John Smoltz -- gotta be in the HOF

Come on, people!
I've always been a huge Smoltz fan. This is quite an accomplishment.
any thoughts/opinions?
I've always been a huge Smoltz fan. This is quite an accomplishment.
any thoughts/opinions?
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Kurkjian and Brian Kenny kicked this around tonight on Sportscenter and Tim made a great case for him, as did Kenny. Later, on Baseball Tonight, Kurkjian made the same case and was joined by Buster Olney. Each of those three are guys I have occasional, even frequent, trouble with, but they all piled up big points with me tonight. There was a good story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution a few days ago, assessing his standing with the voters, and several were quoted as believing him to be assured election, including Richard Justice. So I'm pretty confident.
He's the 4th Brave who I've watched win his 200th game (along w/ Niekro, Maddux and Glavine.) Each of the last three did it at home (Phil did it in Pittsburgh), Maddux's was one of his first wins as a Brave in 1993, and Glavine and Smoltz are the only two guys in the free agency era, post 1976, who've won their 200th game with the same team.
Sorry for going on, I'm a little giddy. That was an important win for the team, too, and it was an exciting game. Glavine and Smoltz are as important to me as Baseball players can be to a fan, and I'm happy to see them get the accolades they've earned.
Now, I've got to go back to my "Root for the Mets every fifth day" thing and wait for Tom to get to his milestone.
(I think these are correct)
831-538 (W-L)
154 Saves (all Smoltz obviously)
8556 Ks
12121 innings
3.61 ERA
7 Cy Young Awards
not too shabby
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Don't forget that Smoltz is the greatest postseason starter of this generation, he was always miles ahead of Glavine and Maddux in that regard.
Abe
<< <i>He wasn't that great the first several years of his career, when he was third string behind Maddux and Glavine. He didn't get as many wins for some great Braves teams as he probably should have. He's gotten better with age, but if he had played for a poor team his whole career, he wouldn't even be considered. >>
I think a guy with a 3.27 ERA, a BAA of .235, a WHIP of 1.17 and 2800+ K's would have been solid any place he pitched. He went 26-22 in 2 full years for a last place team at the beginning of his career, with a shoddy defense in a home park whose field was maintained in a second rate manner.
Lee
Well, "his stuff" against Glavine and the Mets last nite (Atlanta won 2-1) was brilliant! Smoltz is like a fine wine!
He's 40, and still pitching great! A few more years like this should guarantee a "punched ticket" for him!
BTW, has there ever been another pitching trio in MLB like, Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz? NOPE!
rd
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<< <i>Maddux's was one of his first wins as a Brave in 1993
<< <i>
I'm lost GDM. Are you saying Maddux's 200th win was in 93? This sentence is confusing the turd out of me.
Smoltz is a HoF'er
The player Smoltzie most often gets compared to is Dennis Eckersley, and if we're speaking strictly in terms of dominance, Smoltz was/is a FAR better starter than Eck. They both experienced tremendous success as closers. I might give an ever so slight edge to Eck, but overall Smoltz is unquestionably a better pitcher.
Spahn, Sain and that Indian guy, Pray For Rain
Lee
I think a guy with a 3.27 ERA, a BAA of .235, a WHIP of 1.17 and 2800+ K's would have been solid any place he pitched. He went 26-22 in 2 full years for a last place team at the beginning of his career, with a shoddy defense in a home park whose field was maintained in a second rate manner.
Well, his first 8 years he was 90-82, if he was with the Royals those years he would have been about 30-142, and making his living on the PGA tour now.
Just kidding, I do think he's a hall of famer, but he got much better in the middle of his career when his control improved.
At 200 wins and 150 saves - there's no one like him!
I'm a Braves fan - a bit biased - but this one is easy.
mike
<< <i>Darin,
Don't forget that Smoltz is the greatest postseason starter of this generation, he was always miles ahead of Glavine and Maddux in that regard.
Abe >>
Excellent point. His postseason domination of Bonds is classic!!