Getting your player ready...
What’s up: Smith had an up-and-down rookie season with Oakland last year. He went 7-16 with a 4.16 ERA but led the A’s in games started (32), innings pitched (190 1/3) and complete games (two). The Rockies acquired the former Louisiana State pitcher in the Matt Holliday trade.
What’s next: The Rockies like his ability and could use another lefty in the starting rotation, but the 25-year-old Smith must cut down on his walks (87 a year ago) to claim a spot.
“He’s a contact pitcher and he’s very athletic,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “The volume of innings he pitched last year caught our eye, but he needs to throw more strikes.”
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
