The day after John Smoltz was crushed for 8 runs by the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox decided to designate him for assignment. I was a little shocked at this move because after watching Smoltz pitch and looking over his numbers this season, I think he still has enough to be a solid 1 inning reliever (especially for right handed batters). Right handed batters are only batting .232 against him (left handed batter are batting .444), so that indicates to me that he can be effective in the bullpen. If Boston does decide to release him during the 10 day span that they have, I think it is not unreasonable to think a team in need of a reliever won’t take a shot with him. I can say that I think the future hall of famer’s starting days are over, and after this season I think his great career will be over. To Smoltz I say– see you in Cooperstown.
