How Many Braves Wins is John Smoltz Really Responsible For?

When all was said and done, Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz went down as one of the best pitchers of his generation. For a hurler that played in an era that featured studs like Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux, and Roger Clemens, that's a massive achievement.

On the surface, some of those pitchers have the edge on Smoltz in the resume department. However, the former Cy Young winner might have been more valuable to the Braves than most analysts and fans have come to realize.

A glance at Smoltz's Baseball Reference page quickly reveals that he earned 213 wins across his 21-year career. But in honor of his 53rd birthday Friday, let's ask the question: How many victories is the Hall of Fame right-hander really responsible for?

Following Smoltz's return from Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss the entirety of the 2000 season, Atlanta moved him into the bullpen to lessen the strain on his arm. For a four-year stretch (2001-2004), the eight-time All-Star was one of the most dominant relievers in the MLB. During that span, Smoltz compiled 154 saves, a 2.62 ERA and a combined 8.8 WAR (!).

All told, he finished top 10 in the National League in pitching WAR eight different times, with his first and last such seasons occurring an eye-popping 16 years apart.

Do the math, folks. The former Reliever of the Year was responsible for well more than 213 wins. The fact that he bounced back so swimmingly from Tommy John -- and transitioned back to a starter in 2005 -- is incredible and should not be overlooked.