Veteran right-handed pitcher John Smoltz is heading back to a more familiar place: The National League. The 42-year old is giving it another shot after struggling with the Boston Red Sox. He was on the disabled list for most of the season, but finally came back on June 25th, when he faced the Washington Nationals. He gave up five earned runs, and it didn't get much better. After lasting only 3 1/3 innings and giving up eight earned runs against the New York Yankees on Aug. 6, the Red Sox had seen enough of the former all-star. They released him the day after that horrible performance and many thought Smoltz's career might be over. His numbers with Boston are mind-boggling for a guy who only a couple of years ago was pitching like his old self. In his short stint with the Red Sox, Smoltz compiled an 8.32 ERA in eight starts.
He now joins a St. Louis Cardinals team that has made plenty of moves this season, and finds themselves six games ahead in the National League Central. Tony LaRussa is expected to use Smoltz as their primary setup man to closer Ryan Franklin. The St. Louis manager has seen plenty of Smoltz when he was a member of the Braves, but this is a much different and less effective pitcher in 2009. Coming off major surgery in the offseason, Smoltz signed a 1 year- 5$million dollar deal with Boston. The Red Sox took a chance that their acquisition would result in some big performances late in the season. They knew he would have to rehab his shoulder for much of the first half of the season, but they certainly didn't expect him to struggle as much as he did. Now, the Cardinals are the ones who will be taking that chance, hoping Smoltz finds the fountain of youth and improves their bullpen.
Despite his age and recent surgery, I expected Smoltz to pitch well for Boston this year. As a Mets fan, it was almost impossible to witness a bad John Smoltz performance when he took the mound. Even though I rooted against him, I had and still have plenty of respect for him, similar to the respect I have for future hall-of-famer Chipper Jones. Many Mets fans might crucify me for such statements, but you have to acknowledge pure talent when you see it. I watched Smoltz get roughed up against the Yankees, and to be honest, it was tough to watch. I've always known him to be the dominant pitcher that he was for almost twenty years with the Braves. He is a first ballot hall-of-famer and is the only pitcher in major league history to win at least 200 games and record 150 saves. Now, he is a veteran who is trying to keep it together. He's heading back to the National League, and in the end, maybe he will turn it around and help the Cardinals make a run for a championship. I hope he does well, but I won't be surprised if this is the last time we see Smoltz pitch in the major leagues.
Shawn Marosek
