On July 6, Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz received his second loss of the season, allowing five runs in five innings.

His first start of the 2009 season came against the worst team in baseball, the Washington Nationals. In the game, he gave up five runs on seven hits after five innings.

Smoltz keeps saying he's getting better and I'm willing to buy into that.

He has started three times so far this season. Before those three starts, he went an entire year without starting.

If he does not pick it up in his next few starts, the Red Sox should bring up one of their prospects from Triple-A, such as Clay Buchholz.

Until then, Red Sox fans should not be alarmed.

Smoltz won't be his old Cy-Young self, but he should get his control down.