Smoltz's season, possibly career, over.

[NYgiantsfan5689]

Well I know DirtyKash posted this story in the other thread, but I thought the importance of this news required another thread.

Smoltz is probably going to have shoulder surgery that will end his season, and could end his career.

Some highlight quotes from the story:

"I can't compete against my body anymore," Smoltz said on Wednesday during a news conference at Turner Field, where he was accompanied by executive vice president Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox.

"Yesterday, when he came to the ballpark, it was evident to all of us that it couldn't continue this way," Wren said.

"I said I would retire if the desire was gone," Smoltz said on Wednesday. "I'm not there yet. I'm not there emotionally. Physically, [that's] still to be determined."

Your thoughts? We could very well have seen the end of a hell of a career. I love the man. But it's clear that he isn't even close to what he used to be.

Here's the story again:
Smoltz (mlb.com story)

[ljshorty89]

Wow. That stinks. The guy has been dominant in every role the team put him in. Hopefully he'll be able to come back, but his body may not let him...

[ATLien]

I really hope we haven't seen Smoltz pitch for the last time.

[love_that_reefer]

I heard Smoltz today on the Dan Patrick Show and his spirits are high either way things go. If he is forced to retire, he's OK. If he gets to pitch another year, the same. He said he had to have this surgery to enjoy his way of life and not just to pitch again. He's a HOFer regardless and I wish him the best.

[Doppelgänger]

I've always really liked Smoltz, class guy. Nice to see that he is in good spirits with the situation and is still determined to play. Back to the closers role I guess.

[love_that_reefer]

He is one of the smartest guys in baseball and like you said Dopple, classy. I would not be surprised at all to see him as a pitching coach under Terry Pendleton when Bobby Cox retires.

[NYgiantsfan5689]

^ I agree completely

[hot_corner_gurl]

Bobby Cox was saying that even though Smoltz wasn't going to be playing, that he wanted Smoltz to be with the team as much as possible because he is such a great mentor to not only the young guys but the entire clubhouse. That's quite a compliment, if you ask me. Hopefully he can have a full recovery and get back to what he does best-dominating the game.

[TheRyGuy]

Smoltzy is the man, I def see him sticking around if pitching is completely out of the question as a coach on the team. He's always been big about helpin out the younger guys while playing, when McCann came in and was catching part time, Smoltz always picked him to catch for him. and look at McCann now, a top NL catcher performer. Top closer, top pitcher, Smoltz was, is and always will be the man!

[love_that_reefer]

Good stuff RyGuy. Welcome to the forum!

[DravenX]

He should be the nice pitching coach. I'm sure he is thinking about retirement but I know he don't want to.