St. Louis Cardinals Sign Veteran Pitcher John Smoltz

Sports Betting News - August 19th, 2009 - Written by Bruce

The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a contract with veteran pitcher John Smoltz. The 42 year old former Cy Young winner is the only pitcher in major league history to record more than 200 wins and 150 saves. Just a few days ago, Smoltz was released by the Boston Red Sox after going 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA in eight starts with the team. The Cardinals' will pay Smoltz the pro rated amount of the minimum salary, which comes out to approximately $100,000. Smoltz is expected to initially be a starter for the Cardinals, but he may be moved to the bullpen as the season progresses. The Red Sox will pay the remaining $5.5 million of Smoltz's contract this season. Smoltz stated that he would prefer to pitch in the National League, and his signing with the Cardinals allows him to do just that. His former Atlanta Braves teammates, Mark Derosa and Adam Wainwright, had been actively recruiting Smoltz since his release from the Red Sox.

Back in 2002, John Smoltz became only the second pitcher in history to have both a twenty win season and a fifty save season in his career. The last time Smoltz pitched out of the bullpen was in 2004 when he was with the Braves. Smoltz recorded a very impressive 44 saves that year, before once again returning to the starting rotation. In his final seven starts with the Red Sox, Smoltz had a minuscule 0.64 ERA in the first two innings. This may lead the Cardinals to move Smoltz back to the bullpen where he may be more effective. One of the biggest reasons that the Cardinals decided to sign Smoltz was because of his postseason success. The Cardinals currently have a six game lead in the NL Central, putting them in great shape to make the postseason this year. John Smoltz is the the all time major league leader in postseason victories with 15.

It is still unclear exactly how the Cardinals will use Smoltz as the season plays out. They are hoping that the eight time All Star will provide them with some leadership down the stretch of the season. If the Cardinals do indeed make the postseason, they will likely look to Smoltz in certain key situations. The Cardinals(68-53) have won eight of their last ten games, becoming one of the best teams in the majors. Over the course of his brilliant pitching career, Smoltz is 212-151 with 154 saves and a 3.30 ERA. His best season was back in 1996 when he went 24-8 with a 2.94 ERA earning him the National League Cy Young Award.

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