Chris Smith

[yeszir]

He's looked good so far. 1.50 ERA and 4 SO through 6 innings worked in 2 appearances.

 

From Soxprospects:

Average 89-93 mph fastball with a power 82 mph breaking curve and a pretty good change-up. Good knowledge of pitching. Shows starter potential, but may need to add some speed to his fastball to compete at MLB level. Missed most of 2002 season after an ATV accident, from which he took a couple years to recover fully. Great preparation skills. Throws off-speed pitches for strikes, often at unexpected counts. Pounds the strike zone with great command, doesn't walk many batters. Works quickly on the mound. Similar style to Mike Mussina or Greg Maddux. Converted to a part-time reliever in 2007 where he demonstrated some good success, particularly against left-handed batters.

 

If he plugs a hole in the bullpen (wishful thinking) it would leave breathing room in the rotation.

[ksushi]

To me, he looks like a guy who because of a solid delivery will be very good the first time through the league, and because of lack-luster control and stuff will get absolutely wrecked the second time through. Our bullpen holes need to be filled by the guys already in there. Someone has to step up and take a job, MDC is looking like he wants to be the guy. Craig Hansen has looked like that guy, but has disappointed a little bit here and there. And Oki is a train wreck. Those guys need to be better, I haven't been looking around at the majors much this season, but if the mets are out of it, maybe Billy Wagner becomes available. That is pure pipe-dream speculation, but it could be possible if the mets give up the fight in the first half.

[BoSox21]

he's been good through 6 innings, and usually those first 6 innings are the toughest ones on a guy coming into the big leagues for the first time

 

as long as he keeps getting guys out , ride him till the wheels come off. in recent years, there seems to be a guy who comes out of nowhere to stabilize the bullpen and who knows, maybe Chris Smith can be that guy this year.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

I can see Chris Smith being our "Kyle Snyder" this season where he can keep us close and add some inning when the starters faulter. The rotation is so good though that those chances will be scarce so he could excel in that role. His curve and changeup are very good and I'm sure he can get by with those.

He should be taking Mike Timlin's role.

 

Papelbon is the closer and Delcarmen has cemented himself as the setup man. Craig Hansen will continue to improve this season and should be able to put it all together toward the end of the year.

 

The left handers are what make me uneasy though. I think Okajima should be where Javier Lopez is and Lopez should probably not be on this team. That said I would love to have a lefty that can be a setup-type in Brian Fuentes. He's been a closer and setup man before and had success in both cases. I'm always nervous about bringing in pitchers from the NL not to mention the west coast. If the Mets continue to fall off I wonder if Billy Wagner would be made available.

[BoSox21]

The left handers are what make me uneasy though. I think Okajima should be where Javier Lopez is and Lopez should probably not be on this team.

 

I don't really trust Lopez either but he's quietly had a pretty good season. He's only allowed 3 earned runs in his last 19 innings and he's been used in just about every bullpen role.

[jacksonianmarch]

Smith's changeup is better than his curve from the 6 innings I have seen of him. He is intriguing, albeit not irreplaceable.

[RedSoxRooter]

I'm hoping Smith is this year's Okie. And since he's good versus lefties, why not give him a look.

 

And I can just hear the chants now "All I want from Chris Smith is a two out save, a two out save, a two out save! All I want from Chris Smith is a two out save...."

[TrentonSox]

I'm hoping Smith is this year's Okie. And since he's good versus lefties, why not give him a look.

 

And I can just hear the chants now "All I want from Chris Smith is a two out save, a two out save, a two out save! All I want from Chris Smith is a two out save...."

Thats asking alot