Greg Smith: Who is this kid?

Greg Smith is taking the American League by storm in his rookie season with the A's. Actually it's been pretty much domination for Smith. Billy Beane is once again showing off his ability to scout talent as Smith was unheard of before bursting onto the scene in April. In his last start on Sunday, Smith was once again dominant giving up 1 run and only 3 hits in 6 innings while striking out 10. He also sat down 12 of the last 14 hitters he faced. Smith looks like he could be a 4 tool pitcher showing the ability to strikeout hitters at a very good rate. His outing on Sunday to bring his season totals to 39 IP, 2 W, 31 K, 13 BB, 2.54 ERA, and a 1.03 WHIP. Wow. If you tell me you saw this coming I'll let you smack me across the mouth. The long, lanky lefty who kind of looks taller than he is because the kid is all legs. That's a good thing for young pitchers who tend to throw with all arm, Smith's power comes from his legs and his push off the mound.

I love this picture because it shows the form that young pitchers should be practicing. He's got the long plant leg stretch, generating the most power he can get from his base. He's also pointing to where he's throwing with his glove hand and he's got his throwing arm fully extended with a complete over the top arm slot. A picture perfect delivery. This is what you want to see out of young pitchers as it shows good mechanics and long lasting power. Most young pitchers that come up these days have awful mechanics and don't learn to pitch until they get to the big leagues. Smith knows how to pitch and it looks like someone taught him the right way when he was young. The thing I like most about Smith is his intelligence. At 24 years old he displays the mindset of a grizzled veteran. He credits hit career high 10 strikeout game Sunday to "trying not to do too much". He also said that he wished he didn't strikeout as many guys as he may have been able to go deeper into the game. I love the head on this kid, I love the mechanics and he looks like he could be the real deal. If you don't own him and he's out there, what are you waiting for?