This week the intrepid Fantasy Baseball Roundtablers discuss what the Braves should do with John Smoltz.

This week the Roundtable is hosted by Adam Ronis of New York Newsday.  Here is a link to the responses by the group. And yes we have some dinosaur “dead tree” reporters in the group.

There is a definite split among the group; some strongly advocate a return to the rotation, some strongly advocate a return to the pen.

My view is that he should go back to the rotation, where, with some creative managing, he will be a far bigger asset. Here is my response:

Looking at the Braves roster it seems like they have a solid bullpen with a few closer-worthy candidates. I think that any of their top three guys, Soriano (when he returns), Boyer and Campillo can do a creditable job. All are at least marginally qualified to be a closer based on the BaseballHQ metric of Base Performance Value, all are above the 90 threshold. Campillo has been a surprise this year, showing good dominance and control. Boyer has been the best guy in the pen, though on the surface it may not show yet.

In the rotation, they clearly need Smoltz. Forgetting for a second just how good Smoltz has been, and just looking at what they have now, a guy who would even be league average would be a shot in the arm in the long run. Glavine is running on fumes with a 5.63 xERA and more walks than Ks. After Hudson and Jurrjens they essentially are praying for rain (Hey you think of a rhyme for Jurrjens!) and the back end of the rotation has been riddled with injuires.

Oh, and lastly, that Smoltz guy is a pretty good starter, even if he can only go five innings. This is a great opportunity for creative managing, like perhaps handcuffing a reliever to Smoltz when he starts. Getting those quality innings will make a far bigger difference.