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yahooki: learn to speak proper english

I would just be happy to know Smoltz is going to pitch again.... we already have the Hampton disaster playing out for the 3rd straight year.... I don't want to be in a position of needing him to come back.... and we're in freaking April!!!

The various worst-case scenarios for the 2008 Braves are coming to fruition.

What "Bravo fans" said the Braves have an "amazing rotation"? This lifelong Braves fan, for one, thought the 2008 rotation was assembled with duct tape and Gorilla Glue.

If that's the case, then any Braves fan who isn't been worried about John Smoltz's health every year for the last 8 or 10 years running hasn't been paying attention. He is a bundle of injuries waiting to happen.

After that, Hudson has been shaky since arriving in Atlanta; Glavine, desipte HOF career numbers, is basically a No. 3 or 4 guy at this point; and the rest of the rotation is a dice roll. Those counting on Mike Hampton going into this year were pretty gullible.

If he could pitcha again and help the team out, that would be great

a package of muffins would be great too.

every team and its fans are optimistic about the upcoming season during spring training. Brad got it right......any true Braves fan knew the rotation was questionable, high hopes or not.

If Smoltz wants to go back to being a closer, then let him......he wants to help the team in any way he can and our bullpen could use some.

The only confusing part is that when Smoltz went back to starting he stated that the constant daily work out of the bullpen was actually harder on his shoulder. Maybe it was spin, but I don't think being the closer is going to make it easier. Resting 4,5 or 6 days between appearances makes more sense.

The other bad part of this is the word "rotator cuff" was mentioned.... and Smoltz is usually in "glass half full" mode. He's sounding scared, like Hampton. I think we're nearing the end. It couldn't go on forever....

I think Smoltz would much rather start. Far more time for golf.

He only plays golf when he's not pitching, so when he was in the bullpen, he could only play on off days. Bad for the handicap.

I really hate to ask this, but has anyone heard anything on Hampton. Last I heard he was doing a couple of rehab starts & was supposed to start for the Braves soon. I know this is really a stupid thing to ask about (especially since I always state he will never pitch a real inning ever again), but we're at the point of needing a miracle.

Might be time for Smoltz to hang up the cleats...Mike Hampton is a bum that should be at the house watching on the couch.

Sir Robin, last I heard was that Hampton was supposed to make a rehab start at Richmond last night.....don't know if that happened or how it went if it did. I'll have to agree with you about him ever pitching a real inning.....I too doubt if it will ever happen.