Atlanta Braves pitcher and future first-ballot Hall of Famer, John Smoltz, 41, will undergo shoulder surgery that will likely end his 2008 season.
And more than likely spell the end of his brilliant career.
Smoltz wants to defy the odds and Father Time and make it back for a possible post-season appearance should the Braves make it to October. That ain't gonna happen. Not with this type of procedure. The recovery time will be at least year, if not longer.
Smoltz is the only pitcher in history to win at least 200 games and save more than 150. He has a career ERA of 3.26. He also pitched every one of 3,395 innings in a Braves uniform.
If Smoltz chooses to retire--which I think he should and pursue a second career on golf's Champions Tour (he's a scratch golfer)--I think it would be pretty cool if Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine announced their retirements at the end of the season, too. That way all three of the best and most classy and professional pitchers in the last quarter century would enter the Hall together in 2013.
Best of luck on your surgery, Smoltzy. And let's hope it doesn't affect that great golf game of yours!
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Comments (1)
Give me 3 tries at it befor... (Below threshold)1. Posted by DT | June 4, 2008 5:43 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Give me 3 tries at it before he gets cut. I seriously hope he at least considers acupuncture first.
1. Posted by DT | June 4, 2008 5:43 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 4, 2008 17:43