Will John Smoltz be a Hall of Famer?

Answer 1

This is a tough one. I think it will matter how he finishes. Can't really judge him on wins because he converted to stopper because the Braves needed him there. I think if you take into consideration how good he was in the post season....I would give him a narrow...yes.

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Answer 2

I believe that Smoltz will be in. He should have had 2 CY YOUNG awards couting last year. The only reason was a horrible bullpen. They blew at least 6 games where he had the lead and gave it to the pen. Those 6 leads would have put him @ 22 wins for the season and as it was he tied for the league lead in wins. His years as a closer he was dominating. If I'm not mistaken, I do believe he set the record for saves in a season. 150 some saves added to his current win totals and postseason dominance should make him a lock. It might not be a first ballot but that depends on the rest of his prospective class. Smoltz needs to finish strong to secure it without a doubt.

Answer 3

Yes, absolutely! Through thick and thin Smoltz has been the heart and soul of the Braves. A dependable starter (Cy Young Award Winner) and and equally dependable closer. He held the Braves pitching staff together during a very difficult time. His unselfish move to the bullpen helped the Braves stay on top. There is no doubt that going to the bullpen took away any chance of Smoltz becoming a 300 game winner but he did it anyway. Yes, John Smoltz will make it to Cooperstown!!

Answer 4

I think it is hard to say. Eckersley is somewhat comparable. However, Smoltz was a much better starter. While Ecks had more relative success as a closer and was dominant in his era.

Because Smoltz went to the bullpen, it prevented him from racking up wins. But he wasn't a closer long enough to rack up the saves either.

According to Baseball-Reference only 2 of the top 10 comparable pitchers for career are in the HOF. His HOF Monitor is high but all others are slightly below HOF Benchmarks.

He has a CY Young, won 20 games.. I think it depends on his finish. If he gets well over 200 wins and 3000 strikeouts, I think he should see strong consideration. If he could trade 150 Saves for 50-75 wins, he would be a lock.

I think it will be a very interesting and unique case.

Answer 5

It depends on how long he has left to pitch. As opposed to Dennis Eckersley, who turned a mediocre career into a Hall of Fame one by becoming a closer, this might have turned into a mistake for Smoltz. It took him out of two or three years where he could have built his win total closer to 300. While 300 is a ridiculous standard in the era we are in, if you compare him even to his two Altanta teammates all those seasons- Maddux and Glavine- they're each going to 300 while Smoltz probably ends up about 250.

Answer 6

No. He's the pitching equivalent of someone like Andres Galarraga. Good stats, some great years, but totals are off what a HOFer needs.

Answer 7

I think he finishes easily with 200 wins, he also has over 150 saves, may make 3000 k's how can he not make it? Also, he has never had any negative press, a great player. Maybe not in his first year, but definately should make it.

Answer 8

of course this guy will be a hall of famer this guy is a dominant pitcher from the bullpen and he is a good starting pitcher too. there is no way he will not be in it

Answer 9

As sure as Barry Bonds uses steroids

Answer 10

Yes.