Pitcher with coolest name signed by Nationals
Seriously, if you were hoping to become a major league pitcher wouldn't you just love to have the last name, Smoker?!
With just one day left before the deadline to sign players from this year's Draft, the Washington Nationals announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Josh Smoker on Tuesday, the 31st overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. Smoker, who's rated the 11th-best pitching prospect by Baseball America, was a top priority for the Nats.
I look forward to hearing radio announcers Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler come up with some good puns with Smoker's name in them. But more than that, I'm looking forward to the day when the Nationals have a killer lefty on staff. Could it be Smoker?
Unfortunately the Nationals are going to need a lot more than a pitcher with a cool name next year if they hope to contend. This year was miserable.
Yes, quite right Commish! I don't think we'll see the team contend next year, but I am excited about the team going younger, especially with pitching. Our rookie pitchers don't have experience, but I am intrigued by players like Chico and Bergmann. Berg had 9 Ks the other night! With more innings and a little polish, I actually think the Nats could turn out a decent starting rotation in two, maybe three, years.