It's a shame the Marlins never really had a chance in this brief but compelling pursuit of John Smoltz.

It's a shame Smoltz, known as one of the most bloodthirsty competitors in his sport, essentially took the easy route in signing with St. Louis on Wednesday.

It's a shame the Marlins, as a franchise, don't have nearly the same reputation as the Cardinals.

Because the Marlins and John Smoltz would've made for a healthy, albeit short-term, marriage that would've meant the best for both sides. It's difficult to argue against joining the front-running Cardinals. There's something about that team, that city and its committed fan base that makes it such an appealing place.

But when it comes to the simple matter of fit, the Marlins were practically custom-made for Smoltz. And vice-versa.

Let's consider first what Smoltz appeared to be searching for: a starting position. He failed miserably as a starter in Boston, giving up less than five earned runs only twice in eight starts while accumulating an 8.33 ERA.

The idea, however, is that he's better suited for a National League team, and that given a second chance in a competitive environment, this Hall of Fame lock would recover nicely.

ACHILLES' HEEL

Now let's look at what the Marlins so desperately need to make that final leap from aggressive pursuer to actual leader in the division or wild-card race. It's no secret the fourth and fifth starting spots have been the team's Achilles' heel since injuries to Anibal Sanchez and Andrew Miller.

Even as the Marlins continue to reach hitting marks that haven't been matched since the invention of the TV, it hasn't translated into much of a leap in the standings.

When the Marlins started their 14-game streak of double-figure hits, they were five games in back of the Phillies in the NL East and two games back in the wild-card standings. Entering Wednesday's game against the Astros, the Marlins were 4 ½ games behind Philadelphia and trailed the wild-card leader by two games.

An addition like Smoltz is exactly what the Marlins need to potentially solidify that nasty leak at the back end of the starting rotation. And given Smoltz's history and reputation, it's that kind of responsibility he was looking for.

CLOSER OPTION

For argument's sake, let's say that he still didn't work out as a starter. There still would have been a glamour position available for him with the Marlins, who still have no answer in the closer role. Smoltz's ERA in the first two innings of his last seven starts with the Red Sox was 1.29, which would indicate he's still good enough to dominate as a closer.

He never would've gotten that chance with the Sox, given Jonathan Papelbon's stronghold on that position, and probably won't with the Cardinals either, with Ryan Franklin sporting a 1.16 ERA.

Unless Smoltz is quietly assuming he really doesn't have much left, and he wants the protection of being part of a team with a healthy division lead and not a ton of responsibility, it seems like the Marlins would have been the better choice.

COMPARISON

But that's where the Marlins tend to fall short in situations like this. They aren't perceived to be an attractive team to join. They're looked at as scrappy and cute and mildly interesting and a temporary story, but not nearly enough of a draw as the Cardinals.

When you compare the teams, it's not as if the Marlins fall short in many areas. The Cards might have the big names in their lineup, but it's the Marlins who have been the more consistent offense in the second half of the season. The top two in their rotations are easily comparable, assuming you're getting the good Ricky Nolasco. Where the Marlins don't stack up is exactly where Smoltz could have filled a void: pitching depth.

OTHER FACTORS

But it's the area of aesthetics where the Marlins probably lost this battle to the Cardinals. They don't have the fans selling out a fancy new stadium. They don't have the tradition. They don't have the big-name manager (not even the appeal of playing for Fredi Gonzalez, who was supposedly tight with Smoltz when he coached in Atlanta, was enough to overcome the Godfather, Tony LaRussa). They don't have what appears to be an insurmountable lead in the suddenly collapsing division.

So instead, the Fish will have to fight without the extra weapon while Smoltz takes the less complicated route and piggybacks his way to the postseason.

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