Scouting Joe Smith

Matthew Cerrone at Mets Blog, writes about Joe Smith and his Minor League career so far:

At Inside Pitch Magazine Online, Patrick Teale and Bryan Hoch break down Mets minor-league RHP Joe Smith.

The 22–year-old Smith allowed just one earned run in 17 appearances last season for Single-A Brooklyn, while striking out 28 batters in 20 innings pitched. In 12.2 innings at Double-A Binghamton he posted a 5.68 ERA, while striking out 12 batters.

According to Teale and Hoch…

“Boasting a fastball, slider and change-up from a submarine style delivery that is reminiscent of former Met Chad Bradford, Smith seems to raise eyebrows everywhere he goes.

“He caught Bradford's attention in a July workout at Shea Stadium, after which the big league reliever commended Smith's velocity ‘from down there.’ Onlookers at Brooklyn were similarly wowed.”

In a recent interview with MetsBlog, MiLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo noted that Smith could be ready to pitch at the major leagues by the middle of this season.