Why Not To Worry about John Smoltz's Early Struggles

As I was watching rookie pitcher Brett Anderson pitch Oakland to victory with his complete game two-hitter, I couldn't help but notice how much he outshined John Smoltz. 

That's right, John Smoltz, the guy who has over 200 wins and 150 saves, the guy who was practically the face of the Atlanta Braves franchise. 

So far this season, Smoltz has pitched 15 innings, giving up 20 hits, and is sporting an ERA close to seven. Reminds you a little bit of when Daisuke Matsuzaka was pitching before he went on the disabled list, huh?  Well, if it does, it shouldn't. 

Of course, we all know Smoltz is coming off major shoulder surgery, and it is perfectly understandable that he will need a little time to regain the dominant form he once had.  

However, the main thing that Red Sox fans should be informed about is how well he has bounced back from injuries in the past. Back in 1994, in the strike-shortened season, he had bone chips removed from his pitching elbow. Afterwards, he returned to the Braves and posted a 12-7 record, and even though he struggled in the postseason, the Braves won their only World Series. 

Also, throughout the 1998-99 seasons, he continued to go through an array of injuries, but still posted excellent numbers time in and time out. 

Even though Smoltz's returns from these injuries were impressive, his most storied comeback from an injury was in 2001 when he returned from Tommy John Surgery in 2000 and made the transition from starter to closer. 

In this role, he was almost flawless. In 2001, he was highly effective after being ineffective as a starter, and in 2002, he notched 55 saves, a National League record. In his next two seasons, he was able to save another 89 games, even with some lingering injuries. In 2005, he returned to the role as a starter, going 30-17 in the next two seasons. 

Now we are here, and Smoltz is once again trying to regain his form. He is too smart, too hard-working, and too experienced not to be able to come back from this surgery.  Additionally, after each press conference, he has stated constantly how good he feels.  After last night's game, he was doing some head scratching. 

"I went back and watched the whole game again and I'm still shaking my head on some of the hits and some of the plays," said Smoltz. "Some of the pitches that I didn't think should have gotten hit, and they found holes. Two bad pitches in the whole game and you have to tip your hat to the kid tonight. He pitched a magnificent game." 

The most important thing, however, is that Smoltz is feeling good, and what would you rather have? A pitcher struggling and not knowing why, or a pitcher struggling and still feeling great?

"But I felt in control. I threw the ball really well."

Even his teammates are agreeing with the gritty veteran.

"He's one of the biggest competitors I've ever seen," said Varitek. "It's just time. He's still building. He'll be better in a month than he is right now." 

Smoltz's next start will be against the Kansas City Royals, a weak offensive team. This season, the Royals rank 25th in average, 23rd in home runs, and second to last in runs scored. Even though he has only been facing teams with weak hitting, he can only get better as he shakes off more and more rust.