6. Nate Smith, LHP
Birthdate: 8/28/91 (25 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AAA
Stats in 2016: 150 1/3 IP, 4.61 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 6.81 BB%, 18.89 K%
A small college pick in the 8th round in 2013, Smith really had minimal expectations coming into the Angels system, but he’s exceed those expectations at every step along the way.
Smith is a traditional control and command lefty whose control and sequencing allows his average-across-the-board stuff to play up against solid hitters. Smith is definitely a smart pitcher on the mound, using his change up well against both sides due to its movement and his ability to sequence hitters into being surprised by the pitch.
Smith is definitely a smart pitcher on the mound
Playing in some of the hitter-friendly leagues of the minor leagues can depress pitchers climbing through the Angels system, and it certainly does no favors for their numbers. Smith is a great example of the latter. He threw much better than his ERA/WHIP would indicate, but his walk rate and strikeout rate do show the type of pitcher he is.
Smith won’t really be a guy who is a front-line starter, but he has the kind of mental makeup and four-pitch mix that should allow him to have success as a #4 starter in a big league rotation, and from the left side that has some value for sure.
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