Drafted in the 5th round (143rd overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 (signed for $175,000).
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Smit has no real college option. His team didn't even make the state playoffs, but he showed plus stuff, at times the best in the state. His fastball velocity comes and goes, at times sitting at 91-92 mph, and he has a loose arm that leads scout to project more future velo. Smit's slider is even more inconsistent, but he has flashed a plus breaker at times. He has room to fill out his frame and was considered signable.
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In another midsummer deal from 2010, the Cubs swapped Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot to the Dodgers for Blake DeWitt and minor league righthanders Smit and Brett Wallach. DeWitt could start at second base for Chicago this year, and both pitchers are keepers. Wallach has one of the best curveballs in the system as well as big league bloodlines--his father Tim played in five All-Star Games and won three Gold Gloves as a third baseman. Smit became a full-time reliever last season and took quickly to his new role. His stuff improved in shorter stints, he threw more strikes and he claimed a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster. Tall and wiry, he resembles a young Ryan Madson. Smit has a deceptive delivery, allowing his 92-97 mph fastball to get on hitters quickly. His tight slider gives him a second strikeout pitch, and he uses a splitter as a change of pace. He figures to open 2011 in Triple-A, and he could make his major league debut by season's end.
Career Transactions
Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent RHP Kyle Smit to a minor league contract.
Iowa Cubs released RHP Kyle Smit.
RHP Kyle Smit assigned to Indios de Mayaguez.
Chicago Cubs sent RHP Kyle Smit outright to Iowa Cubs.
Kyle Smit roster status changed by Chicago Cubs.
RHP Kyle Smit assigned to Iowa Cubs from Daytona Cubs.
Kyle Smit assigned to Daytona Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
Kyle Smit roster status changed by Tennessee Smokies.
Tennessee Smokies placed RHP Kyle Smit on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to May 6, 2011.
Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Kyle Smit to Tennessee Smokies.
Chicago Cubs selected the contract of Kyle Smit from Tennessee Smokies.
Kyle Smit assigned to Mesa Solar Sox.
Chicago Cubs Traded LHP Ted Lilly and 2B Ryan Theriot to Los Angeles Dodgers; Los Angeles Dodgers Traded Blake DeWitt to Chicago Cubs; Chattanooga Lookouts Traded RHP Kyle Smit to Tennessee Smokies and Great Lakes Loons Traded RHP Brett Wallach to Peoria Chiefs.
Kyle Smit assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts from Inland Empire 66ers.
Kyle Smit roster status changed by Inland Empire 66ers.
Inland Empire 66ers placed RHP Kyle Smit on the 7-day disabled list.
RHP Kyle Smit assigned to Inland Empire 66ers from Great Lakes Loons.
Kyle Smit assigned to Great Lakes Loons from Ogden Raptors.
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