Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia Commons
UPDATE: The Phillies are interested in Smith, according to MLB Trade Rumors. I wish you could see the smile on my face right now. And now, the original story…
If you follow me on Twitter, you've more than likely seen me mention the name Joe Smith on multiple occasions. For those of you that aren't aware of who he is, or even, what he does, allow me to quickly fill you in.
On April 1st, 2007, Opening Day, Smith made his major league debut with the New York Mets after shining in their minor league system the previous season. He began the year by going 17 appearances and 15.1 innings before giving up his first earned run. He would go on to give up runs in just 3 of his next 15 appearances. As his first season went on, his numbers began to climb as his innings rose, and he would begin to see less and less work. Despite the strong start, Smith would become less effective in his next three season, one with the Mets, and two with the Cleveland Indians following a three-team trade. 2011, though, would bring out the best in the right-handed, side-arm reliever.
In that 2011 campaign, Smith would log 67 innings over 71 appearances, earning a FIP of 2.90 and a 6.04 K/9. It was breakout season for Smith, becoming a reliable option for Manny Acta. As the team continued to change around him, Smith only got better with age. In the next two season, he collected 142 appearances and 130 innings. An ERA of just under 3.00 in 2012 dropped to just 2.29 last season. While his FIP jumped to 3.50 and 3.60 in each of the two season, his K/9 improved to 7.12 and 7.71. To top things off, Smith collected his first 3 major league saves last season, while also making his first postseason pitch.
To the surprise of many, the Indians did not resign Joe Smith following the end of their season. Now a free agent, you'd expect his name to be mentioned as one of the best available relievers around the league. However, the more popular options seem to include names like Chris Perez, Edward Mujica, and Brian Wilson. Smith's name has not been mentioned in any 'Top Free Agents This Offseason' posts I've seen from the national writers. Honestly, though, I can't understand why. Joe Smith has been better than Perez the last three years, while posting numbers just as good, and if not, slightly better, than what Mujica has posted. And, as far as Wilson is concerned, there is not much certainty to his ability.
Experience is the only fathomable excuse I can imagine as to why Smith is being severely overlooked. But with Johnathan Papelbon holding down the back of the bullpen, and names like Diekman, De Fratus, and Stutes close to locked in, why might the Phillies need a Smith-type player? Well, with young relieves still getting established in the bullpen, the 29 year old Smith could provide some guidance. Smith did not have the greatest beginning to his career, but quickly turned things around and put himself on course to being a solid late-game reliever, possibly even a closer.
Last year, Ruben Amaro chose Chad Durbin and Mike Adams to come in as a veteran presence for the club. The season before, Chad Qualls was the choice. So far, the two Chads were sent packing, and Adams has been hurt on multiple occasions. Joe Smith would be a smart choice for Amaro this time around. He's never hit the disabled list, and will come as a relatively cheap option when compared to the previously mentioned names. I will be extremely pleased to see Smith in Phillies pinstripes, and you should be too. And, in case you're wondering, Smith has 7.1 innings pitched in 9 appearances at Citizens Bank Park. He's allowed 3 hits, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts, and 2 runs in those games, but all games came before 2010.
Stats courtesy of FanGraphs.com
