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Thursday, June 5, 2008
Picking up the pieces after Smoltz’s bombshell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Manny Acosta’s blown save yesterday — his second in a row — didn’t do much to inspire confidence after John Smoltz’s shoulder surgery bombshell. Fortunately, though, help is on the way.
Rafael Soriano, who wasn’t available yesterday because he’d been used three out of four days in his first week back from the disabled list, is looking better and better, and if all goes well with Mike Gonzalez’s exam today, he’ll move one step closer to a return with another rehab assignment in Richmond.
I’m extremely bummed for Smoltz — I really hope he can come back and close out his career on his own terms — but I’m not that concerned about the bullpen in his absence, especially since he’d come out of the ‘pen only once this year and he’ll still be around to serve as veteran leader/clubhouse spokesman.
Entering play yesterday, the pitching staff had the lowest ERA in the National League at 3.58, and the bullpen was third in the NL at 3.20. (For what it’s worth, I don’t think Roger McDowell gets enough credit for helping to pull that off.) And those numbers have been put together without Gonzalez at all and without Soriano for a long stretch.
So now that the dust has settled and we have to wish Smoltz the best and get on with the season, what effect do you think his absence will have? How much confidence do you have in this staff to get it done without him?
By the way, looking well into the future, it’s MLB Draft Day. The Braves don’t have a first-round pick this year, but several Georgia high schoolers are expected to go early, including Tim Beckham and Buster Posey. Check out AJC.com’s MLB Draft coverage.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Thursday: vs. Marlins, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Friday: vs. Phillies, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Phillies, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. Phillies, 1:30: SportSouth, TBS
Monday: off-day
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