John Smoltz Wants to Remain a Cardinal, Should He Decide to Play in 2010

John Smoltz completed his 21st major league season Saturday night when the Cardinals were swept out of the NLDS by the Los Angeles Dodgers. As of now, the 42-year-old hurler does not plan on it being his last.

Smoltz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he'll need some more time to fully evaluate whether or not he'll come back to pitch in 2010, but his initial thought is that he will.

"As of right now," he said. "I plan to."

He's holding off on making the final decision because he doesn't want to become one of "those guys" -- the ones who waffle back and forth on a retirement decision. Thus, Smoltz expects to sign late in the free-agency period, should be decide to pitch again in 2010. He'll turn 43 during the season.

He did express his desire to remain with the Cardinals, as long as the deal would be "mutually agreeable."

Smoltz has compiled a resume that will likely land him in Cooperstown five years after he decides to hang up the cleats for good. He's the only player in major league history to save more than 150 games and also collect more than 200 career wins. He's also surpassed the vaunted 3,000-strikeout barrier. He's been to the All-Star game eight times and won a Cy Young. Most of all, though, Smoltz has cemented his legacy as an all-timer in the playoffs. His career postseason record is 15-4 with a 2.67 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.

Smoltz struggled with Boston in 2009, but seemed to feel back at home in the National League when he was acquired by the Cardinals, piecing together a few solid outings. There is a little something left in the tank, but not a ton. If he does come, it's pretty likely it would be for one last hurrah.