Smith, a Kentucky recruit, battled through some slot inconsistency for an effectively-wild four innings that produced seven strikeouts and three walks. It is easy to dream on the 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame, and though he was not at his sharpest in the first outing of his fall, there was still plenty to like. Getting solid push off the back side to work down the mound, Smith’s quick arm delivers out of a near ¾ slot, and the fastball sat 87-91 (2177 RPM avg.) with some ride and run through the zone. The hand placement and spin efficiency was the biggest inconsistency in this viewing, which is natural given his long limbs and it being the first outing of the fall. With spin rates on the fastball up as high as 2357 RPM, Smith’s upside is promising, especially given his ability to spin the breaking ball. Taking a more slurve-like shape, he spun the breaking ball at 76-78 (2710 RPM) with confidence and tight spin, and the upside as a swing-and-miss offering is clearly there. Perhaps the most exciting part of Smith’s outing was the changeup (84 mph) that he flashed which including fading life to the arm side, and was thrown for strikes. The three-pitch mix, projectable frame, and especially his ability to compete without his best stuff (he didn’t give up a run in those four innings) is sure to have scouts intrigued moving forward, especially after a strong summer.
Stats: 4.0, 7K-3BB, 2H, 0R