what do the numbers 200, 150 and 3,000 have in common? they’re all milestones reached by atlanta braves pitcher john smoltz. well, almost all have been reached. tonight, smoltz is expected to reach 3,000 strikeouts. he comes into tonight’s game against the nationals only four strikeouts away.

but, not only will smoltz join only 15 other pitchers to record 3,000 strikeouts but he will become the *only* pitcher to rack up 200 wins, 150 saves and 3,000 strikeouts. he also is the only pitcher to ever go from starter to closer and back to starter successfully. both positions are demanding, hard jobs. the starter has to try to strikeout the other team and keep the score low. the closer has to come in at the 9th inning if his team is up by no more than three runs and knock out the last batters to win the game. that has to be the hardest position in baseball, and there are very few closers who are good. it’s very tough mentally. so, you can see how going back and forth between the two positions is hard.

it’s going to be a great game tonight at turner field. it’s one of those nights when i wish i could be there in person.