Joe Smith (baseball player)

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Joe Smith

New York Mets — No. 35
Pitcher
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
April 1, 2007 for the New York Mets
Selected MLB statistics
(through 2006)
Wins     0-0
Strikeouts     0
Earned run average     0.00

Joseph Smith, born March 22, 1984, is a major league pitcher for the New York Mets. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Wright State University. He throws and bats right handed. He's 6'2" and weighs 205 lbs. Smith was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2006 MLB draft in June.

According to BaseballAmerica.com, Smith is number 9 on the top 10 prospects in the Mets organization.

Contents

[edit] College years

As a high school senior, Smith had shoulder surgery and couldn't make the team in his first year at college. He was a walk-on in 2004. WSU assistant coach Greg Lovelady suggested Smith should drop down to a side-arm delivery, which usually adds movement and subtracts velocity.

[edit] Pitching style

Smith's pitching style is different from most. According to hitters, he will come at you from 3rd base. His release point is about 8:30 on the non-digital clock, lower than side armed, and higher than submarine. Smith's fastball usually is at 88-91 mph and has been known to hit 94 mph. He also throws a nasty slider and his changeup has improved this spring as well. Hitters have trouble picking up his pitches, as evidenced by his regular-season 0.75 ERA.

[edit] Professional Career

When Duaner Sánchez was hurt during a taxi cab incident, Mets manager Willie Randolph considered bringing up Smith to the Majors. Instead, the Mets traded for Roberto Hernández and Oliver Pérez to give Smith more time in the minors.

[edit] Making it

On March 24,after a strong spring training, it was announced Smith would be on the Mets' 25-man roster on opening day.On April 1, 2007, Smith made his major league debut. He struck out one (Preston Wilson) and walked one (Albert Pujols). He also let up a single to David Eckstein.

[edit] References

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