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Smoltz attempting new delivery

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The John Smoltz who looks to re-join the Braves at the beginning of June will bemarkedly different than the one who went on the disabled list at the end of April. It's not exactly as if he has channeled submarine pitcher Kent Tekulve in the past month, but the new look he's bringing to the mound will be a little jarring to long-time fans. Dropping down to a three-quarters delivery is very much experimental -- see the pitch that sailed six feet over and behind a batter in his minor league rehab stint Thursday. But besides easing the pressure on his shoulder, the delivery will give hitters an entirely different view of his repertoire, Smoltz said. Leo Mazzone said Smoltz had effective use of his fastball, slider and curve when going more sidearm in 1999. The angle, however, effectively eliminated his split-finger pitch.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

John Smoltz, AP John Smoltz, AP

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June 2, 2008  07:18 AM ET
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This makes me nervous if I'm a Braves fan. John Smoltz changing his delivery? That doesn't happen unless something is seriously wrong.

June 2, 2008  08:41 AM ET
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I agree localboy.

I hate the Braves, always have with that uber-geek Ted Turner giggling in his box seat with Jane Yawn-da.

However, Smoltz has always been a bulldog. A big-game pitcher who has always put the team ahead of personal stats. A great pitcher.

June 2, 2008  08:59 AM ET
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this guy will get it done. he's one of the greats. he knows how to get guys out even without his best stuff. i think he's got enough in the tank to finish out the season strong especially as the closer.

June 2, 2008  09:09 AM ET
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How about throwing with a puppet while drinking a glass of water?

That'll leave 'em rolling on the ground and wanting more.

June 2, 2008  10:01 AM ET
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Deliver pizzas maybe?

June 2, 2008  10:49 AM ET
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I got a bad feelin about this. once you start changin what you are used to doing for years problems follow close behind.

June 2, 2008  10:55 AM ET
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Have no fear he has done it before.

June 2, 2008  11:24 AM ET
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Marking the beginning of the end of a player. Hopefully he doesn't get embarrassed along the way.

June 2, 2008  11:25 AM ET
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Meant to say GREAT player.

June 2, 2008  02:59 PM ET
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I got a bad feelin about this. once you start changin what you are used to doing for years problems follow close behind.

The Original "G" | 06/02/08, 10:49 AM
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cal ripken changed his batting stance nearly every year in his last 10 yrs. great players can make adjsutments and succeed. But...it could also be too late....

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June 2, 2008  04:15 PM ET
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Is that Smoltz? It looks like Fidel Castro and Terrance Stamp's love child. Yikes!

June 2, 2008  07:00 PM ET
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I guess the underhand method wasn't working to well?

 
June 2, 2008  09:14 PM ET
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Good move by Smoltz !!! He'll really throw (pardon the pun ) off the hitters with this added to his other pitches !!

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