John Smoltz

[Don Wassall]

Smoltz doesn't get the recognition he deserves. His career has been a lot like Dennis Eckersley's, who was a first ballot Hall of Famer. First a top-notch starter (better than Eck), then switched to closer and he dominated at that role.


Now Smoltz is moving back to the starting rotation at the age of nearly 38. He's a fierce competitor and a class act and it would be great to see him excel as a starter again at this stage of his career. It would cinch his place in the Hall of Fame if he can pull it off.

 

[robcat]

He had a very strong spring. Wouldn't it be great if he can win 20 again?

 

[Colonel_Reb]

Smoltz has been around a long time and has had a very good career. I got to see him play for the Braves in Montreal a couple of years ago. I would like to see him get a 20 win season too.

 

[Bear-Arms]

If he could get 200 wins and 200 saves that would be nice, as of now he
is 37 Win's away and 46 saves away from 200. It would be tough
though.

 

[right winger]

Dennis Eckersley had 197 wins and 390 saves. Pretty amazing stuff, it's easy to see why he was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. I think if Smoltz can get to 225+ wins if he remains a starter, or around 250 saves if he goes back to the bullpen, he should have a decent shot at the Hall.

 

[Colonel_Reb]

I agree right-winger. I hope he makes it into the Hall.

 

[Don Wassall]

Smoltzwon tonight to becomethe first pitcher in baseball history with 200 wins and 150 saves.

He's also 7-2 this year, going strong at age 40.

 

[foreverfree]

Smoltz won tonight to become the first pitcher in baseball history with 200 wins and 150 saves. 

 

He's also 7-2 this year, going strong at age 40. 

It's a great year you've been havin'
When you beat your buddy Glavine.

John
(no poet laureate)

 

[whiteCB]

Here we come Cooperstown!!!

 

[Freedom]

Roger Clemens is considered the best pitcher of our day by many. I consider John Smoltz the best pitcher that I've ever seen. His split finger fastball is really good and has a lot of control with it. A lot of pitchers throw split finger fastballs out of the zone a lot. Smoltz doesn't.

Not to mention the transition he made from starter to reliever to starter!

 

[Don Wassall]

Last night Smoltz became just the 16th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts. He ranks second only to Greg Maddux in Ks among active pitchers.


Like so many great white athletes, Smoltz is all class, asuperb role model for any young aspiring baseball player. Congrats to him.

 

[LabMan]

John Smoltz is also a very articulate man,soft spoken,and quite humble,anyone who has seen him interviewed can attest.He would be a joy to real sports fans if he became a play by play announcer or color man,also,I'm sure most major league teams would love to have him as a pitching coach.