John Smoltz, the only pitcher in MLB with 200+ wins and 150+ saves is currently out of a job. At first blush, this looks like a big mistake by Boston, to part with such a talented pitcher during the height of the playoff battle, but looking deeper, this could be another Brett Favre situation. Smoltz, this season, went 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA in 8 starts for Boston, prior to his release by the team. Historically, John Smoltz has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, as a starter and as a closer/reliever. He spent 20 years in Atlanta and only in Atlanta, winning the Cy Young award and making multiple All Star teams.
But at 42 years old, is he past his prime?
Like, Brett Favre, "Smoltzy" has had a hall of fame career, has won championships and MVP awards (Cy Young), while playing for one team up until the end. "The end", meaning when his career was coming to a close. Favre showed football fans and players that he just isn't the same football player he once was. He was only able to keep it up for half of a season for the NY Jets last year, ultimately going 1-5 the last 6 games of the season and missing the playoffs. Favre has told the media, fans and teams that he has retired (AGAIN), which apparently isn't true at all, because Minnesota Vikings' players say differently; that Favre will be on the team before the start of this season. Smoltz, fortunately hasn't gone in and out of retirement like Brett Favre has, but the question still remains....
Should Smoltz take this release by Boston as a sign and hang up the cleats, ending a glorious career, or, should he jeopardize his reputation like Favre, and play past his prime, possibly embarrassing himself?
***It is hard for someone who hasn't played pro sports to understand what it's like to finally quit the only thing you have ever known, but as a spectator and as a fan, it looks to be detrimental to players like Favre and Smoltz's image to continue to try and compete beyond their capacity.
No comments:
Post a Comment