Actually, it’s only his second start. This time matching up with Randy Johnson. I feel like I’ve gotten myself in a bind on Smith. I don’t think he’s going to be a great pitcher. I do think he might be a very good pitcher. I don’t think there’s much evidence he’ll be very good this year. I do think he should be just fine. This year. Probably.
But, of course, a guy who relies on anything other than gas to get guys out has to learn how to do it at the major league level. And has to learn how to do it after the major league scouts figure out what he’s been doing. In all likelihood Bud is going to struggle at times this year. And at other times he’s going to look awfully good.
So, I’ll remind everyone, he was high on my list of guys to get for cheap. And I hope this is the last I write about him this year, or until his next no hitter.