KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA - Roberto Hernandez is one of the few guys to save 300 games. He doesn't care if he saves another. <br>
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At age 38, the longtime closer has willingly accepted a new role -- setup man for John Smoltz. <br>
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Hernandez said, ``It's kind of hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But I'm not too stubborn to learn a new thing or two. Once you think you know it all, adios.'' <br>
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Last year, Hernandez became only the 15th player in major-league history to reach 300 saves. He enters this season with 320, ranking third among active relievers behind only John Franco and Trevor Hoffman. <br>
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Hernandez knows he won't be closing many games in Atlanta. That job belongs to Smoltz, who set an N.L. record with 55 saves a year ago. <br>
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Hernandez said, ``My approach is still going to be the same, whatever role I'm in. I only know how to go about my job one way. That's to go on the attack.'' <br>
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If all goes according to plan, Hernandez will pitch the eighth inning in most games, leaving the ninth -- and the glory -- to Smoltz.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/2/182503
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