Hey, I remember a couple years ago when Chris Smith seemed like he would be a decent starter some day. He got in an ATV accident though, and missed some of 2004 with a torn labrum... and he kind of fell off the map...

Well, the 2002 4th rounder is showing some signs of life in AA this season.

In 3 starts he's 1-1 with a 0.98 ERA. In 17.1 innings he has 11 K's, 2 walks and 6 hits.

He might be someone worth keeping an eye on...

http://www.soxprospects.com/players/smith-chris.htm

From today's Lawrence Eagle-Tribune:

Tim Bresnahan - Same as he ever was: PawSox pitcher Smith back to dominant form following injury


In Smith's case, at least, such words are a distinct compliment. Since his outstanding start to the 2004 season, the 25-year-old right-hander has endured ample misfortune. In August 2004, he underwent surgery for a torn labrum, one of the most perilous injuries a pitcher can have. Three months later, his father, Brian, died unexpectedly at 47. And at Portland in 2005, his arm just wasn't strong enough to do what it had done so effectively before the surgery - keep hitters off balance and send them back to the bench in frustration.

But this season, Smith has returned to the form that made him such a promising prospect when Boston chose him in the fourth round of the 2002 draft. With his fastball back to near the 90 mph mark, he can once again effectively use that pitch to set hitters up for his changeup. And he's still blessed with the extraordinary command of the strike zone that has always been his trademark.

Two weeks into his first month at the Triple-A level, Smith is pitching superbly - and proving to be a survivor.

...


"I feel the same as I did before, and I'm just happy to be pitching again," added Smith, who has walked just 107 batters and struck out 337 in 4402/3 innings as a pro. "I don't look back to 2002 at all. I mean, '04. I just keep on looking forward. I like what I have right now."

Joe McDonald, ProJo - Smith regains his command and takes aim at big leagues

He began this season with the Sea Dogs but never threw a pitch until he was called up to Pawtucket on April 7 to replace Bartolo Colon, who suffered an oblique strain. Since his arrival at McCoy Stadium, Smith has worked as both a starter and reliever and compiled a 1-2 record with one save and a 1.65 ERA.

Smith was impressive Thursday night, working two perfect innings of relief against the Durham Bulls to help Pawtucket to a 3-2 victory. PawSox manager Ron Johnson called Smith’s outing “dirty” and he expects to see much more of that this season.

...


“Not a chance,” he said. “I was ready for a year and a half (rehab) and here I am almost four years after the surgery and 100 percent. After a year and a half, I was competing but not getting guys out. I wanted to see some conviction behind my pitches and that’s what I’m seeing now.”

Smith is 27 now and he hasn’t been considered a prospect for a few years. That’s not to say he’s out of the loop because with the way he’s pitched of late he has put himself back on the radar.

Kevin Thomas, Maine Sunday Telegram - Boston bound: Masterson, Chris Smith

...Smith was called up from Pawtucket Saturday night.

...

The call came late Saturday as the Red Sox sent for Smith to reinforce the bullpen. He could make his major league debut today.




Kevin Thomas, Maine Sunday Telegram - Is there a storybook comeback in the works for crafty pitcher Chris Smith?


So what were we to think of Smith? He began this season with the Sea Dogs, starting a fifth season in Double-A. Smith had hoped to make Pawtucket's roster, but he showed up in Portland with a smile. Sure, he was disappointed, but what could he do?

The better question was: What could we expect from Smith? After his shoulder surgery, his fastball dropped from 90 mph to the low 80s. His curveball had never been the same.

Smith's strengths are location and smarts. But without good stuff, he occasionally got pounded.

But 2008 is turning out differently. Smith never threw a pitch for the Sea Dogs.

When Bartolo Colon was sidelined with a strained oblique muscle and went on the disabled list on April 7, Smith was promoted to Pawtucket.

In his first start he pitched four innings, allowing no runs, two hits and one walk while striking out seven.

Seven strikeouts?