John Smoltz has better value as a Closer
-Dexter Sports
2:44 PM
John Smoltz has been a staple of the Atlanta Braves franchise. He is possibly the most versatile pitcher since Goose Gossage and Dennis Eckersley. He is the only pitcher to accomplish 200 wins and 150 saves. The last few seasons he has reclaimed himself as one of the best starters in the game. Now, after a stint on the disabled list, The Braves will have to make a decision on what to do with Smoltz.
With Rafeal Soriano also on the DL, this bullpen is taking a hit as well. Mike Gonzalez is also out and GM Frank Wren cannot do anything but hope his pitching can get healthy again. With Hampton still fighting injury, It is going to be hard to put something together, but I still believe that the Braves best option is closer for John Smoltz.
Though the rotation is a bit weak at this point, I think that we will not see a major move done to add pitching at this point, because what is available is not any better than he can put on the mound already. Jo-Jo Reyes will get the shot on Saturday, and I think he is the best option. Reyes, a former top 10 prospect of the braves, has seen a lot of time at AAA Richmond.
When everyone gets healthy, this could simply be the best bullpen in the NL East. It could be a bonus down the stretch.
Heres a look at my amended rotation and bullpen when everyone is healthy:
Rotation:
1. Tim Hudson
2. Jair Jurjens
3. Tom Glavine
4. Buddy Carlisle
5. Jo-Jo Reyes
Bullpen:
Closer: John Smoltz
Set up: Mike Gonzalez/Rafeal Soriano
Middle Relief: Peter Moylan/ Manny Costa
Long Relief: Chuck James/Mike Hampton/Jeff Bennett
Lefty Specialist: Will Ohman
2:44 PM
John Smoltz has been a staple of the Atlanta Braves franchise. He is possibly the most versatile pitcher since Goose Gossage and Dennis Eckersley. He is the only pitcher to accomplish 200 wins and 150 saves. The last few seasons he has reclaimed himself as one of the best starters in the game. Now, after a stint on the disabled list, The Braves will have to make a decision on what to do with Smoltz.
With Rafeal Soriano also on the DL, this bullpen is taking a hit as well. Mike Gonzalez is also out and GM Frank Wren cannot do anything but hope his pitching can get healthy again. With Hampton still fighting injury, It is going to be hard to put something together, but I still believe that the Braves best option is closer for John Smoltz.
Though the rotation is a bit weak at this point, I think that we will not see a major move done to add pitching at this point, because what is available is not any better than he can put on the mound already. Jo-Jo Reyes will get the shot on Saturday, and I think he is the best option. Reyes, a former top 10 prospect of the braves, has seen a lot of time at AAA Richmond.
When everyone gets healthy, this could simply be the best bullpen in the NL East. It could be a bonus down the stretch.
Heres a look at my amended rotation and bullpen when everyone is healthy:
Rotation:
1. Tim Hudson
2. Jair Jurjens
3. Tom Glavine
4. Buddy Carlisle
5. Jo-Jo Reyes
Bullpen:
Closer: John Smoltz
Set up: Mike Gonzalez/Rafeal Soriano
Middle Relief: Peter Moylan/ Manny Costa
Long Relief: Chuck James/Mike Hampton/Jeff Bennett
Lefty Specialist: Will Ohman
