phrustrated philly phan

Matt Smith came over from the New York Yankees in the trade for Bobby Abreu. He is a left-handed relief pitcher who split time between Triple A and the major leagues last season. He put up very good numbers both places and worked in some critical games for the Phillies down the stretch. He finished 8 2/3 innings pitched in 14 appearances finishing with a 2.08 ERA. He had 12 strikeouts to four walks. He could improve his control as he worked too many deep counts and four walks in 8 innings is too many.

I was very impressed by what I saw from Matt Smith down the stretch. Smith throws hard and has a good slider. I believe he will be a late bloomer (28 years old) ala B.J. Ryan and although not many people may agree with me, I say he is a future closer. He is a big tall guy with intimidating stuff. He stands 6'5" weighing 225.

Matt Smith will be a big contributor for the Phillies and he has my vote to set-up Flash Gordon and succeed him if needed. Smith seems to have put it all together last year and I think he will be the best player from the Abreu trade.

Labels: Phillies