ajcsportstalk

By Jack

April 29, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Soriano has always been best fit for the setup role and with moylan probably done for the year hes not expendable at all. Chuck James would be the best bet to move back into the rotation. Bennett might have to as well if Hampton cant get healthy.

By cthomps5

April 29, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

If Glavine stays healthy and Hampton comes back and ppitches well then yes. If not, then no. We need a closer and maybe a whole bullpen after tonight. We also need Smoltz as a starter. Basically, he needs to do whatever he thinks will give hime the best chance to stay healthy.

By Tom in ATL

April 29, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

A Healthy Smoltz on the mound - whether closing or starting - is all that matters. If he’s not healthy - it won’t matter. I’d say go with whatever the Bearded Icon thinks is the best way to extend his career. If he’s becoming a 5 or 6 inning Max pitcher when he starts - I’d say let him close out games. If we could get people healthy - Smoltz, Soriano, M. Gonzalez, & Acosta could pretty much shut the door in the 7th, 8th and 9th - and we would begin winning these close games we’re now losing.

By bobby

April 29, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Absolutely! That is most likely the only way he can get through the season.

By Sue D Nym

April 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

We need Smoltz to take the ball as often as able. His value is in big games and if he needs to close to save something for the big ones then the innings can be picked up elsewhere. He can stretch out in time for the playoffs and give it one last run.

By Steven

April 29, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

If Smoltz moves to the bullpen, I just don’t feel comfortable with the starters we have now to pick up the slack. It will no doubt be a huge blow to the rotation losing its ace, even though Hudson has all but assumed this role. Unless James, Bennett, and Hampton prove to put the inconsistencies and injuries (Hampton) behind them, I don’t see this as a good move without maybe trading for a dependable arm to fill the hole in the rotation. Needless to say the guys in the rotation have got to step up, and who knows maybe jo-jo reyes could step his game up and pitch in the majors like he is in the minors right now. A guy i would love to see bounce back and pitch well again is Damian Moss…this guys was decent his rookie year and had tons of promise

By proeye

April 29, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

It’s very possible that Smoltzie is bringing this up because the injury he has sustained has been there for quite awhile. He knows his body more than anyone right? So he is presenting the best option that the Braves can take. Apparently he feels that he can pitch through the pain but only 1-2 innings at a time. Go ahead and not listen to him and pitch him 5 innings at a time and risk losing the guy for a career, or pitch him in the only way he thinks will work. But knowing John, he’ll do whatever the Braves ask of him. He’s a hall-of-famer in my book just for this reason. He is Mr. Brave.

By David James

April 29, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

I believe that Smoltz should do the decent thing and retire and take Glavine and Hampton with him. Hopefully that would prompt Bobby Cox to retire and we can finally rid The Braves of relying on the long ball and a complete disdain of speed on the team. Pendelton should be appointed manager supported by a competent medical staff who know the difference between a torn finger nail and a ruptured rotater cuff.

By He Hate Me

April 29, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

HELL NO

By gayle

April 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Smoltz threatened to go elsewhere if he didn’t get to start. He never should have left the bullpen in the first place. When you consider the long list of “closers” who have tried to replace him and all the players the Braves gave up to get them - Smoltz has done more to harm this team than the Mets ever could.

By Yusef Isis

April 29, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Whether or not our rotation lacks depth to lose John, either way with his bad shoulder we would lose him. He’s turning 41. It’s time to utilize him correctly, as he is easily one injury away from ending his career.

This may sound like a reach, but the way Hanson has been throwing recently ( 5 inn,13k,0h) I wouldn’t be surprised to see him here by summer. Hampton,Bennett,James will be able to hold down the last two spots in the rotation fine.

By indybravefan

April 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

If this is what it takes to get the team back on track then we MUST do it now. We can’t hit or pitch (out of the pen) we just lost to the Nationals….come on. Smoltz is better utilized in the pen…He is lights out for 4 MAYBE 5 innings and then he tanks…time to move on to younger and longer lasting. The funny thing is half of us (including myself) are hoping that Hampton can pitch in 10 games this year…it is scary and if this keeps up we will be lucky to finish 4th in the division. PM is out Soriano is out for a while at least…Boyer choked tonight…Frenchy has a hurt foot…the news is not promising. Every other team in East is getting players back not losing them…something good needs to happen and happen YESTERDAY!

