Rule 5 Draft Prospect(s) - The Smiths

Yesterday, I highlighted Diamondback minor league CA/1B/3B Jamie D’Antona as someone the Nationals may have interest in selecting during the 2006 Rule 5 Draft on 12/7.

The next names that bear watching when Thursday’s draft starts are Chris Smith and Dan Smith.

Chris Smith RHP 

Year Team Age Org Level G/GS IP WHIP HR9 BB9 K9
2002 Lowell 21 Bos A- 14/14 56.67 1.20 0.5 2.2 7.9
2003 GCL Redsox 22 Bos Rk 3/2 8.33 1.80 0.0 4.3 3.2
GCL Redsox 22 Bos Rk 3/2 8.33 1.80 0.0 4.3 3.2
Augusta 22 Bos A 8/8 46.33 1.14 0.8 1.0 4.9
Sarasota 22 Bos A+ 2/2 12.00 0.83 0.0 1.5 6.8
2004 Portland 23 Bos AA 14/14 74.33 1.32 1.2 2.5 10.3
2005 GCL Redsox 24 Bos Rk 1/1 3.00 0.00 0.0 0.0 12.0
Delmarva 24 Bal A 13/0 26.33 2.32 1.0 5.1 7.9
Portland 24 Bos AA 15/15 75.67 1.45 1.6 1.8 5.8
2006 Portland 25 Bos AA 20/20 115.67 1.24 0.7 2.3 6.1
Pawtucket 25 Bos AAA 7/6 33.67 1.25 0.5 2.4 6.2

Dan Smith LHP

Year Team Age Org Level G/GS IP WHIP HR9 BB9 K9
2003 GCL Braves 19 Atl Rk 13/0 28.33 1.06 0.6 2.5 11.1
Danville 19 Atl Rk 2/0 1.67 3.60 0.0 16.2 10.8
2004 Danville 20 Atl Rk 14/2 39.67 1.01 0.5 3.6 11.8
Rome 20 Atl A 1/1 4.67 1.50 1.9 3.9 9.6
2005 Rome 21 Atl A 19/0 33.33 1.26 0.3 4.9 12.2
Myrtle Beach 21 Atl A+ 25/0 38.00 1.32 0.2 4.0 7.6
2006 Myrtle Beach 22 Atl A+ 8/0 8.00 1.13 1.1 4.5 14.6
Mississippi 22 Atl AA 28/8 60.33 1.21 0.5 4.8 12.8

The 25-year old Chris was a 2002 4th round selection by the Boston Red Sox who appears to be back after a 2004 labrum surgery. His repertoire consists of an average fastball, above average curve, and knuckle curve. He is not a power pitcher, he’s often compared to Greg Maddux in his control around the plate. He projects best as a middle of the rotation starter but may also have some value out of the bullpen.

The 23-year old Dan was an undrafted free agent signed by the Atlanta Braves in 2003 after missing his senior year in high school due to injury. He is more of a power pitcher and would best fit as the LH out of the bullpen.