Smoltz Was DOA

The news around Red Sox Nation today was that John Smoltz was designated for assignment. I say big deal, whoop-de-doo. Is any real baseball fan surprised by this? I’d have to say close to none. In my opinion, Smoltz was DOA the day he was called up.

Yea, I said it. The pitcher with a legendary past, most likely a Hall of Famer was dead on arrival.

The writing was on the wall when he made his first start against the Washington Nationals, giving up five runs and seven hits in five innings.

Some would say it was a result of the long layoff between starts and use his start against the Baltimore Orioles as proof. In that start he only gave up a run in four innings. The next start against the Oakland Athletics thou proved the wheels were falling off this bus as he gave up five runs again.

The signs were there in two of three starts he got hit around by two of the worst offenses in baseball. From there things continued to get worse, in future games hitters on those bad teams started taking him out of the park.

I knew his time was coming to a close when I saw the date August 6th and a start against the New York Yankees.

I knew that would be the game that put the nail in his coffin.

I went and told everyone I knew this was it for Smoltz, the Yankees would prove he’s done.

Well, the Bronx Bombers did not disappoint. They completely disrespected their elder to the tune of eight runs and two homers in three and a third innings.

The final line. 3 1/3 ip 9 hits 4 walks 2 homerun and 8 runs.

No respect, none at all.

But that’s how it goes in sports. When your time comes the kids will let you know and it won’t be subtle.

The kids in Washington, Oakland, Texas and Baltimore tried to tell him to hang it up. The Yankees just put the exclamation mark on it.