By VABirdDawg

April 29, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

I am all for putting him back in the pen. He can only get a chance to close a game if the offence scores some runs though. Are we ever going to win a one run game? Did we really lose to the Nats tonight? I know it’s early, but this does not look like a playoff team. We don’t get the clutch hits. Hey, at least we have the Hawks…… lol

By kEITH HELMS

April 29, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

John is and always has been the definition of a team player. He will do what is best for the team, which at this time seems to be that he go to the bullpen. The Braves ownership showed their lack of will to win when they didn’t get 2 starters this past off season. Glavine is a #5 at best, John is a #4, and Hudson is a # 3. None of the youngsters are any better.

By Fulton

April 29, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Well, you can’t fix it now! I hope the first lesson learned here is; you don’t start a season with two 40 year olds as your main starters. At some point both will have problems.

By johnny

April 29, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

hudson hasn’t look like an ace the last 3 times he’s been on the mound,so let’s not hand him the key’s to the city just yet.Glavine shouldn’t even have a loss,except for the game he got hurt!Smoltz needs at least 50 more saves i think in order to be an automatic selection to the hall of fame.yes let’s have smoltz go to bullpen!!

By Bob

April 30, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

This is off the subject a bit, but who in the hell is your headline writer???? Glavine Pummeled???? Pummeled??? Give me a break AJC and get the guy on the right sheet of music. Maybe let the dummy read the article and then see if the headline makes any sense.

By PK FROM WIOD IN MIAMI

April 30, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Let’s see—a 162 game season, early series in New York, my 40 year old grimacing with every pitch in cold weather, already depending on a goldbrick and a has been as part of my rotation—-So I know what I do. I obviously send Smoltz out there to pitch. Forgot to mention, if the “Glue” is lost, the 36 year old, still going by the silly nickname, is going to shut it down faster than a Roger Clemens Pre-Nup lawyer. Because remember the “Ironman” from the Bolles High School in Jacksonville said last year “I can’t play”, The Glue called him out and he returned.

Well, at least Boog Sciambi sounds good. He’s come a long way from Pete Rose’s Ballpark Cafe in Boca Raton. Jon, just to correct you and Virginia Slim Hank Goldberg—Pete Rose DID bet on baseball.

By PK FROM WIOD IN MIAMI

April 30, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

If “Chipper” lives to be 93, is he still going by “Chipper” or does he stop and think—“I’m 93 years old, I no longer have to play with a team that blew more chances to win World Series than any other team in baseball history, I realize Smoltz is still hanging on at 97 as a set-up man(Trying to show me up), so maybe it is time I start going by Lawrence or Larry, heck anything that sounds like I’m not still romping around in Jacksonville or Greenville meeting people that say silly things”.

By tj

April 30, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

To Bob Great post at 12:00. I went back and read it three times to be sure I read it right. But it’s not unlike lot’s of other things I read on here, don’t make any sense.

By cw

April 30, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Moving him to the closer role will be key to are season! Bring Chuck James back to be the number 5 starter. Hudson, Glavine, Jurrjens, Hampton, and James would be a good rotation with Smoltz closing. We would not lose all the one run games.

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 30, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

I personally don’t know if Smoltz can handle a bullpen role. That’s been the story in the past, anyways… the regularity of a starting role was always much less harmful to his arm than the uncertainty of the bullpen.

If he can do it, more power to him. But at this stage of the game, I wonder…

I suppose we will all know in a few weeks.

By Braves70

April 30, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

We should use Smoltz where possible. It looks like the reunion of Smoltz & Glavine in the starting staff is not going to last long. Throw in Mike Hampton and we neraly have the starting staff for an old-timers game.

Jo Jo Reyes is doing well at AAA as is Charlie Morton at AA and Thomas Hanson at A. Let’s face the fact that the Braves of old are gone and older players like Chipper are breaking down. It is time to start anew.

