" It seemed like a good idea at the time.

When the Red Sox signed John Smoltz last winter, it was with the notion they could afford to have him come along slowly after shoulder surgery, integrate him into the rotation sometime in the middle of the season and then reap the benefits of his postseason experience in October.

Now that plan is out the window. Instead of being the Red Sox' October savior, Smoltz actually is standing in the way of the team reaching October. If the Sox keep giving Smoltz the ball every fifth game, they're hurting - not helping - their postseason chances.

This comeback story will not have a happy ending.

Smoltz was battered for eight runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings as the Sox dropped the opener of their showdown series with the Yankees, 13-6, last night.

Among American League pitchers with at least 40 innings, Smoltz' 8.33 ERA now is ranked No. 132. Only Adam Eaton (8.56) and the Yankees' Chien-Ming Wang (9.64) are worse; Wang has the excuse of being injured for the season, and Eaton was released by the Baltimore Orioles more than two months ago.

Smoltz has made eight starts since late June, and the Red Sox have lost six of those games. Only three times has he gotten into the sixth inning.

When Smoltz faltered last night, the Sox had no choice but to bring in Billy Traber, who proceeded to toss batting practice for the next 3 2/3 innings, saving the bullpen - if not the team's pride - in the lopsided defeat."