People often forget how old and how resilient and how efficient John Smoltz is. Smoltz was traded to the Atlanta Braves for veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander! Smoltz had bone chips in 1995 in fought through that. Smoltz then had Tommy John surgery in 2000. He responded bt transitioning himself to a closer to put less stress on his repaired arm an responded with a then NL record of 55 saves.
John Smoltz, not Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine, holds the Braves team record for most wins in a season. John Smoltz, not Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine, holds the Braves record for most strikeouts in a season. Smoltz also holds the Braves record for most saves in a season and most saves in a career. John Smoltz has won a Cy Young Award, a Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award, a Silver Slugger Award and a NLCS MVP. John Smoltz is one of only two players, along with Dennis Eckersley, to have a 20 win season and a 50 save season in their career. He's also one of only two players, again with Eckersley, to have 150 career wins (210) and 150 career saves (154). When you're in the same category as the one of the greatest closer of all time, and that's not even your number one job, you're doing something right.
If there is anyone who knows his body and what he can do with it, it’s Smoltz. Sure he’s 42, but he’s smarter and wiser about how to go about his business both on and off the field as well.
The Red Sox made a great pick-up getting Smoltz. By this time next month Penny will be on someone else’s roster and Smoltz will be in the rotation putting up quality stats for anyone smart enough as the Red Sox to pick him up with some FAAB money. - Blake Kearny
Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles. You can reach Blake @ BlakeK.ufbaseball@gmail.com.
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