Last night I saw a funny production of Neil Simon’s play “Rumors” at Salem State College. When I got out, I was hoping to catch the end of the game. As it turned out, the game was over, and it was no laughing matter. Smoltz had given up four runs alone in the first inning. The Red Sox bullpen was very shaky. And Jordan Zimmermann from the Nationals absolutely dominated the Red Sox through seven innings of work.
In those seven innings, Zimmermann gave up only 5 hits, a run, a walk, and 6 strikeouts. This guy is only 23 years old. I’m impressed and plan on following up on this guy, I hope he keeps doing this well (just not against the Sox).
Meanwhile, Red Sox pitching was just the opposite. After Smoltz was taken out of the game, Bard came in for an inning and gave up 2 hits, 2 runs, and a walk. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Bard should go back down to AAA for a month or two. I want to see him back in Boston in September, but right now I don’t think he’s ready. Following Bard was Saito, who also gave up 2 runs and 2 hits, one of which was a homer. But before any of this happened, Smoltz had gone 5 innings while allowing 7 hits, 5 runs, a walk, and striking out 5.
I’d be lying if I said I was content with how Smoltz did last night. At the same time I’m not worried. Not yet. According to Ian Browne on mlb.com, Smoltz did not pitch well in 2002 as his first outing as a closer (0.2 IP, 6 H, 8 R), nor did he have a good outing his first time back in the rotation three years later. Maybe the hype is too much for him on the mound. I say we see how he does his next couple of starts before making a decision on whether or not we want to keep him in the rotation. I’m not giving up on Smoltz yet. And if we have to, there’s always Buchholz waiting in AAA.
Keep the Faith.
Keywords: Boston Red Sox, Danield Bard, Ian Browne, John Smoltz, Jordan Zimmermann, Takashi Saito, Washington Nationals
