Carson Smith

After having little success as a freshman at Grayson County (Texas) CC in 2009, Smith has been the Southland Conference pitcher of the year in each of his two seasons at Texas State. He ended the regular season with 12 straight quality starts, lowering his ERA to 1.98 with 114 strikeouts in 95 innings. Though he has three pitches and has had success as a starter, scouts project Smith as a reliever because of his delivery. He slings the ball with a lot of effort while keeping his elbow low and close to his side, and doesn't appear suited to durability or command. Smith came down with shoulder tendinitis in the offseason and has pitched through shoulder issues this spring. He also has a high leg kick that provides deception. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder has been clocked at 97 mph coming out of the bullpen last year, compared to 90-93 mph early in games and 88-92 mph later in 2010. His low arm angle does add sink to his fastball and his changeup, and his slider can be a swing-and-miss pitch at times.