Nothing lost.(Atlanta Braves and)

JOHN SMOLTZ and BILLY WAGNER say elbow surgery hasn't cost them a thing. Their teams hope they're not blowing smoke.

John Smoltz knows what you're thinking. You're thinking maybe it's a flip of the coin whether he'll rediscover that nasty slider after his third elbow surgery. You're thinking 10 wins might be a nice season for him. You're thinking Mike Hampton would've been a smart move for the Braves.

"People are thinking, `Maybe they ought to put this horse to sleep right now,' "Smoltz says. "But you know what? I'm not done yet. I didn't go through surgery and a whole year of rehab to pitch one season or come back and not be able to do the job.

"I'm coming back to win, and if I get some luck and some breaks, I can win 20 games again. That's how good I feel. I can pitch a few more years."

Smoltz always has had contempt for people who try to sell him short. But now, that contempt is in overdrive. He has had most of the offseason to read the papers and listen to the talk that the Braves pitching staff needs something more to stay on top in the National League. He wasn't happy that the Braves waited until the last day possible before they picked up the option on his contract.

"I can get back to where I was," says Smoltz, the 1996 Cy Young winner. "I've felt that way all along. I have not been able to throw the ball correctly since 1996 because of the pain, and I was trying to pitch so it didn't hurt. Being able to throw the ball down in the zone without my elbow falling off is going to be great. I've got a new toy."

Smoltz, who turns 34 in May, had surgery on his right elbow in March 2000 and sat out the season, yet he insists he is not a risk for the team. Smoltz says his fastball never has had this much movement and that he'll confidently take his turn in the rotation along with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Kevin Millwood and whomever the Braves slide into the fifth spot.