Enter The John Smoltz Era

Let’s begin again, begin the begin.  Let’s begin again like Martin Luther zen.  -REM

Public Service Announcement:  Ok, here we go!  Like my main man Rod Serling always says, “You are about to enter another dimension.  A dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind.  A journey into a wondrous land of imagination.  Next stop, the John Smoltz Zone!”  Yesterday, Dice-K was placed on the DL with a mild right shoulder strain.  Yesterday began the John Smoltz era.        

Now you should know, I always loved me some John Smoltz.  I always loved John Smoltz for what he has done in the post-season.  In the post-season, nobody does it better.  Nobody does it half as good.  Not Bob Gibson.  Not Curt Schilling.  Not nobody.  Not in 1992.  Sherman, set the way back machine.  In 1992, John Andrew Smoltz was everything an ace is supposed to be.  Last year, maybe CC did make four consecutive starts on short rest including one post-season appearance.  Good for him.  But in 1992, John Smoltz did him better. 

In 1992, Smoltz made five consecutive post-season starts all on short rest.  Won three of them on short rest.  A 2.67 ERA on short rest.  NLCS MVP on short rest.  NLCS MVP despite being withered by the flu.  NLCS MVP by shutting down Pittsburgh’s formidable left-handed lineup.  Down goes Bonds!  Down goes Van Slyke!  No, the Bravos did not win the 1992 Word Series.  That distinction goes to the Toronto Blue Jays.  But don’t blame Smoltzie. 

In Game Two, he watched on after seven and one third innings of stellar work as his bullpen blew his lead.  In Game Five he faced Jack Morris.  His 1991 nemesis.  Stop calling me that, my name is Daphne!  This time, things were different.  This time, there would be no ten-inning shutout for Mount Morris.  No Most Valuable Player laurels.  This time it was John Smoltz doing the outlasting. 

This time it was John Smoltz who went home a winner.   I’m gonna ask you a simple question and I want you to listen to me.  Who’s the big winner here tonight at the casino?  Huh?  Smoltzie, that’s who.  Smoltzie’s the big winner.  Smoltzie wins.  Won in his fifth consecutive start on short rest.  Yowza!  Smoltz:  “I’ve always felt I should be the one pitching in big games.”   Me too Smoltzie.  Me too.

Public Spectacle:

Peace out homies.  Six two and Even!

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