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WEEI >> This Just In >> Braves start not ideal for Smoltz
Mon, 06/08/2009 - 9:02am

Braves start not ideal for Smoltz

By: Rob Bradford

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Speaking after the Red Sox' 6-3 loss to Texas, Sunday, John Smoltz said he would rather not make his first start of the season when his former team, the Atlanta Braves, come to town, June 19-21. "There is so much history and emotion that goes into it, but it's a game and I want to pitch the game. My only wish is that it wouldn't be my first game," he said. "Pitching is pitching and when I get out there it will be pitching. But there will also be too much leading into it and too much after it. It will not be normal ... You try and treat it like a normal game, but this one would not be a normal game. No matter how much I would want to sleep at night there would be anxious moments. I would deal with it the best way I can, but I know how much adrenaline and emotion I would put in that game."
 
Smoltz also said he and the Red Sox have discussed potentially missing an occasional turn in the rotation once he joins the major league team. "I want to be ready every five days. We talked about it, there may be a time where I have to miss a start," Smoltz said. "Those scenarios play out so many different ways it does me no good trying to figure them out. I just want to be ready."
 
The starter touched on his willingness to pitch out of the bullpen, as well. ""I'm in a position to be readily available to them, in whatever capacity or role that means," he explained. "I've done (relieving) my whole career and I could do it again. But it hasn't been brought up to me."




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