Several teams show interest in Smoltz — 4:27 p.m.

The Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets and Mariners are among the teams that have expressed preliminary interest in free-agent right-hander John Smoltz, according to a major-league source.

Smoltz, 42, is open to starting or relieving, and some teams have inquired about him as a closer, the source said. The Astros, Rangers and Orioles also have shown interest in the 22-year veteran.

The Dodgers represent a potentially intriguing fit — the team wants to add veteran starting pitching as it braces for the potential losses of free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf and right-handers Vicente Padilla and Jon Garland.

Dodger Stadium is pitcher-friendly, as are the Mets and Mariners’ home parks. Smoltz likely would prefer to stay in the N.L. — he went 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox last season before going 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA in seven starts for the Cardinals.

Season in seven words: “More like the Spurs than the Cowboys.” …

Hero: Pitching coach Mike Maddux. Scott “Who?” Feldman and Kevin “Him?” Millwood combined for 30 wins and plenty of innings, plus nearly every pitcher in the bullpen pitched like nobody was watching …

Loserhead: There are many things about 2009 that Josh Hamilton probably wishes had gone differently …

Key need: Well, another starter or two. But also to manage expectations, as most Ranger fans are primed for a World Series run in 2010. Last year’s Rays notwithstanding, young acorns don’t become mighty oaks overnight …

Prognosis: They’re gonna build something next summer.

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