John Smoltz Needs Somebody to Rub His Balls

Last night was a rough one for John Smoltz as the Reds beat the Cardinals 6-1 at Great American Ball Park.  He lasted just four innings, giving up six hits and as many runs while seeing his record drop to 3-8 and earned run average rise to 6.35.

I guess even future Hall of Famers can get a case of the goo.  Apparently, he and the Cardinals coaching staff just need to relax a little bit...you know...blow off some steam.

Before each game, the home clubhouse staff is responsible for rubbing down all of the baseballs with mud.  Smoltz complained that his balls were not up to par because he was unable to get a firm grip on them.  I can definitely understand how difficult it would be to perform without a good grip on your balls.

I have heard that can be a problem as a man gets older.

Three members of the St. Louis bullpen followed Smoltz and did not seem to have problems with their balls.

Bronson Arroyo turned in another quality start for the Reds and seemed to have no trouble with his balls.  The Cardinals were trying to hit Arroyo's balls all night without much success.

After the game, Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan accused Arroyo of enhancing his ability to grip his balls.  Duncan told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "I'm sure he had pine tar on his cap.  I've been around for 40-plus years now and I've never seen a major-league baseball game played with balls like that."

When asked about the allegations, Arroyo acknowledged touching his hat and grabbing his crotch.

Reds pitching coach Dick Pole said that if the Cardinals suspected something, they should have checked Arroyo last night.  Pole also said that Smoltz's balls looked fine to him.

Smoltz was also upset last night when Drew Stubbs stole second base with a six-run lead.  Smoltz looked into the Reds dugout and voiced his concerns.  Reds manager Dusty Baker held up three fingers, reminding Smoltz it was only the third inning.