Smoltz plans return to 'pen

[bravosfan]

While others might be currently speculating, there's no doubt in John Smoltz's mind about what he'll be doing when he comes off the disabled list. In fact, the Braves right-hander has even allowed himself to accept the fact that he might never make another Major League start.

"I'm coming back as a reliever first and then we'll see what happens," Smoltz said during a late Wednesday afternoon telephone conversation. "I'm content with this."

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080430&content_id=2614453&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

[SPTO]

Re: Smoltz plans return to 'pen

That sucks for Smoltz. I guess those neck problems were just too much for the rigors of 100 pitches per outing.

[R3BeL]

Re: Smoltz plans return to 'pen

I think it's a brilliant idea. Right now it seems as though everyone in the Atlanta pen is banged up. Soriano is out, their natural closer. Peter Moylan the setup man, turned closer when Soriano went down is possibly out for the year with possible elbow surgery. It's a great idea.

Besides when Smoltz was the closer there wasn't too many other guys in the NL as dominate as he was. He might not be as dominant this time around because of the injuries, but if he overcomes those injuries and he in fact does become the Braves closer, those Mets better look out.

[rsox]

Re: Smoltz plans return to 'pen

As others have said this might be a good move for Smoltz and for the Braves. When he is healthy again i would put him back in the closer role and put Soriano (when he comes off the D.L.) in the setup role. Smoltz has had great success in the role, in his career he is 154/168 in save opportunities and the Braves could definitely use some stability in their bullpen.

[Kohlstar20]

Re: Smoltz plans return to 'pen

Good move but the Braves need to get to the 9th inning with a lead on a consistent basis first. And since we might have needed a starting pitcher before this we definitely need one now. I don't see any combination of Bennett, James, Hampton, Carlyle, or Jojo Reyes being consistent on a regular basis in the 4th and 5th spots of the rotation.

[rsox]

Re: Smoltz plans return to 'pen

Good move but the Braves need to get to the 9th inning with a lead on a consistent basis first. And since we might have needed a starting pitcher before this we definitely need one now. I don't see any combination of Bennett, James, Hampton, Carlyle, or Jojo Reyes being consistent on a regular basis in the 4th and 5th spots of the rotation.

The Braves hope to have Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez back by the end of may, which would stabilize the back end of their bullpen.

You are right about the rotation though, like last season the bottem of the rotation has been a revolving door which is something they will have to change in order to compete.