John Smoltz became the first player to have 150 saves and 200 wins last night, how does this help his HOF resume? And do you think anyone else will accomplish this feat?
2007-05-25 03:59:20 · 15 answers · asked by Double L Loser 4 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Eckersley is the only pitcher in the Hall whose career somewhat compares to Smoltz's, having the starter/closer split.
His four seasons as a closer were brilliant.
As a starter, he's been average to very good -- but ever since his game got better (significantly better) in 1995, he's stayed at his level of superiority. Smoltz turned 40 a few weeks ago, so he doesn't have a lot of time left, but right now he's not showing signs of slowing much. If he's got another two seasons in him at about the same level of performance, he'll seal his candidacy. Right now, pretty close, and I think I'd vote for him.
2007-05-25 04:18:59 · answer #1 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
John Smoltz is definitely a hall of fame pitcher. I heard on Sportscenter today that not only is he the only pitcher to do that, but also he has the most wins after getting 150 saves. Usually pitchers go from a starter to a closer or if they fail as a closer they stick around in the bullpen.somewhere. It's rare that someone can basically do both. It doesn't matter, Smoltz just gets the job done.
2007-05-25 11:06:58 · answer #2 · answered by Ty Cobb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Records are made to be broken. Eventually, someone will come along and pass Smoltz. But I'm sure he'll end up in the HOF. He's just had a stellar career, and this record is just another notch in his belt of excellence.
2007-05-25 11:06:15 · answer #3 · answered by Countdown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the way arms are getting injured I could see maybe Kerry Wood doing it if he ever stays healthy. Ecks fell three wins short of two hundred. Smoltz is a future Hall of famer. I hope that He, Glavine, and Maddux all three retire the same year so they can end out in the Hall together.
2007-05-25 13:41:09 · answer #4 · answered by ShoelessJoes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smoltz will definitely be in the HOF.
Not only for this rare accomplishment but for his dominant pitching throughout his career (when he was well) and his class on and off the field.
John is a great pitcher and I hope we get to watch him shut 'em down for many more years.
2007-05-25 12:06:11 · answer #5 · answered by dohcraw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely helps his HOF chances. I'm not quite sure if he's a first-time ballot, but he will get in. As far as someone else doing it, it's possible, but unlikely. They next closest to him with 200 wins and also worked as a reliever had like 60 saves, and is retired.
2007-05-25 11:15:27 · answer #6 · answered by Red Sox '07 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can' t say it won't happen again, but what makes it rare is a team having enough starting pitching and a weak enough bullpen to place an very good starting pitcher in the bullpen.
He's a Hall of Fame pitcher, but having this very specific record that 99% of players don't have the chance to obtain isn't the reason.
2007-05-25 11:10:48 · answer #7 · answered by Michael F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it didn't really. he was already a sure thing. he could have retired with 199 wins and 149 saves and still be in. i hope john, tom and greg all retire the same year so they can all go in together. those guys were probably the 3 greatest pitchers to play on the same team. they dominated the 80's.
2007-05-25 12:08:48 · answer #8 · answered by joe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it will seal his entry into the Hall of fame. It this age of specialization, I would expect that no one else will ever achieve 150 saves AND 200 wins.
Chow!!
2007-05-25 12:31:11 · answer #9 · answered by No one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's definitely in the HOF. I don't think anyone else will do this anytime soon. Besides that fact you mentioned, he also has the most postseason wins in history(15)
2007-05-25 11:05:12 · answer #10 · answered by metallicat89 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