John Smoltz

It was an interesting day in baseball. I first want to say congrats to John Smoltz for a good game in his Cardinals debut. Beating the Padres is not a great gage to judge how his year will go, but part of winning is beating the teams you are supposed to. John Smoltz went 5 scoreless innings while giving up 3 hits and striking out 9. John Smoltz was a great pick up for the St. Louis Cardinals. I think he is a great pick up for any team in a pennant run for 3 reasons.
First, John Smoltz is a proven winner. He is an 8-time All-Star, Cy Young winner, and has many other career awards. He has over 200 career wins, over 150 saves, and over 3,000 strikeouts. He was an important part of a Brave's pitching staff that led the team the postseason 14 times. During these 14 years, the Braves made it to the World Series 5 times and won it in 1995.
Second, John Smoltz has the above mentioned playoff experience. He is the all time leader in playoff wins with 15. He has played in 24 playoff series and 5 World Series. The Cardinals have been to the World Series twice in recent years winning it in 2006. That being said, the majority of the players on the current Cardinal's roster were not on either of those World Series teams. John Smoltz brings immediate playoff experience to a young team.
Finally John Smoltz not only has something left in his arm, but has something to prove to the Red Sox and to himself. Smoltz hurried his way back from major surgery so he could pitch again. Although he didn't set a record for fastest recovery, he did rush back for someone his age. I feel as the season goes on, he will not only get stronger but prove he has another year left in his career.
The Cardinals have made several good moves this year and are reaping the benefits of an active front office. The newest acquisition to the team may not be the most productive, but could be the most beneficial in the clubhouse. I look to Smoltz to contribute on and off the field as he has in his 21 years in the majors.