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Hernandez ready for new role with Braves

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Posted 7:01PM on Thursday 27th February 2003 ( 22 years ago )
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA - Roberto Hernandez is one of the few guys to save 300 games. He doesn&#39;t care if he saves another. <br> <br> At age 38, the longtime closer has willingly accepted a new role -- setup man for John Smoltz. <br> <br> Hernandez said, ``It&#39;s kind of hard to teach an old dog new tricks. But I&#39;m not too stubborn to learn a new thing or two. Once you think you know it all, adios.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> 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> <br> Hernandez knows he won&#39;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> <br> Hernandez said, ``My approach is still going to be the same, whatever role I&#39;m in. I only know how to go about my job one way. That&#39;s to go on the attack.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> 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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