John Smoltz Last Quotations

We're fortunate that more guys in the last three games didn't have (injuries) happen.

My thoughts are I better be on my game. I think Game 4, the last time we hooked up in the World Series, he certainly was on his, and he beat us.

People don't understand every year for the last four years we've been dealing with being written off. It's kind of ironic people are picking us now because they don't want to pick against us.

A fault of mine is to get too excited about the first game. I kind of figured it out, then had a different routine for five years and had to learn it all over again last year.

After last season, I had to make some changes. I couldn't keep going with the philosophy that I had to pitch no matter what.

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.

I like him a lot. I've liked him ever since I saw the way he handled himself after what he went through last year.

I honestly think if people would give this staff a chance to find its own identity, given what took place last year with Sosa pitching so well, we have the capabilities to match up with any other staff if we can stay healthy.