AJC reports:
A day after his fourth elbow surgery, Braves closer John Smoltz said he'd retire rather than have his elbow cut again, and reiterated a preference to return to the starting rotation.***
Not only does Smoltz think that the every-fifth-day schedule of starting be easier on his elbow, he also thinks the Braves need him or another power pitcher atop the rotation to give them a better shot to win another World Series.
Braves general manager John Schuerholz said Tuesday that as of now, the team has no plans to move Smoltz back to the rotation
Doctors have suggested that starting would probably be harder on the elbow because of the 200-250 innings typically pitched, compared to fewer than 100 by a closer.
Smoltz is owed $11 million next season in the final year of a three-year, $30 million deal.
Smoltz, frustrated the past two postseasons waiting for the team to get him a lead before he could have any impact, said "I obviously want to win another championship before I retire, and as a starter I brought the most to the table in the postseason."
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