Hats off though to Smoltz for his dedication and loyalty to this team and we fans.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 30, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

If Smoltz wants the closer job. Give it to him.

The Braves do actually have the rotational depth to sustain the starting pitching.

Health is the real issue here, hiding in the bushes.

Smoltz doesn’t think that his shoulder will hold up going five or six innings every fifth day.

The Braves don’t have a closer.

Smoltz thinks that he can go one inning and get the job done. Lets give him the chance.

By PK FROM WIOD IN MIAMI

April 30, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

By all means, do anything John wants. Let him bat cleanup, let him remodel the facade of the capitol, let him play nickel back for the Falcons, play the point on the Thrashers’ power play. After all, if it wasn’t for Smoltzie the Braves would have probably only won one World Series since they moved to Atlanta in 66—-What????

By Paul Bako

April 30, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Paul Bako for All-Star!!! Cast your write-ins! Help the movement get off the ground!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA—_As4biw

By Paul Johnson

April 30, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Paul Bako for All-Star!!! Cast your write-ins! Help the movement get off the ground!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA—_As4biw

By Larry

April 30, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this

Old Bobby, at 68, still can’t manage a game without a shutout pitching performance or an offensive esplosion.

Please remind me, who did we get for Tyler Yates?

By Mitch

April 30, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this

Smoltz is a great pitcher no matter what he does. He’s a top starter, and an ace closer. The question of him closing is two fold. Would it be better for him to have one inning spurts 70 plus times a year, and save 40 to 50 games, or 200 innings, and win fifteen?

The real question is the depth in our rotation. Glavine is pitching well, and we all know what Hudson can do, but beyond them, we have huge question marks. We have no idea what Hampton will give us upon coming back. Chuck James is a five or six inning pitcher, and Jurrens is young and inexperienced. Yes, we need a closer, and Soriano can be that if healthy. The problem is, is he healthy?

The last time John was a closer, we had major depth in our rotation. in 2002, we had Glavine, Millwood, Maddux and others. In 2003 we had 20 game winner Russ Ortiz, and a 16 win Maddux, plus a healthy Mike Hampton winning us 14 games. In 2004 we had big years from Jaret Wright,and Ortiz and another solid year from Hampton. Now, if Smoltz leaves the rotation, besides Hudson and Glavine, who do we have? We dont know if we can expect anything from Hampton. The guy hasnt pitched in 3 years. If it is the only way to save John’s arm, then okay, but at this point, if Soriano can get healthy, I’d rather see John as a starter.

Mitch

By Whatever he wants

April 30, 2008 5:24 AM | Link to this

Smoltzie- We are behind you 100% buddy. You are an ironman. Get well soon!

By jd209

April 30, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

I’d much rather see Smoltz as a starter, but not if his shoulder is going to cause him problems. Maybe 1 inning at a time would be better for him. Soriano’s too good to be a setup man, so maybe try to trade him for a starter to replace Smoltz

By Elmer

April 30, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

Poor Glav, topping out at 80 mph, will be lucky to win one game— at $8 million too.

By Elmer

April 30, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Poor Glav, topping out at 80 mph, will be lucky to win one game— at $8 million too.

By prattvillenolzfan

April 30, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

I personally think that it would be best for Smoltz to rejoin the bullpen.

But C’mon, stop talking about how Hampton is going to help us…..He is nothing but a p@55y. He’s already laying the foundation for another injury…I pitched well but my pectoral is still tight…(Thats what he said after his rehab start).

He will NEVER pitch for the Braves again. Hey DOB, I know that ZITO has that huge contract, any chance……….

With Hudson struggles lately, this could be the beginning of a long summer…..I hope not.

Remember one of the reasons Smoltz left the bullpen, was that the starters sucked and he wasn’t getting any save situations

By Susan

April 30, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Who cares where Smoltz pitches. Our pitching is terrible. From starting rotation to pen. I was against Glavine returning and its proving to be true. No player has ever done well the second time around with the Braves. Put this with Hampton and Smoltz shoulder it was a receipe for disaster and they knew it.

