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Smoltz returning to Closer Role?



Washington — John Smoltz hopes to be back pitching in 15 to 30 days and said he would consider returning to the closer role.



After going on the disabled list Tuesday with inflammation in the rotator cuff and a biceps tendon in his pitching arm, Smoltz said it's possible he would return to the closer role where he dominated during the 2002-04 seasons.



"Yes," he said during a phone interview Tuesday night. "Right now I'm sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I'd like to end it."



It was a surprising acknowledgment from Smoltz, who returned to his preferred starting role in 2005 after converting 154 saves in 3 1/2 seasons as a closer, including a National League-record 55 saves in 2002. He is 47-26 as a starter since the beginning of the 2005 season.



The condition of his shoulder, coupled with elbow problems for Braves relievers Peter Moylan and closer Rafael Soriano, has made Smoltz open-minded about moving back to the bullpen.



First, he has to heal. He has been ordered to go 5-7 days without picking up a ball.



"I won't rush back," he said. "I'll use the best judgment to do what it takes to come back and be successful. The last thing I want to do is bounce back and forth on the DL.



"I will be fine. The team will be fine. And the next time I throw will be because I'm ready."

NOOOOOOO!



Repeat after me..."Manny is da' Man! Manny is da' Man!"



Now if Philly wanted to turn Myers back into a closer, well that would be OK!

I read this new release and conclude two things:



1) Smoltz knows alot more than us about his shoulder, and knows he has a significant problem, so if closing is the only way he will be able to pitch this season, he will do it.



2) Nowhere does management say they want Smoltz back in relief. This was all Smoltz' talk.

What's up, Jack



I have almost got the girls taken care. Thanks for the help and advice. Using the television as leverage turned the tide.



As for Smoltz, not even he wants to go back to the bullpen unless that is the only way he can help. What I have been hearing on the radio is he will not even close games. Cox wants to keep Acosta as the set up man and keep him closing until Soriano returns. Soriano may be back within 10-15 days which is before Smoltz will pitch again.



Wayne, it looks like you got Manny for another week or two

Originally posted by Jackstraw:

Cox wants to keep Acosta as the set up man and keep him closing until Soriano returns. Soriano may be back within 10-15 days which is before Smoltz will pitch again.



Wayne, it looks like you got Manny for another week or two Well, at least that is good. Now if Acosta and Prado can just field their positions! A walk and two errors, both of which could have been double plays, another walk, bring in Carlyle, one pitch, one hit, one loss that should have been a win!