Braves pitcher John Smoltz will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. He and the Braves called an 11:30 a.m. news conference and rumors grew of a retirement announcement, but that talk remains up in the air.
Still, one must think this surgery could spell the end of Smoltz’s career. A great pitcher for sure, talk of him going into Cooperstown has him pegged as a definite. Here are Smoltz’s career statistics:
3395 IP / 3.26 ERA / 1.170 WHIP / 210-147 / 154 SV / 3011 K / 992 BB
You’d have to think during those four years as closer, Smoltz would’ve racked up approximately another 60 wins, giving him 270 for his career. He would’ve then eclipsed 3,000 strikeouts much earlier. He’s a Cy Young winner (1996), a one-time 20-game winner (’96) and a five-time 15-game winner. He’s an eight-time All-Star.
So is Smoltz in the Hall? Absolutely.
Of course, this injury and surgery is a big blow for the Braves, who were going to try to convert Smoltz back to the bullpen after three seasons as starter. Smoltz leaves a huge hole in the Atlanta staff.
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