Smoltz To Join St. Louis
Having made several moves already this season, Cardinals GM John Mozeliak pulled the trigger to make yet another move to bolster the Cardinals roster. John Smoltz, who had been released by the Red Sox where he struggled, took the offer which Mozeliak extended to him.
The 21-season-veteran made eight starts with Boston, obtaining a 2-5 record with an eye-popping 8.25 ERA. In 40 innings Smoltz only issued 9 free passes and struck out 33, which isn't bad.
Though, the ERA is rather high he can still pitch at a high level. It seemed John would pitch with his best stuff in the first four or five innings, but once the sixth inning came along, he would hit what would seem to be a wall where he would give up the big inning.
Tony LaRussa will utilize the strengths of John, allowing him to give the Cardinals five strong innings of quality ball, then turn it over to the bullpen to finish it off. Also, Smoltz can come out of the bullpen and be a setup man to bridge the gap to closer Ryan Franklin, who's been lights out all season.
The Cardinals needed right-handed relief help and back of the rotation help was well, and with Smoltz joining the club they acquired both. Postseason is where Smoltz can be utilized the best, and with a six game lead on the Cubs, the Cardinals look poised to earn a berth in the playoffs.
The 21-season-veteran made eight starts with Boston, obtaining a 2-5 record with an eye-popping 8.25 ERA. In 40 innings Smoltz only issued 9 free passes and struck out 33, which isn't bad.
Though, the ERA is rather high he can still pitch at a high level. It seemed John would pitch with his best stuff in the first four or five innings, but once the sixth inning came along, he would hit what would seem to be a wall where he would give up the big inning.
Tony LaRussa will utilize the strengths of John, allowing him to give the Cardinals five strong innings of quality ball, then turn it over to the bullpen to finish it off. Also, Smoltz can come out of the bullpen and be a setup man to bridge the gap to closer Ryan Franklin, who's been lights out all season.
The Cardinals needed right-handed relief help and back of the rotation help was well, and with Smoltz joining the club they acquired both. Postseason is where Smoltz can be utilized the best, and with a six game lead on the Cubs, the Cardinals look poised to earn a berth in the playoffs.
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