The End of Smoltzy? | The DawgHouse

     One day after the Red Sox lost their first game to the Yankees all season, Boston has designated Future Hall of Famer and the man that picked up the Loss last night, John Smoltz, for an assignment. This is coming off one of Smoltz's worst games all year, giving up eight runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings in a 13-6 loss to New York. That brought Smoltzie's record to a dismal 2-5, with an era of 8.33. So, what does this mean for Smoltz? I have a few ideas.

     I believe that Smoltz needs to go back to Atlanta to end his career, but there's no way he'll be back in the rotation. I say there are only two ways he will be back with the Braves: Either sign a one day contract to officially retire as a Brave or to become some sort of consultant for the pitchers. I think Smoltz could really help Atlanta if he was to stay on as a coach, and how would that be if next year Smoltz along with Greg Maddux, who was offered a chance to help with the pitchers in Spring Training, were working together again.

    Is there any chance that Smoltz could go to another team and try again? I say no. For one, nobody wants to take a risk on a 42 year old pitcher who just can't control his pitches like he once could. And even if someone would look over his age and his stats, who out there really needs another starter of Smoltz's current caliber? There are none.

   Last night was probably the last start for John in the Majors, and I know it's not the way he wanted to go out, but there's no point in going out there when you don't have what it takes. John is my favorite pitcher ever, and it hurts to see signs that this guy really is just about done. But that's part of watching sports, at some time or another our favorite players get old and lose their dominating ability. Some players see it immediately and just say "Hey, I'm Done", while others, like Smoltz, refuse to believe it and just try to keep going. Smoltz should have retired last year when he knew he needed surgery on his shoulder. So John, let's just quit wasting time and call it a career. That way we can see you in Cooperstown that much sooner.