Phils Add LHP Greg Smith
Per confirmation from Fightins Director of PR Eric Scarcella, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed LHP Greg Smith. Smith, 29, is a 6’1″ lefty from LSU who spent parts of 2008 and 2010 in the Majors with the Oakland A’s and Colorado Rockies. In MLB 229.1 IP, Smith has a 4.51 ERA with 1.28 K/BB. Smith stays in the mid-to-high 80s and relies on precision from his fastball, change-up, curve, and slider.
In 2012, Smith posted a 3.97 ERA in 21 starts in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League with a 1.258 WHIP. Smith is scheduled to start tonight’s game for the Fightins against the Portland Sea Dogs.
Analysis: A solid pick-up, particularly considering how many arms the Phillies seem to be going through right now. Smith will fill in well for the Phils in both Double-A and Triple-A this year as needed as some of their prospects get a look.
Has #BiddleWatch officially begun? After further review, not likely. This move, to me, does not necessarily indicate to me that the Phillies anticipate using either a starter from Triple-A and promoting a Double-A player to backfill or, less likely, promoting a Double-A pitcher to fill Doc’s spot.
Reading just lost Tom Cochran to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and was using Hector Neris, primarily a reliever, as another starter. Brody Colvin is fresh off the DL and pitching well. This move was more likely in support of the Reading rotation rather than choreographing any other future move.
