I talked to a college coach today who coached against him many times when Billy was in college and he said that he is the best pitcher he's ever seen, and this guy has been around awhile. He mentioned how Billy looked like a 12 year old pitching to men, but when the ball came loose it looked the other way around. :laugh:
He throws the hardest of anybody I have ever seen in my lifetime, and his lack of size makes it even more impressive. Besides Rivera and Gagne, nobody is better.
And hes on the Phillies
cbfranchise3 Wrote:Besides Rivera and Gagne, nobody is better.
I bet John Smoltz would argue that.
GDawgs88 Wrote:cbfranchise3 Wrote:Besides Rivera and Gagne, nobody is better.
I bet John Smoltz would argue that.
I would take Wagner over Smoltz.
Why? Smoltz is a proven big-game pitcher and can throw every bit as hard as Wagner.
Plus, Wagner is often hurt.
Smoltz has other pitches that work. Wagner needs to learn how to change speeds effectivley before he becomes "great".
techfan4 Wrote:Smoltz has other pitches that work. Wagner needs to learn how to change speeds effectivley before he becomes "great".
Right. Smoltz has more than just a straight fireball.
His split-finger is arguably the best in the game.
Billy Wagner throws the best slider in baseball besides Randy Johnson. It sometimes can reach 93-94 MPH.
And John Smoltz does not throw as hard as Billy Wagner. Wagner only needs two pitches.
cbfranchise3 Wrote:Billy Wagner throws the best slider in baseball besides Randy Johnson. It sometimes can reach 93-94 MPH.
wagner hardly ever throws his slider. there is no way it's as good as smoltzie's splitter. Smoltz is better than wagner, hands down.
Smoltz doesn't throw as hard, but he's more effective with changing speeds and locations.
Sometimes you just go on instinct. Throw out the stats, if I needed three outs in the bottom of the ninth, give me Wagner.
I know the stats and the logic point to Smoltz. The stats and logic pointed to the Lakers this year too...
If I needed three outs in the 9th, I'd go with Randy Johnson, but thats just me
techfan4 Wrote:If I needed three outs in the 9th, I'd go with Randy Johnson, but thats just me
I meant out of Smoltz and Wagner.
Although if you are asking overall, I would take Rivera.
Smoltz has the experience and has been in many different situations(including playoffs and WS)
cb, are you kidding? Smoltz is arguably the best big-game pitcher ever.
GDawgs88 Wrote:cb, are you kidding? Smoltz is arguably the best big-game pitcher ever.
Wagner has never been to a World Series, so we have no idea what he would do should he go to one.
I'm not arguing that Smoltz is not a great pitcher, he is. But the fact is that I just like Wagner more than Smoltz, and I always have. I watched this guy throw beamers growing up, and loved it.