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Smoltz, who finished the 2005 season with inflammation in his right shoulder, has had four operations on his right elbow. Despite the painful end to last season, he had a successful return to the starting rotation, going 14-7 with a 3.06 ERA. There was widespread concern about Smoltz's durability last year after four seasons as the Braves' closer, but he led the staff with 33 starts and 222 2-3 innings. "It was an incredible year,'' he said this week. The 38-year-old Smoltz says he is confident his arm will be ready for another season. "It's feeling great,'' he said Wednesday. "I'm ecstatic with the way it feels today, even a month before we report for spring training.'' |