What does the future hold for John Smoltz — pitching out of the Red Sox’ bullpen, pitching for another team or retiring?
— John, Arlington
That’s a tough one. When this process all started, it was clear that Smoltz was out to prove a point. The only organization that he knew had given up on him. The Braves did not think that even if surgically repaired, he could come back and be effective. He signed with Boston on a mission to prove them wrong. In hindsight, the Braves may have been right. It may be unfair because the Red Sox really did not have the time for it play out in the current situation they are in. All of that said, I have a hard time imagining that he could walk away after this experience. I think he may be too proud to do that. Maybe I am wrong, and we will find out very soon. There is no doubt he is headed for the Hall of Fame and that he already is a very good broadcaster, as we found out last postseason on TBS. I do not think the 'pen is a viable option. So I think he may end up trying to hook up with another team.
What did you think of Junichi Tazawa?
— Andrew, Falmouth
I was very impressed Tuesday night, especially as the night went on and he seemed to get more comfortable. It is amazing how he started his major league career in extra innings at Yankee Stadium and on the wrong end of a walk-off home run by Alex Rodriguez. Some would not be able to bounce back immediately and perform well. Then you add to that a first inning in your first start that should have ended after 16 pitches and a double play to keep things scoreless, only to end up giving up three runs instead. All bad stuff. He then had the poise and confidence to pitch with conviction, and then toward the end of his outing, he struck out five of six Tigers and got his first career win. Very impressive, and I look forward to seeing more of him.
Is there any chance the Red Sox still can win the AL East? Or should all their focus be on securing the wild card?
— Jen, Braintree
Absolutely, plenty of baseball yet to be played. To be specific, 50 games yet to be played. I think the division can still be won, but I do believe, if not, the wild card is for the taking for the Sox. In the end, you just need to get in. When in, you have to like your chances in any series when you have Josh Beckett and Jon Lester and the Sox 'pen. I think you continue to try and win the division and then see where the chips fall. I feel strongly that the wild card will be won by the Red Sox. I think they are better than any of the teams that are in the mix, but health will be a major determining factor.
What's your take on the Steroid Era? Is it all the players' fault? Who else is culpable?
— Frank, Peabody
I think the owners, Major League Baseball and the players union are all at fault for not reacting more quickly and keeping the sacred records from being broken. Now it’s too late. There are so many instances where sacred records have been compromised, and however you view this, the game has been tarnished. If I had to hand the most fault out, it would be to the players union for fighting the testing rights of their union members initially until Congress got involved.
When can we expect Tim Wakefield to return?
— Justin, Cambridge
To me, this has been more of a story than it has received. People forget how many innings this guy logs and how many nights the bullpen gets to rest while he is pitching. Not to mention the first half he had this season. This, in my estimation, was a big part of why the last trip went so badly. While Penny and Smoltz struggled, you could not lean on Wake to step up and do what he has done for so many years and been unappreciated for doing. He is not getting around well with this calf situation, but is it good enough? We will find out as he is headed to a rehab start for Pawtucket on Saturday and then hopefully back with the Sox after that. I cannot imagine more than one rehab. I am just hopeful that he is OK to return after the rehab is done.