What we need is a young strong starter to go along with Hudson and Jurrjens. Hamptons done, Smoltz is done too. So what does that leave us. James, JO JO, Buddy? Seems we did that last year and it didnt work. Instead of playing games with Glavine, they should have traded for one of the starters that was available. Glavines a bust and so are the braves this year.

This was all about one last bust for Cox, Chipper, Smoltz and Glavine and guess what? It is a bust. Bottom dwellers for sure. They just dont have it. Not even close.

Difference in the team of the 90’s and this team. The team of the 90’s had heart and played because they wanted to. This team is all about money and the great contracts. Lose the money mongers and lets get back to the game with the heart. Oh yea, some starters would be nice. Thanks Wren. You made our team old and DL hoppers.

By Charlie

April 30, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter what they do with Smoltz, if the playoffs are the ultimate goal. The starting staff and bullpen are in a near constant state of disrepair. The starting lineup, as hitters is a joke. Except for Chipper, it’s amazing to be able to compile such a “non-clutch” group on a single team. Our leadoff man is hitting under .240. Our average with RISP is lousy. (McCann, RISP is .053) And speaking of McCann he is so immobile behind the plate, that pass balls are common, and baserunners steal at will. Kotsay is a “hit into double plays” machine. Frenchy has had too many balls hit over his head, and defense is lacking. This is a collection of overpaid under-achievers. They are under .500 today, and when the season is over, that’s still where they will be. In the real world most of them would be out of work, based on poor performance.

By Mike S

April 30, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Just the fact that Smoltz is even suggesting he is “open” to the idea is a firm indication that John himself has lost the confidence that he can be a topline starter.

Smoltz is the type that will not allow himself to be an “average” anything, and he sees his shoulder and age forcing him to be just a 5 inning starter.

He has shown so far this year that he still has dominant stuff when he brings it, and he knows his body will allow him to “bring it” one inning, but not a full start.

So, for his health and to elongate his career Smoltz himself realizes he needs to move to the bullpen.

With all respect to Soriano and to Gonzalez when he is healthy, a 41 year old John Smoltz is better than either of them and YES Bobby should seriously consider putting John back in the closer roll.

It would automatically upgrade the bullpen, and Huddy, Jurrjens, Glavine, Hampton, Bennett, james, Reyes, et al can more than adequately handle the rotation part.

By TheCutMan

April 30, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

I agree with a couple of comments already posted in this thread from Susan and David James in particular. I’m also a KC Chiefs fan and what they’re doing at present would be a good path for the Braves to follow.

That is, building their team with young players, getting rid of the vets who are injury prone and lacking the goods to get it done over the long season and finally, having the owner state that this model WILL be followed regardless of who the coach (manager) or GM is at present or in the future.

There’s much more to the plan than simply getting the roster younger, but it’s a positive first step that in time, if followed, will return the team to being competitive for post-season berths.

By whatever

April 30, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Bring back Mark Redman. He gave up 10 runs in the first inning last week so his current team would probably be willing to part with him.

By Yehuda Hamer

April 30, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

If Smoltz is good for about three innings, then he can pitch those three innings late in a game.

By 97TTdawg

April 30, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

YES!!! Finally a good idea!!

Smoltz at closer would help with his shoulder and back and he wouldnt let games slip away like now. Once the rest of the pen is healthy we will have Soriano, Gonzo and Acosta as your setup guys…..which IMO would be just nasty.

As for starters, Huddy is just having a bump in the road….we all know hes our future ace. Jurrjens is a stud, Glavine would still be a good 3 guy, and then you have James, Bennett, Jo-Jo and maybe even Hampton or Buddy to fill out the last two spots. That rotation would STILL be one of the best in the NL!!

One thing is for sure……somthing has to change to get things fired up!

By jeanE

April 30, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I actually think it would be great for Smoltz to be the closer again, when you saw him come in, you knew that was it, the other team is done! He was dominant & after he rests, I think he would be a dominant closer again. If this is his last season, what better way to finish? Soriano could go back to set up and when Mike Gonzalez is ready, we’d really be kicking in the bullpen. And let us all face it: Mike Hampton is NEVER coming back. I think even he knows it.

