John Smoltz Great Quotations

Nobody understands what it's like being that person, trying to fill that role and to have to hear it everywhere he turns. We all can say pretty confidently that was a great part of the problem for Danny Kolb.

Whenever you see a rash of new guys coming through, you never imagine they can contribute the way that they did. I think it's a great boost of confidence for them to be able to feel that no matter what happens this year, they have the capability to be a big part of our organization.

Great transition. He doesn't try to do too much. He comes in and evaluates, communicates ... he has a lot to offer.

I fought it most of the night. I thought I pitched great warming up, then all of a sudden it wasn't normal.

The reason why we're seeing such a great celebration is we realize how hard we've worked, ... This truly is a dream season. I didn't think it was possible in May. I didn't think it was possible from the time we left spring training with all the things we were dealing with. I mean, who could imagine 12 rookies coming up here at different times?

They've all been great games. Concentration isn't an issue when you're facing a guy like him. It's really their lineup that provides the most problems. You just hope to keep it close.

I'm going to have a great year. I really am. I know it might not seem like it after the first two starts, but I will.

Anybody can be a starting pitcher. Not everybody can be a great starting pitcher, but anyone can start. Anyone can't close. It's a completely different animal. It's a completely different mind-set. Some guys can do it for a while, then burn out. Some guys can't do it at all. I think it's the most challenging thing in the game.

That's a huge run for a pitcher, ... When you're battling, that run makes you feel like ? I wish hitters could appreciate what a pitcher feels like because that run's huge. He had it all the way. It was such a great play.

That's a huge run for a pitcher. When you're battling, that run makes you feel like ? I wish hitters could appreciate what a pitcher feels like because that run's huge. He had it all the way. It was such a great play.

Certainly we can't rely on past formulas, ... Basically we depended on superstars to do the bulk of the work, but now that work has to be done by many players or we're not going to be able to compete at the level we're used to. In the past the talent of a few great players overcame our inefficiencies, but those mistakes were our undoing in the postseason.

Certainly we can't rely on past formulas. Basically we depended on superstars to do the bulk of the work, but now that work has to be done by many players or we're not going to be able to compete at the level we're used to. In the past the talent of a few great players overcame our inefficiencies, but those mistakes were our undoing in the postseason.

It's the fifth time we've faced each other over the last two years. He's up 3-2, but it's been five great games.