Smoltz ready for Opening Day start

Braves ace John Smoltz pitched a day early on Thursday against the Mets, going six innings and allowing one run on seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Smoltz was initially scheduled to face the Phillies on Friday, but with the Braves playing Philadelphia on Opening Day and Smoltz being their Opening Day starter, Smoltz called an audible. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Smoltz used his changeup more often in the game and expects to use it more during the season. "I feel like I have five pitches I can throw any time," said Smoltz. "I don't want to get carried away, but I've accomplished a lot of what I wanted to do this spring."

In 20 innings this spring, Smoltz is sporting a 1.80 ERA with 17 strikeouts and three walks. He is scheduled to pitch again Tuesday before going on Opening Day. He remains intriguing among the top 25 starters to target on Draft Day. His age should be a concern, but that is what will allow him to be picked up affordably. It is also good to see that he still has a great work ethic after 18 seasons in the majors. Consider him a No. 1 or 2 SP, depending on the league size.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com

Braves: Starting pitchers looking strong

Chuck James and the rest of the Atlanta Braves' starting pitchers are heading into the final stage of spring training looking strong. James overcame control problems to throw five scoreless innings on Monday, lowering his ERA to 2.57 in the Braves' 6-0 win over the Cleveland Indians. James gave up four hits but walked three. He loaded the bases in the second with two walks after Casey Blake's double, then pitched out of the jam.

"I definitely was reminded why we have a pitching coach again," said James, who met with Roger McDowell after every inning "so I didn't feel goofy throwing."

Atlanta's starters have stellar ERAs. Buddy Carlyle, who has not allowed a run in 10 innings, is followed by Lance Cormier (1.29), Tim Hudson (1.80) and John Smoltz (1.93). Braves starters have a 2.25 ERA, allowing 18 earned runs in 72 innings.

"I think a lot of the guys are ready to go," manager Bobby Cox said.


Chuck James


John Smoltz


Tim Hudson

Smoltz Should Start Opening Day

After passing off the opening day honors last season, John Smoltz is all set to handle the Atlanta Braves' first start of 2007. To the surprise of no one, manager Bobby Cox aligned his spring training rotation to ensure that Smoltz would be ready to pitch the April 2 opener at Philadelphia.

"We could always switch things around, but it looks that way," Cox said Monday.

Smoltz deferred a year ago, letting Tim Hudson take the opening-day start in what was supposed to symbolize a passing of the guard at the top of the rotation. But the 39-year-old right-hander went on to have a much better season than Hudson, going 16-9 with a 3.49 ERA. While acknowledging that he was excited about pitching in the first game, Smoltz downplayed the honor.

Smoltz would certainly like to forget his record in three opening-day starts: 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA. Two years ago, he lasted only 1 2-3 innings against the Florida Marlins, giving up six earned runs.

Kyle Davies will start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Grapefruit League opener Thursday. He'll be followed in the next three games by Smoltz, Hudson and Chuck James. Lance Cormier will fill the fifth slot in the rotation if Mike Hampton isn't ready to pitch next Monday against Washington.
Source: AP