Obstinate Smoltz Signs With Cardinals

John Smoltz has aged. His fastball cannot assault. His slider cannot explode. His splitter cannot immobilize. Smoltz’s prominence is past. With that stated, veterans request retirement. Retirement is not mandated.

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox released Smoltz. On Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals signed him. “We feel that this is an opportunity to strengthen our pitching staff,” said Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak. “When you have an opportunity to bring the expertise and experience of a future Hall of Famer to your club, it's easy to see why we are excited about the prospects of what John Smoltz can do to improve our team's chances as we approach the stretch drive.”

During his career, Smoltz has accrued a 213-152 record. He has amassed 154 saves. He has posted a 3.31 earned run average. In 2009, he has racked 2-5 record. He has registered a 8.32 earned run average.

Smoltz is an excellent professional. He is an exemplary individual. He should request retirement. Unfortunately, veterans seldom embrace their career’s conclusion.