In 2005, John Smoltz returned to the Braves' starting rotation after spending four years as a closer. And although he won 14 games and pitched in the All-Star Game that season, he told the Wilmington (Del.) News Journal that the move back to starting "was a stinkin' war."
But he also said struggling Phillies right-hander Brett Myers will adjust.
Myers posted double-digit victories in four consecutive seasons before spending most of 2007 as the Phillies' closer. But upon returning to the rotation this season, he is 2-4 with a 5.91 ERA, tied for fourth worst among National League starters.
"People don't understand the differences," Smoltz said. "They just assume if you're throwing, you're throwing. As a starter, you better have your 'A' game almost every time. If you don't have your 'A' game, you've got to have a darned good 'B' game. As a closer, you can get by with a 'B' or a 'C' performance because you have to get three outs.
"The thing I can say is my track record, just like (Myers') track record, was pretty good before the change. I'm pretty sure they'll be pretty good afterwards. There's a big adjustment to be made, and he'll make it. It's not like you're talking about someone who hasn't had success."
Myers allowed eight runs (six earned) in 4 1/3 innings Wednesday night against the Braves. In five of his nine starts, he hasn't survived the sixth inning.
Most alarming, Myers, manager Charlie Manuel, pitching coach Rich Dubee and catcher Chris Coste have been unable to pinpoint the problem.
"I think Brett is doing what he needs to do," Dubee said. "He's working at it. We have to get his aggressiveness and his confidence back. He's tried different things, but he hasn't gotten outs. So, how do you get your confidence back without getting those outs? We need for Brett to keep grinding his way through it.
"Brett knows we need him. He's feeling a little bit of that weight. He's trying to win six games in one start. He needs to allow his physical talent to take care of itself."
PHILLIES 5, BRAVES 0: Cole Hamels tossed a four-hit shutout to give the Phillies a victory in the rubber game of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Hamels retired 15 consecutive batters between the first and sixth innings to record his first career shutout and third career complete game. The Phillies built a lead on home runs by Pedro Feliz, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino against Braves lefty Chuck James. Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth and Feliz picked up two hits apiece.
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