Smoltz starting?

Story in the title link.

Also, from http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/atl/news/atl_news.jsp?ymd=20041029&content_id=907971&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp


"How hopeful can John Smoltz be about getting a starter's role back? Is there any chance that Smoltzie's wish might come true? Honestly, I still believe that he has the ability to become a No. 2, possibly a No. 1 starter again for the Braves. -- M.W. C., Concord, N.C.

Last week, I really didn't know if the Braves were going to give Smoltz a chance to be a starter again. But after talking to general manager John Schuerholz, manager Bobby Cox and Smoltz, I'm beginning to believe this is a real good possibility.

With Jaret Wright, Russ Ortiz and Paul Byrd all eligible for free agency, the Braves have to start making plans to fill some voids in their rotation. They'll make every attempt to bring Wright back. But his success this year might have pushed his price tag too high. I'm also under the belief that Curt Schilling's success in the postseason helped Smoltz's chances. Long before Schilling, Smoltz proved to be one of the game's fiercest competitors in big games. He owns a record 14 career postseason wins and in three Game 7 starts has allowed just two earned runs.
Ironically, those two runs came in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS, when Sid Bream slid home with the game-winning run.

Even if Wright returns, I think there's a good chance Smoltz could be part of the rotation. How's this sound for a starting rotation? Wright, Smoltz, Mike Hampton, John Thomson and Horacio Ramirez.

There would certainly be a void in the closer's role. But remember, the Braves didn't really struggle with Kerry Ligtenberg as their closer in 1998.

Smoltz wants to be a starter again and have the chance to end his career in Atlanta. I won't be surprised if he works a deal in the near future that will at least give him a chance to be a Brave through the end of the 2007 season."
-Mark Bowman