I wouldn't consider him first ballot material, but I do think he'll get in though it may take quite a few tries. Smoltz was a very good starter with The Braves, and had a great year with 24 wins in '96. He was also a devastating closer for a few years. Injuries did affect his career. Lots of guys have picked up more than the 210 victories and not made it, though the 3,000 strikeouts helps.

I think he'll probably get in though. I would regard Smoltz as similar to Dennis Eckersley in a way. Eckersley was a very good starter from 1975-1979, he threw a no hitter and had good numbers with bad Indians teams before winning 20 for the '78 Red Sox then a mediocre one, and then he became a closer, and one of the greatest ones... Smoltz was a good to great starter and then a great closer, then a solid starter when healthy. The patterns are different, but they wind up being quite comparable.

Great personality and numbers. I don't have anything else to say.

No question. One of the most recognizable figures in the game.

Here is another where it will depend on the year and the other contenders. The fact of being a starter and a closer and a starter must attract some attention.

Smoltz had periods of his career were he was both a great closer and a great starter. However he also had a period were he dropped off the face of the earth with injuries. I think Smoltz is probably worthy of the Hall of Fame, but I think it will take him some time. There just seems to be a lot of other contemporary pitchers who are more worthy, and who will take votes away from him.

The starting then going to relief then back to starter might actually help. He's a monster in the clubhouse too, look at Jones this year. Smoltzy goes to him and TELLS him to toss the team on his back after Chipper went down and Jones does. The writters will look at everything and he should be first time, but more likely second go'round.

Tough call. He has interesting numbers, decent wins and a good whack of saves from his stint as a closer. I don't know that they're enough to get him in, but he'll get some attention from voters.