Red Sox Ditch John Smoltz—Should The Braves Bring Him Back?

The Red Sox announced today that they have designated former Braves great John Smoltz for assignment. They now have 10 days to release or trade him.

After compiling a 2-5 record in eight starts, Smoltz admitted he wasn't getting the job done on the mound. Knowing what a competitive person he is, this must have been particularly difficult for him to admit.

Despite a series of poor starts and compiling an ERA of 8.33, Smoltz's statistics this season indicate that he could prove valuable in a bullpen role for the remainder of the season.

Removing his first start back from shoulder surgery from the equation, Smoltz only allowed one run during the first two innings of each his other seven starts. That works out to an ERA of 0.64. Obviously, in a bullpen role, he only would be asked to pitch a limited number of innings at a time.

He also recorded 33 strikeouts in 40 innings this year, compared to only nine walks. Only Rafael Soriano has a better strikeout to walk ratio in the Braves' bullpen.

The Red Sox should be willing to trade him to another team for a very low cost since they will be responsible for his salary if he is released. He could provide the Braves the bullpen support that was not acquired at the trading deadline.

More importantly, after the public relations nightmare last offseason, it would give Atlanta an opportunity to make nice with one of the best players in Braves history.

The only real question is whether Smoltz would be willing to accept a middle relief opportunity with a team that is not likely to make the playoffs.

He may rather retire.

On the other hand, he may be looking for a chance to regain his pride and to prove that his problems so far this season were a fluke.

Smoltz already has had success as the Braves closer, setting an National League saves record with 55 in 2002. Atlanta could be the perfect place for him to end his career.