Smoltz aims to revive career with St Louis
Source: Agencies |
August 21, 2009, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
JOHN Smoltz agreed to a deal with the St Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, giving the 42-year-old former ace a chance to rejuvenate his career in the middle of the Major League Baseball pennant race.
Smoltz joined the National League Central division leaders shortly after he cleared waivers, following his release by Boston. He was 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox.
General Manager John Mozeliak said Smoltz would likely start on Sunday at San Diego, and would probably get at least a few turns in the rotation.
"He had very little demands," Mozeliak said on a conference call. "He had no demands. From everything he had heard about this club, he was excited to take this opportunity.
"The reason for the start was just to get him work and know what we have."
The Cardinals hope Smoltz can either fill a void as the fifth starter or provide right-handed relief in the bullpen. Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas and Florida also were said to be interested in signing the longtime Atlanta star.
"When you have an opportunity to bring the expertise and experience of a future Hall of Famer to your club, it's easy to see why we are excited about the prospects of what John Smoltz can do to improve our team's chances as we approach the stretch drive," Mozeliak said earlier.
Smoltz is 212-152 with a 3.32 ERA and 154 saves in 21 seasons. An eight-time All-Star, he's the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves.
One of the best big-game pitchers of his era, Smoltz is expected to join the team today.
Smoltz joined the National League Central division leaders shortly after he cleared waivers, following his release by Boston. He was 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox.
General Manager John Mozeliak said Smoltz would likely start on Sunday at San Diego, and would probably get at least a few turns in the rotation.
"He had very little demands," Mozeliak said on a conference call. "He had no demands. From everything he had heard about this club, he was excited to take this opportunity.
"The reason for the start was just to get him work and know what we have."
The Cardinals hope Smoltz can either fill a void as the fifth starter or provide right-handed relief in the bullpen. Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas and Florida also were said to be interested in signing the longtime Atlanta star.
"When you have an opportunity to bring the expertise and experience of a future Hall of Famer to your club, it's easy to see why we are excited about the prospects of what John Smoltz can do to improve our team's chances as we approach the stretch drive," Mozeliak said earlier.
Smoltz is 212-152 with a 3.32 ERA and 154 saves in 21 seasons. An eight-time All-Star, he's the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves.
One of the best big-game pitchers of his era, Smoltz is expected to join the team today.
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