Earlier this week, Smoltz was released by Boston after eight rather undistinguished starts in a Red Sox uniform. Some allowance must be made for Smoltz' disappointing performance, however, because he was returning from injury after a lengthy layoff. In a different scenario, the Bo Sox might have been more patient with the former Brave great but now fighting for its postseason life, Boston couldn't afford to wait for Smoltz to come around.

Hence, the future Hall of Famer is currently out on the street. Reports are that a few National league clubs, including St. Louis and the Dodgers, are toying with the idea of bringing Smoltz aboard. If the Reds aren't one of those teams, they're not only myopic, they're just plain stupid.

If they're of a mind, given where they sit in the standings, the Reds would be one of the first teams to get a crack at Smoltz. The odds could be favorable for Cincy to land him if G.M. Walt Jocketty and his minions saw merit in doing so.

Let me make it easy for you, Walt. Don't even think about it. Don't hesitate. For goodness sake, as the commercial says, just do it!

There are virtually no negatives to acquiring Smoltz while the possible payoff could be huge. The 42-year-old could prove to be a real asset to the struggling Reds.

To start with, there's a good chance that Smoltz isn't done as a pitcher. Most likely, he can still get it done on the mound. Boston manager Terry Francona indicated as much when he said Smoltz' problems had nothing to do with velocity but rather with inconsistency locating his pitches. Smoltz' inability to do so could be a function of extended rust coming off his injury.

Moreover, returning to the National League would be a boon to Smoltz because of his familiarity with the hitters in the Senior Circuit.

And let's face it, if Cincy were to plug Smoltz into the rotation, it's not like he would be a downgrade. Over the last few weeks, the Reds' starting pitching has been nothing short of abysmal. Smoltz wouldn't have to accomplish all that much to be a vast improvement over what the Reds are currently trotting out there.

But Smoltz' actual pitching would probably be the least of his contributions. His real worth might come in another way. Where the veteran righthander could really make a major impact would be in his counseling of Cincy's young arms. How could precocious hurlers like Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey not be profoundly influenced by being around Smoltz?

If they were to just watch and observe Smoltz in regards to his preparation, how he attacks and works hitters, the professionalism he brings to the job, why that would amount to the most valuable of educations.

The thought of Smoltz mentoring Cueto and Bailey, giving them insights that would last a lifetime, should excite anyone in the Reds' hierarchy. If Smoltz did nothing but help school the aforementioned youngsters with their approach, mentality and tenacity, he would be a bargain at any price.

The reasons for making a hard push for Smoltz are many and concrete. There's really no downside or risk in doing so. There's literally nothing to lose. All that's necessary is for management to get a bit creative and, for once, think outside the box.

Perhaps more than any other team in baseball, the Reds are in desperate need of on-the-field leaders. Role models that can inspire the young bucks while motivating everyone else. Leaders who can provide direction and perhaps get the Reds back on track.

John Smoltz is just such a man. He is the consummate competitor and a shining example of what a ballplayer should be. His mere presence would make a club like the Reds demonstrably better.

So, what's there to think about? If there's anyway possible to make it happen, the Reds must do all they can to sample some Smoltz.