Smoltz says Astros' new-look rotation 'way better' than iconic Braves trio
The Houston Astros are getting some high praise for upgrading their starting rotation at the trade deadline.
Team owner Jim Crane said Friday that Hall of Famer John Smoltz called him to gush about a rotation that now features three aces: Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and the recently acquired Zack Greinke.
"Smoltz said, 'Man, you really did a great job of putting that together.' I said, 'Yeah, it looks like Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux.' He said, 'No, no, you guys are way better than we ever were,'" Crane said, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
| Astros starter | ERA | K/9 | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander | 3.35 | 9 | 1.14 |
| Gerrit Cole | 3.30 | 9.7 | 1.15 |
| Zack Greinke | 3.36 | 8.2 | 1.16 |
| Braves starter | ERA | K/9 | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Maddux | 3.16 | 6.1 | 1.14 |
| Tom Glavine | 3.54 | 5.3 | 1.31 |
| John Smoltz | 3.33 | 8 | 1.17 |
*All stats are career totals
The three former Atlanta Braves were inducted into Cooperstown and combined to win seven Cy Young Awards. Verlander, Cole, and Greinke have just two, collectively.
Greinke was introduced to the media Friday and raved about the talent that now surrounds him.
"I'm happy to be here. This is a pretty darn good team," Greinke said, according to Michelle Margaux of AT&T SportsNet Southwest. "There's a good chance this is the most talented team I've been on."
The Astros landed the six-time All-Star on Wednesday by sending four prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Houston also picked up right-handers Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Derek Fisher.
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