Smith Makes Most Of Opportunity

It was a season full of surprises and disappointments in the Indians farm system this year, but one of the bigger surprises was that of Low-A Lake County right-handed pitcher Steve Smith.

Smith, 23, had a sensational season as the Captains closer going 2-3 with 26 saves and a 2.36 ERA in 47 games. In 53.1 innings pitched he allowed 42 hits, 12 walks, and had 62 strikeouts. He finished 2nd in the South Atlantic League in saves (26), 6th in appearances (47), and 3rd in games finished (42).

Had Smith not received a promotion to High-A Kinston the last week of the season he likely would have finished as the league leader in saves. In addition to that he also missed an opportunity to break the Captains record for saves in a season held by former right-handed closer Matt Davis who had 26 in 2006, and instead settled for a tie with Davis.

It was a solid year for the Indians 25th round pick in the 2008 Draft out of Ouachita Baptist University (AR). Smith really seemed to grow into the closer