Story
Santaluces High pitcher Kyle Smith has the stuff to entice big-league scouts
Monday, April 11, 2011
by
Matt Porter
Photo by Damon Higgins / The Palm Beach Post
Kyle Smith may not have the size pro scouts favor, but the Santaluces pitcher has strong command of his pitches, as shown by his impressive stats.
At 6 feet, 180 pounds, Santaluces High right-hander Kyle Smith lacks the size pro scouts covet. But he has nearly everything else they want: command of major-league-ready stuff, a durable arm and an effortless delivery.
He is the most complete, consistent player in an area filled with pro prospects. His pitching is likely to determine Santaluces' success in the upcoming District 9-6A playoffs.
"If he's done, we're done," coach Nick Franco said.
Smith, who can help Santaluces (14-8) sew up the district's No. 2 seed Thursday with a win over Boca Raton, is 6-1. He leads the area in ERA (0.13) and strikeouts (90) in 52 1/3 innings. He also is among the area leaders in batting average (.415), home runs (4) and RBI (19).
He struck out 120 in 64 innings last season, going 6-2 with a 1.44 ERA and earning first-team Palm Beach Post all-area honors. He has signed a letter of intent with Florida but remains eligible for the major league draft in June. He is projected to be selected in rounds 8-12.
Though scouts prefer tall, lean kids who will fill out their frames - projectability is the buzzword - some think they've found a gem in Smith.
"He's a tremendous competitor. There might be people who are bigger, stronger. But they don't have the heart he does," a National League scout said.
Smith has command of a pro-level arsenal of pitches: a late-life four-seam fastball, a two-seamer that tails away from lefties, a nasty, late-breaking curveball and a changeup thrown with a split-finger grip.
Smith said he finally mastered his change Feb. 25 against Atlantic. That night, he threw a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts.
An NL scout described Smith's repertoire as "the stuff to get major-league hitters out."
Because of his size, he can't rely on sheer strength to pitch in the low 90s and occasionally reach 95 mph.
"I have to use everything I have to get it up there," Smith said.
He developed his fluid, low-effort delivery with help from his personal coach, Cardinal Newman alum David Manning.
Thanks to his mechanics and a pro-style off-day routine of running and throwing, Smith regularly fires 110 bullets or more in an era of hand-wringing over pitch counts.
"When I watch him throw now, it's like watching a professional, polished pitcher throw," Manning said.
Franco said he has seen his ace get shelled once, last year against Park Vista when he gave up five earned runs. Smith has allowed one earned run this season, in a win over then-No. 1 Palm Beach Central.
"Major-league scouts might be scared because of Kyle's size," Franco said. "But I think he's the best pitcher in the state. There's something about him."
His parents, Tom and Marla, have hosted pro scouts at their Lake Worth home, but Smith said he won't think about his future until he helps Santaluces win its first district playoff game in three seasons.
If he goes to Florida, he'll join a recruiting class that could include pitchers Michael Kelly (West Boca Raton), Ryan Harris (Jupiter) and Bobby Poyner (Palm Beach Central).
Smith said he is honored to be committed to the Gators, but would welcome the challenge of starting a pro career.
"Either or is fine with me," he said. "As long as I'm playing baseball, I'm happy."
Nothing makes him happier than to have the game in his hands.
In a recent Friday night game at district rival Park Vista, Smith was on the mound with the score tied, two outs in the seventh and a 2-2 count.
At that point, he had thrown 110 pitches, 80 of them strikes. On his last pitch, his catcher set up low and away. Smith stared in and began that free and easy motion, breaking off a wicked curveball.
The bat never moved. Neither did the glove.
.
User Comments:
no pretend here commented on April 11, 2011 at 7:32 p.m.: report abuse
You can compare him to whoever you want and say this and that but the bottom line is that he is THE REAL DEAL.
Coach Pat commented on April 11, 2011 at 8:43 p.m.: report abuse
One of Okeeheelee's best. Can't wait to see him at the next level.
Coach Pat commented on April 12, 2011 at 4:53 a.m.: report abuse
Okeeheelee needs you back coach Pat.. The league is terrible and went down hill. No talent there,please help coach Pat. Please come back.. Kyle Smith,keep it up Buddy,you are a great kid with a huge heart. Work hard kid.....
Nathans Dad commented on April 12, 2011 at 6:34 a.m.: report abuse
I had the privledge of being around Kyle when he played Legion ball with my son. No finer example of a young man loving a sport than this guy. Kyle always went out of his way to say hello and was interested in others, a trait obviously taught to him by a fine family and a wonderful outlook on life. I have follwed Kyle and his older brother every step of the way and look forward to seeing him grow into what this game and this country needs at this time. Kyle - may the Good Lord always smile upon you as you do to others. Best of luck always - Nath's Dad.
One More commented on April 12, 2011 at 7:30 a.m.: report abuse
That Florida recruting class also includes Bobby Poyner.
