Chris CrockettEase Up A Little On Smoltz...Beantown
July 28th 2009 15:18
During the whole ‘Smoltz bashing’ marathon here in Boston on Monday, things just weren’t adding up as I thought about it all. I fully understand and embrace where I live when it comes to walking on ledges and contemplating how cold the water is under Boston’s notorious Tobin Bridge for some fans after tough Red Sox losses or disappointing performances by certain players. If you live here in Boston, or have lived here in Boston at any point in your life, you understand the fact that Red Sox fans treat the baseball season the same way as they treat the shorter more ‘must win’ football season.. Every game is maniacally dissected and it’s either the end of the world when you lose a game in May or the greatest day in the world when you win a game in May. That’s just how it is around Beantown. The passion is undeniable yet at times just flat out delusional, but it comes with the territory. Even though there are times I laugh at the shortsighted passionate ways of a lot of fans, I wouldn’t trade this sports town for any other town in the world.
Fans have every right to be questioning John Smoltz right now. At the end of the day, a starting pitcher in MLB is judged on results. Smoltzie’s results haven’t been exactly five star material. I understand that fact. It’s funny though, I said to my wife on Monday during the whole bashing of Smoltz on talk radio and on the internet, that I just flat out know that this isn’t a case of Smoltz losing his stuff due to old age or his arm injury. It’s clear to me while watching him that he still has more than enough velocity and movement on his secondary pitches such as his splitter and slider to still win in this league. His control has been impeccable. I said that he’s just leaving too many pitches in the heart of the strike zone and not painting the corners enough. Well, to my delight, on the way to work Tuesday morning I hear an interview with ex-Braves legendary pitching coach Leo “Rocking Chair” Mazzone and I was not only thoroughly entertained listening to him talk pitching but I was also happy with what he had to say on his ex-pitcher Smoltz. He basically said a lot of the things that I had been thinking and saying about Smoltz the day before, which made me feel a little bit better because after listening to all the mainstream media and Tobin Bridge talk show callers on Monday, I was beginning to think I might in fact be the Village Idiot on all things Smoltz. I don’t mind standing alone on my own island of beliefs but what Leo had to say made me feel a little better. Mazzone was saying he’s watched every one of Smoltz’ starts and it’s all about his location and that coming back from an arm injury like he had will sometimes take a longer time to get the feel and location back. Mazzone also said that he’s convinced that Smoltz’ velocity is fine, which is a big key, and that once he stops leaving balls over the middle portion of the plate, he’s going to be just fine.
Look, it’s a results business.I understand that fact. If Smoltz doesn’t stop leaving balls over the meaty portion of the dish, he will be replaced, bottom line. I know some of you are thinking, "Jesus, how long should we ease up on the guy?" I'm telling you, just a little longer people. Keep in mind also that he’s not supposed to be an ace any longer. He was brought here as a back end of the rotation starter. It’s not his problem that Dice-K went down and Wakefield also is hurt and everyone is panicking. I happen to be in the minority here in Beantown with giving this guy at least 3 more starts to prove he will find his location. If he doesn’t find it, then I’ll admit I was wrong, but I’m betting on the fact that he will find it and I’m in his corner until I’m proven wrong. Even if proven wrong, I love Smoltz’ fight and desire to win. It’s killing him right now to not be delivering for this team and this city. He’ll get there.
Chuck Hanf
Two Cents From Beantown
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