Rumblings & Grumblings: It's Unsafe Around Closing Time

For starters: So how come the Cardinals pursued John Smoltz to fill a bullpen hole -- then wound up putting him into the rotation? Because all the clubs pursuing Smoltz were told he still preferred to be a starter -- at least in the short term.

The Rangers backed off because they were interested in him only as a reliever. The Dodgers, in the end, appeared to have only lukewarm interest, even though they needed another starter. And although the Marlins also wanted Smoltz as a late-inning bullpen weapon, there are indications they were willing to let Smoltz take another shot at starting if that's what it took to get him to Florida.

But the Cardinals also were willing to grant that wish. So in the end, the lure of a packed ballpark, a first-place team and a chance to reunite with old friends Mark DeRosa and Adam Wainwright led Smoltz to St. Louis.

Lots more on the Cardinals.....

ESPN