Okeeheelee Coach commented on April 12, 2011 at 9:42 a.m.: report abuse
When I coached Kyle(age 9-11), he was the best catcher in the league. His success as a pitcher doesn't surprise me. He was always a class act from a great family, a hard worker and a great teammate to the other boys. Congratulations from your 2004 State Championship manager.
Bigdawg61 commented on April 12, 2011 at 1:45 p.m.: report abuse
Hey Matt I guess you forgot about Bobby Poyner going the UF?? D
John Craig commented on April 12, 2011 at 3:25 p.m.: report abuse
David Manning a personal coach. this guy is a reverse Danny Almonte. Likes to shave 3 to 5 years off his actual age!!! At least he knows what a professional pitcher looks like as he spent 15 years in the minors before he got his cup of Coffee in the big leagues. Last time I checked he was spinning a sign for LiL Ceasars on Forest Hill Blvd in Greenacres. Man Can He Spin that Sign.
JC
John Craig commented on April 12, 2011 at 3:26 p.m.: report abuse
David Manning a personal coach. this guy is a reverse Danny Almonte. Likes to shave 3 to 5 years off his actual age!!! At least he knows what a professional pitcher looks like as he spent 15 years in the minors before he got his cup of Coffee in the big leagues. Last time I checked he was spinning a sign for LiL Ceasars on Forest Hill Blvd in Greenacres. Man Can He Spin that Sign.
JC
Matt Porter commented on April 12, 2011 at 4:33 p.m.: report abuse
No disrespect meant to Poyner. He's on track to be at Florida next season, given the (relatively) minor nature of his injury.
rayf commented on April 12, 2011 at 8:58 p.m.: report abuse
Just goes to show you what kind of a coach Franco is. The tearm is made up of 9 players and it takes a team to win a ball game. Kyle is a great player and an asset to the team, but it still takes a team to win, I'm curious to know what the rest of the
team feels like after the remark Franco made "IF HES DONE ...WERE DONE"
WOW!!!!! commented on April 13, 2011 at 9:54 p.m.: report abuse
I AGREE WITH RAYF COMMENT IM A BASEBALL PARENT AND I AM OFFENDED BY THE COMMENT COACH FRANCO MADE THAT IS SAD BASICIALLY ITS SAYING YOU HAVE NO FAITH IN YOUR TEAM AND THAT SHOWS THE DIFFERENCE FROM A GOOD COACH AND A BAD COACH..ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW....HOPEFULLY HE HAS A TEAM NEXT YEAR WITH A COMMENT LIKE THAT......I WATCHED THE SANTALUCES CHIEFS PLAY WITH AND WITHOUT KYLE AND ITS A GOOD SQUAD JUST POORLY COACHED....
BbobserverII commented on April 14, 2011 at 8:24 a.m.: report abuse
@John Craig...sounds like your a disgruntled former ball player that didn't get his own "cup of coffee." Manning is a dedicated baseball trainer who has the same passion for the game today, as he did as a younger player. There is nobody more dedicated and intense. Every kid that commits to his philosphy, gets his personal commitment in return. Can't ask for more. If you have any doubt...ask Kyle Smith, Wade Korpi ( Marlins AAA New Orleans/ Santaluces grad 2004) and many others.
SCB commented on April 14, 2011 at 9:36 p.m.: report abuse
Franco, thank goodness Kyle came along or you would still be a LOSER. Your comment confirms what I've always felt about you as a coach!!!!!
Yeah! What they said commented on June 10, 2011 at 1:11 a.m.: report abuse
LOL
What A Joke commented on June 13, 2011 at 3:40 p.m.: report abuse
I totally agree with everything you all have stated about "Coach" Franco, He is not even close to having the ability to handle a High School baseball team. He lacks knowledge of the sport, pays absolutely no attention to the other teams abilities which is of course asking way too much of him since he obviously pays no attention to his own teams abilities! Franco plays who he likes whether they are having a good game or not. A real coach plays who is best suited to help the team win.
He has absolutely no ability to communicate properly with students or parents. He is extremely negative with his team. Does not work with the team on plays but he does have a bunch of fun joking around with his assistants while BP is being thrown. He chooses to ignore issues between his team members. He will dicipline one player for throwing his helmet and then tell another that he likes his spirit of the game for doing the same thing!!
His assistant "coaches" are a joke as well. I can probably count on 1 hand the amount of games over my last 5 years spent (wasted) with them that Chanley was not drunk before, during and/or after a game or practice!! The JV "Pitching Coach" is a parent that was filling in 4 years ago because they had no one else.
It's really a shame. Franco, for the most part, has and had not only good players but good students as well. I don't believe any of them had any respect for him whatsoever. If he was only wise enough to pay attention to what parents and his team were saying about him and heeded their advice and suggestions, he could bring his team a long way!
The proof is in the fact that he is going to lose some that will be Seniors next season. It's so bad that they just don't want to play for them. Sad
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