BRAVES Smoltz taking it easy after elbow surgery

The Atlanta closer doesn't plan to push his arm during exhibition season.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Atlanta Braves closer John Smoltz did some running and light throwing Saturday on the second day of spring training.
Coming off surgery in October to clear scar tissue from his elbow, Smoltz said his arm feels great -- but he won't push it this spring.
"That surgery was a little more complicated than I anticipated, but I'm very encouraged by the job [Dr. James Andrews] did. I have healed up great," Smoltz said. "But the truth is, I've always felt great after my surgeries. I've never experienced pain.
"But my battle cry has always been to be in the best health I can be in the postseason, and I was a far cry from that last year."
Postseason struggles
Smoltz's elbow started hurting in late August, and he spent more than a month on the disabled list before returning in time for the playoffs.
He made two appearances in the postseason, winning once, but had an unsightly 6.00 ERA. That came after a season in which he gave up only eight earned runs in 62 relief appearances.
Smoltz finished the year with a 1.12 ERA and 45 saves, despite missing 25 games while on the DL.
When healthy, Smoltz was challenging Dodgers closer Eric Gagne for the NL Cy Young Award that Gagne eventually won.
"Eric deserved it," Smoltz said. "He was perfect and you can't do better than that. I was having a good season, but that last game [giving up three earned runs] really stings. That just gives me something to improve on this season."
Soft toss
Smoltz said he has thrown off a mound three times since having surgery, though he characterized it as little more than soft toss each time. He figures he needs eight or nine appearances this spring to test the elbow completely and be ready for opening day.
"I've already proven myself on the mound and what I can do," Smoltz said. "I'd rather be accused of taking my time than rushing things. I'm not going to miss anything. This spring will be more about conditioning and getting my work in."
The Braves' coaching staff agrees.
"John will make the decisions on when he's ready to pitch, he knows what he's doing," pitching coach Leo Mazzone said. "He's got to get himself ready to pitch one inning by April 6, so it's not all that difficult."