By ChrisFromSacramento

April 30, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

This is horrible. I really dont know what to think. Are the starters good enough to get the ball to Smoltz in the 9th if he is the closer. Will rest help him heal so he can make 20-23 more starts where he is may win 15-17 of those. I really dont know. This season may really hurt, the huge expectations. Some people picking them to win it all. If Gonzalez can come back and be good and if Soriano can get it together I say let John heal and rest to get ready to start. HAMPTON NUTT UP!!! Looking forward Maddux is retiering this year. Tommy, and John should do the same. Oh ya where are all the stud minor leauge pitchers. The braves dont have any. Hell even the SF Giants have 2 studs. Why are we not getting great young arms. We could be in trouble, and the Braves are not getting younger. Hey JEFF TAKE A PITCH!!!

By Dave

April 30, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Reality is after this season we have have a mass exodus of our starting pitchers when Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton all leave.It would help to start the transition and protect Smoltz to have him pitch less in a relief roll. I am all for it.

By VaBravesfan

April 30, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

I don’t know everybody is so hard on Glavine. Except for the game he got hurt, he could have won all his other starts, with a little run support. Boyer is a joke. He shouldn’t even be allowed to warm up unless the game is a 10 run affair. If you throw the ball straight, I don’t care how fast, somebody (or in his case everybody) is going to hit it.

By ChrisFromSacramento

April 30, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Just to add to my comment posted at 9:25. Trade Teixeria and get young great not good GREAT PITCHERS FOR HIM.

By formerplayer

April 30, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

There are a couple of reasons this Braves team will finish no better than third in the division again. First, they are”led” by a couple of guys that are in love with the DL. Have you ever noticed that Jones and Smoltz, every year, have a couple of stints on the DL for “injuries” that can’t be specifically diagnosed? Such as slight pulls, knots, inflammation, etc., etc.. Every team I played on had one or more of these types. First, the press and fans portray them as “heroic” because they are “playing with pain”. When they make a bad play, pitch, swing, they make faces, stretch, etc., just to remind you they are “hurt”. This never happens on good plays/pitches. A couple of nice vacations on the DL each year can also be a good career extender. Mike Hampton is in this group, too, but he is no so-called leader. The fact is, many players play with pain, play through tweaks and strains, and you never know about it. Not so with the Braves “leaders”. The second reason the Braves are no better than third, is that they have a seriously over-rated pitching staff, top to bottom. Glavine and Hampton had some nice years in their prime, but that is history. Hudson has never come close to his best years in the American League, and is in decline. Chuck James is a 5 inning, 5 runs pitcher at best. The bullpen is populated with AAA pitchers like Carlyle, Boyer,Resop.

This team has too much to overcome to contend for anything. That’s my opinion; you are entitled to yours.

By Jburro

April 30, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Are you nuts? Bobby Cox almost ruined him when he was there last time. He was way over used. If he goes back Cox would have him done before a month was over.

By Bob Sacamano

April 30, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

There was nothing better at a Braves game the last few years that to be in a one or two run game in the bottom of the ninth inning and to hear the strains of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck on the loudspeakers, to see that bullpen door swing open, and to watch Jon Smoltz not run to the mound, but stalk to the mound, ready to mow down the opposition.

Screw Gagne, John Smoltz was baseball’s best closer during that time.

He can be again. And doing so would not only continue his HOF career and add years to it, if he were to start closing by the end of May through the end of the year, and he were to do it next year as well, he’d have 200 saves easy, becoming only the second member of the 200 wins, 200 saves, and 3000 strikeouts club.

Smoltz and Eckersly. Together in baseball history.

Who wouldn’t want that?

I want to get those chills up and down my spine when I hear Thunderstruck again. I want to see John Smoltz destroy the hopes of the opposing team when they see that bullpen door open and they know who’s coming out. I want to see players flailing at sliders in the dirt and trying to hit 98 mph high heat.

