Braves' closer John Smoltz: dominant in his new role: in his first year as a late-inning relief specialist, Atlanta right-hander set a new National League record with 55 saves. (Coming Up Big in The End).

AS THE ANIMATED LIGHTNING struck the Braves large monitor above their main scoreboard, John Smoltz made his leisurely, determined stroll to his place of dominance while AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" sounded over the Turner Field loudspeakers in a game last September.

It marked the first time since John Rocker used to make his maniacal sprints out of the bullpen that a Braves closer has been bestowed with an in-game feature to mark his entrance.

But make no mistake, Smoltz is nothing like the controversial Rocker. In fact, he might be different than any other individual that has ever taken on the closer's role.

"Every time he has come into a game, I don't expect him to give up a run, Braves manager Bobby Cox said of Smoltz. "He's so dominant and competitive." Smoltz led the majors by setting a new National League saves record of 55.

From June 1 through the end of the season, Smoltz registered 41 saves in 49 games and blew just one save while recording a 1.62 ERA in 50 innings. He became the franchise's all-time season saves leader when he notched his 40th save on August 8 in the team's 114th game. He reached the 40-save mark sooner than any other pitcher ever had.

"If he's not the most dominant closer I've ever seen, he's definitely one of them," Matt Franco said of Smoltz. "(Mariano) Rivera has been pretty good. But Smoltz is right there."

Smoltz's accomplishments are even more impressive when you consider that this is his first year as a closer after spending so many successful seasons as a starter. The veteran right-hander set Atlanta records for strikeouts (276) and wins (24) during his 1996 Cy Young season.