Sleeper Watch

With all the hype and hoopla surrounding Mark Prior, the rest of the Cubs’ minor league pitching prospects haven’t been getting much attention. It’s a shame that several other solid hurlers haven’t been getting the spotlight they deserve, but that lack of exposure might allow savvy fantasy owners in keeper leagues to pick up a true bargain…

Perhaps the best arm currently in the Cubs’ system belongs to Steve Smyth, a 24 year-old lefty who pitched for USC before playing pro ball. Smyth has an excellent assortment of breaking pitches and a sharp 93 mph fastball, and his control is superb. After allowing just 40 walks in 120 innings in 2001, a season that was cut short by a shoulder strain, Smyth came back to improve that ratio in 2002, giving up just 18 walks in 73 innings of AA ball before being called up to AAA Iowa. Over that span, Smyth struck out just over one batter per inning.

Smyth in on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, so a late call-up to Chicago is possible. His true value, however, lies in keeper leagues. Expect him to become a permanent part of the Cubs’ pitching staff by mid-2003. Keep an eye on his progress, but don’t wait for the spotlight to shift to Smyth before adding him to your reserve roster.