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery - MLB

Smoltz done for the season. Oops.