Jeff Gordon

40 and Still Going

June 29, 2007 5:45pm CDT

Fantasy general managers swoon over the young arms, guys like phenomenal Tigers prospect Andrew Miller or Reds hopeful Homer Bailey.

But a lot of old-timers are still answering the bell – and some are putting up some decent numbers. When six 40-year-old (and older) pitchers started on the same night, this topic got wide discussion around baseball.

So far 44-year-old Roger Clemens hasn't worked himself into his usual Hall of Fame form; he is just 1-3 with a 5.32 earned-run average for the Yankees. He lost his last start against the Orioles 4-0 and failed to record a single strikeout in the outing.

There are some old guys, though, who are still worth betting on:

--John Smoltz, 40, Braves: He is 9-4 with a 2.98 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 99 2/2 innings, putting him on the edge of another Cy Young Award race. His record could be even better with more run support – Atlanta was outscored 14-2 in his four losses.

For old time's sake, it was cool that Smoltz and old friends Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux all won on the same night. But here is a cautionary note on Smoltz: He has been pitching with a sore shoulder in recent starts and the Braves need to watch his situation closely.

--Greg Maddux, 41, Padres: His victory pushed him to 7-4 with a 3.66 ERA. He has won four of his last five decisions and lopped 54 points off his ERA during his previous seven starts.

"I think there's really no secret for his success," San Diego manager Bud Black said. "Not only is he talented as an athlete, but he has a great instinct to compete."

--Tom Glavine, 41, Mets: Rain served as his bullpen help, so he earned an abbreviated 2-0 shutout over the Cardinals. He is now 7-5 with a 4.12 ERA and just three victories short of 300 for his career.

"There are days when I don't feel as energetic as maybe I did 10 years ago," Glavine said. "I probably don't enjoy running the bases when I get a hit like I did 10 years ago, but the rest of it, I don't really feel there's been a drop-off in the things that I want to do. I still feel like I can do everything I want to do as a pitcher."

--Randy Johnson, 43, Diamondbacks: Fantasy GMs must keep a close watch on him, since nagging back pain cost him his previous start and could remain an issue all season. This is the same chronic problem that derailed him last season and forced him to undergo surgical repairs.

But when the Big Unit can pitch, he has been just fine – posting a 4-2 record with a 3.52 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings.

--Jamie Moyer, 44, Phillies: His soft-tossing style has translated nicely to the NL; he is 7-5 with a 4.15 ERA. He got a no-decision in his last start, but he struck out a season high eight batters and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He keeps hitters off-balance as well as he ever did.

--Kenny Rogers, 42, Tigers: Rogers is 2-0 after throwing six innings of one-run ball Thursday. He has made a full recovery after having a blood clot removed from his pitching shoulder.

If anything, he should remain especially fresh through the dog days of this season. Rogers could be an excellent second-half fantasy value.

"He's not the only guy on this team that can go out and win a game, but every time he's out there, you feel pretty confident," Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge said.

--David Wells, 44, Padres: He could also gain value if the Padres can add more offense before the waivers-free trade deadline. Although he is just 3-5, he has lowered his ERA from 6.32 to 4.48.

In his last two stars, he allowed just three earned runs in 12 1/3 innings, but came away with a loss and a no-decision. "I was able to get out of some situations with minimal damage," Wells said. "I think it's a good sign when you can get out of stuff like that and keep your team in the ballgame."

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