Indians Top 100 Prospects: #86 Jason Smit

86. Jason Smit - Infielder
Born: 10/27/1989 - Height: 6'0" - Weight: 165 - Bats: Right - Throws: Right

Year	Age	Team	Lvl	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2007	17	GCL Indians	R	35	117	10	25	6	0	1	15	10	35	0	.214	.295	.291	.586
2008	18	GCL Indians	R	23	55	10	13	3	1	1	8	8	18	2	.236	.364	.382	.746
		Career		58	172	20	38	9	1	2	23	18	53	2	.221	.318	.320	.638

History: Smit was signed as an undrafted International free agent in July 2006 at 16-years old.

Strengths & Opportunities: Smit is a promising, young prospect out of Australia who was widely considered a top ten International prospect at the time he was signed. He is a middle of the diamond player who has a lot of upside offensively, and for his age has great instincts for the game and a very advanced approach at the plate. The Indians really like his potential with his bat and throwing arm, and while they view him as a middle infielder, he has the potential to play virtually anywhere on the infield. He was signed as a shortstop, but has mostly moved around a lot between third and second base, and even played some outfield last year.

There are a lot of things going on behind the scenes Smit is doing to improve his game, like learning more about different pitches and how to pick them up. It was sort of a lost season for Smit as he came down with an injury to his throwing arm and shoulder in spring training that just lingered for most of the rest of the year. As a result, the Indians took it slow with him to ensure a 100% recovery and no more setbacks, but it hindered his development some as without the injury he may have been given a chance to play at some point at Single-A Lake County. There is a lot of projection involved with any prospect like Smit who is still so young, so there is no telling what may happen with him over the course of the next few years as his body continues to mature. Now 18-years old, he is starting to fill out his frame and he added 10-15 pounds of good weight in the last year.

Outlook: Smit will likely remain in extended spring training again this year to continue his development before moving on to Single-A Lake County around mid-season.

Photo courtesy of Ken Carr

Jason Smit's MinorLeagueBaseball.com stats page

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