Classy move by Smoltz
February 28th, 2006
John Smoltz has given his blessing for Tim Hudson to be the Opening Day starter for the Atlanta Braves.
“Huddy is Opening Day starter for the future here,” Smoltz said. “As long as Huddy’s here, he’s going to start Opening Day. Huddy’s the guy.”
Memo to Barry Bonds and Alfonso Soriano: This is what it means to be a team player.
Thanks to David B. for the alert.
John Smoltz is a classy Christian gentleman.
Statistically speaking, he probably won’t have enough career wins or career saves to guarantee Hall of Fame enshrinement; however, he is a hall of fame person. The Braves organization is blessed to have him.
I would expect nothing less from the class of the league.
I’m very pleased to see that Smoltz has acted this way in response to this unofficial decision. However, just me as a Braves fan, I’m a little disappointed to see Smoltzie not starting Opening Day. Either this year or next will most likley be his last. I’d just love to see him go out with the absolutley best possible season, you know? But hey, it’s a classy move by a classy guy. Good job Smoltzie.
I think it would show more class for Hudson to request that Smoltz get the starting nod. Tim will have many more opportunities to start opening days, while John represents the city and team like a gentleman.
Smoltz doesn’t have enough for the Hall of Fame? That’s a toughie. But if he can play 2-3 more seasons he could eclipse 200 wins and 3000 Ks, numbers that the voters seem to dig.
Wins are not the greatest measure of a pitcher’s performance. And in the early 90’s Smoltz seemed to be the hard luck guy of the staff. Before his injury he put up great numbers yet failed to win more than 15 games in any of those seasons. He should be over 200 by now.
He’s in my Hall.
I would agree, Zoner, that if Smoltz achieves the particular stats you referenced, then his chances are enhanced. Howeva, Blyleven & Tommy John deserve enshrinement also. John, if for no other reason than the pioneering elbow surgery that bears his name. Oh, and he also won 288(!) career games, Blyleven 287.
It’s a disgrace that John and Blyleven are not in the Hall. Their win totals are great, but a deeper look at more of their stats basically demands their inclusion.
Back to Smoltz, he also has like 150+ saves to boot. If he had started those 3 years, he would certainly be past 200 and on his way to 250 wins.
I can’t take it anymore! I don’t know what is the draw toward this guy! He is just like most other MLB pitchers, he’s arrogant, self-absorbed, and the things he says he just says to get something- attention and money. He just passed to Hudson to look better in the public eye. He puts on a good face and he will do it all the way to the HOF, if he gets there. He is probably passing to Hudson because he’s hurt again, so 2005 may have been his last year. Plus, he looks like a NASCAR driver. Calm down Scott, Bob, Gordon, Jeff, and the Zoner- I am just kidding. I would like Smoltz if he weren’t a Brave.