On the same day he was announced as an analyst for the MLB on TBS as well as Braves games on Peachtree TV, we learn that former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz is also joining MLB Network as a studio and game analyst. We still haven’t had word that Smoltz is officially retired, but this keeps him in the game until he either gets a gig with a team or decides that he enjoys being in the booth that he does actually quit the game. We’ll see. Here’s the release from MLB Network.
JOHN SMOLTZ JOINS MLB NETWORK AS GAME AND STUDIO ANALYSTSmoltz to Debut on MLB Network on Opening DaySecaucus, N.J., March 16, 2010 – Eight-time National League All-Star pitcher John Smoltz has joined MLB Network as a game and studio analyst during the 2010 season.Smoltz will make his debut for MLB Network on Opening Day (Monday, April 5) in-studio as part of MLB Tonight’s 14-hours of live Opening Day coverage starting at Noon Eastern. He will make additional appearance on MLB Tonight throughout the season.Smoltz also will provide color analysis for games on MLB Network and will join Bob Costas for a select number of telecasts throughout the season. Smoltz also will work with additional MLB Network play-by-play announcers. The schedule will be announced at a later date.“This is a great opportunity for me to partner with a great network in MLB Network,” said Smoltz.“John Smoltz has pitched in some of Major League Baseball’s most dramatic games in recent history both as an elite starter and a closer,” said Tony Petitti, MLB Network President and CEO. “Smoltz will be able to call on that experience to provide unique analysis both during games and in-studio. He will be a great addition to our MLB Network roster.”“From early in his career with the Braves, I always felt that John Smoltz had the potential to be an excellent broadcaster when his playing days were over,” said Costas. “Now that that career has placed him on a path to the Hall of Fame, I’m glad MLB Network will be part of the next chapter of his baseball life. John Smoltz has always been a thoughtful observer of the game, and I look forward to working with him.”A 21-year veteran, Smoltz was an eight-time National League All-Star who won the 1996 NL Cy Young Award and a key member of the 1995 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. Smoltz is known as one of the great postseason pitchers in baseball history with 35 postseason games, including eight starts in his five World Series appearances. Smoltz has the most strikeouts in postseason history (199) and the second most postseason wins (15). Smoltz is the only player in MLB history to record 200 wins and 150 saves.
I think Smoltz will be a good analyst. He’ll do well for both Turner Sports and MLB Network.
