Bobby Cox and Leo Mazzone didn't move Smoltz back a start for no good reason...Smoltz's shoulder is hurting and I question how effective he will be. The word was he couldn't come close to locating his fastball last 3 BP sessions, and when the press tried to call him out on it...he escaped through a back door at Turner field only to be caught where he commented "its just a little shoulder stiffness". They have no choice but to see what he has tonight, but my feeling is that we will see that putrid bullpen earlier rather than later. My money is on the Rocket tonight at a nice price and also the over 7 runs. There are those that will question Clemen's health as well, but I was reassured by his performance while clinching vs Cubs on Sunday.
yes i do think cox would pitch him...too big a dropoff to ramirez or sosa...i'm not trying to be overdramatic but why push him back if it wasnt a big concern? surely they prefer him to hudson in g1 to set the tone.....good luck either way, i just wouldnt want anyone to bet smoltz and be looking at that horrific bullpen in the 3rd inning...also lets face it, clemens as a dog isn't a bad bet as a dog even if smoltz is healthy
Better question... do you think Pinny, a great book would put up 102 pitches if they didn't think that Smoltzy could throw 102 pitches? I'm not saying my money is on Atlanta today, but it's clearly a do or die game for the Braves and there isn't anyone I'd rather have on the mound than Smoltz. Also, Lidge had to throw for awhile in the bullpen yesterday, and the Braves proved that they could hit Houston's bullpen as well as Houston can hit there's. Reitsma was responsible for 4 runs yesterday, and with a bad start by Hudson, the Braves still could've won if not for Reitsma. He won't throw today because he threw too many sucktastic pitches yesterday, and I've got a hard time betting against the Braves this afternoon. At some point they're going to win a game in this series. Over 7 is a solid bet IMO, as I don't see either pitcher working past the 7th, and if they both give up 2 runs, the over is golden...
Honestly, I wouldn't even say Reitsma had a bad outing yesterday. If you look at the inning he pitched, I believe every single one of the hits that the Astros got off of him were weak grounders (what he needs to get...) hit where the fielders werent or bloopers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Reitsma hit his spots for the most part and just got unlucky.
However, Smoltz knows this is a do or die and I wouldn't surprised to see him pitch into the eighth so they can go straight to Farnsworth.
However, Smoltz knows this is a do or die and I wouldn't surprised to see him pitch into the eighth so they can go straight to Farnsworth.
Another thing you guys are not considering with the Smoltz under 102 pitch prop is that if he is as sharp and healthy as you say he is, IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE HE COULD GO A COMPLETE GAME AND PITCH UNDER 102 PITCHES. Maddux in his prime used to routinely pitch CG shutouts in under 100 pitches. Oswalt for the Stros does that feat all the time too.
I am betting Smoltz is either really on or really off. No middle ground here, and I cash either way.
I am betting Smoltz is either really on or really off. No middle ground here, and I cash either way.
I also took Smoltz OVER 2 walks +240. He averaged 1 walk per 4 innings during the regular season. I thought if he was having problems with his shoulder that he might lose control and end up walking some batters.
What I didn't figure is that he might intentionally walk batters like he did Palmeiro.
What I didn't figure is that he might intentionally walk batters like he did Palmeiro.