I want to see John Smoltz, closer.

By jeffc

April 30, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

This version of the Braves is headed nowhere fast. We’re finding out how ordinary McCain, Francoeur, Johnson, Prado, and Diaz really are. And what of Mr. Texeira? Apparently it was easier to hit third on a team with low expectations. And why is Glavine on this team? Seems to me he just wants to drive his kids to school, not pitch for the Atlanta Braves. Get young in the starting rotation as soon as possible; as I recall it was three kids named Smoltz, Glavine, and Avery who brought our dead franchise to life. And yes, by all means, let The Man close games for a few years, then hire him as Manager.

By xtimastah

April 30, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Well when you consider that Smoltz has been our best starter the past couple years, it’s hard for me to say that he shouldn’t be in the starting rotation. Our problem inning is not the 9th… it’s the 6th-8th innings that we always blow it.

By varoadrunner

April 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

PK FROM WIOD IN MIAMI One word - MEDICATION

Did you miss a dose or two?

Smoltz has been nothing but a team player even back to the days of Dr Llewellyn.

And at the ripe ole age of 93, Chipper will still be Chipper and rightfully so, It’s become his recognizable name. In baseball circles, if someone says “Chipper”, everyone knows who is being talked about.

But back to the necessary medications for PK FROM WIOD IN MIAMI - Contact your favorite psychologist or shrink. HURRY

By varoadrunner

April 30, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

If I remember correctly, the Frank Wren’s major acquisition in the off-season was Glavine. I think the world of glavine, he’s been a Braves icon for years (minus his stint in NY) but he’s over 40. I’m not sure I would hang my hat on this type of acquisition. I wonder if we took the 8M we gave to Glavine and added the necessary monies to it to acquire a #1 - I like the idea of Smoltz going back to the bullpen - He just might have been the most effective closer in the history of baseball (a little corny, but you have to admit he was lights out and right now can we say that about any other potential closers? NO! My worry is that Glavine is not far behind as a setup man for Smoltz. OUCH!

Love to all

By jon

April 30, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

We all hoped this team could bring home a pennant one more time but it begins to look like that was wishful thinking. The Braves should do whatever offers the best chance of keeping the old guys in good shape and if things don’t get better by the All-Star break start trading them off to contenders that need a little help in exchange for some hot young prospects. Schuerholz et al. have done a remarkable job keeping this team viable for such a long time but it’s a hard fact that every great team eventually just wears out and can’t be rejuvenated without simply getting whatever you can in trades for the old guard and starting over, unless of course you have vast cash resources to acquire free agents, and that doesn’t seem to be the Braves situation. Whatever the future holds we have had the rare privilege of watching an extraordinary run of excellence.

By jon

April 30, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton is a lost cause. He has enough unearned money to live on for a thousand years. If he had an honorable bone in his body he would retire so the Braves could use the remainder of his salary to acquire someone of value.

By Frank

April 30, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

I’m sick and tired of the ones that are dogging on Tommy, and the rest of the starting rotation.

The starters are doing their job for the most part (except for the starts that Huddy had to come out only after 3, 4 innings). It’s not the starters I’m disgusted with (and I’m being nice there)…it’s the frecking pen that can’t do $$$$.

I’m so sick of the pen…I can’t see straight. If John would be our closer, then that would be awesome.

I mean, look at Eck….he started being a starter and then dominated as a closer. John Smoltz a closer….then by all means……do your thing Smoltzie.

By cash

April 30, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

To start off with, i think that John Smoltz is one of the most elite starting pitchers in todays game. He wins 15 games or more every season and the braves would be at a loss without him in the starting rotation, but as good as Smoltz is starting, he is ten times better closing. So, what i think the braves should do, is move Smoltz back into the bullpen and get Soriano and one of the center fielders,(Kotsay/ Blanco), out of Atlanta for a stable starting pitcher. Also if the Braves dont want to get rid of Kotsay or Blanco, im sure many other teams will take Soriano and a top prospect out of the Braves farm system for a good 15 game winner starting pitcher.