Coming into the season, most were looking at Atlanta’s potential starting lineup and seeing it as one of the best. Afterall, with two future Hall of Famers in Smoltz and Glavine, mixed in with Tim Hudson and the finally returning Mike Hampton, it was a starting rotation that could be of juggernot proportions.

If they could stay healhty.
Which as it turns out, was the biggest if in baseball. Turns out, only Tommy Glavine is actually in the rotation at the moment. Hudson has a hamstring injury. Hampton has a…well, he’s Mike Hampton. And today, Smoltz announced he’s having season ending surgery.

Its cute and all, how he’s telling the press he plans on playing in 2008. Its not happening. Time to face facts Atlanta, Smoltz ever playing baseball again right now is just as likely as Carlos Delgado getting a contract extension. This newest injury just makes things look worse, as they’re already forced to use Jo-Jo Reyes.

Smoltz will make the Hall of Fame, easily. He excelled as a closer and a starter. He pitched well while 40s. He didn’t do drugs. But he’s 41, getting season ending surgery, and his contract runs out this year. With this latest setback, chances are the Braves will be going no where fast this summer. As Met fans, we know continuing to attempt to rehab aged starters is pointless (see, El Duque). Its time Mr. Smoltz. Hold your press conferance. Start writing your HOF speech. We’ll see you in five years. You’ll probably even get to stand next to our good friend Mike Piazza.