Greg Smith (smithgr02)

From BR Bullpen

Gregory Thomas Smith

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
School Louisiana State University
Debut April 9, 2008

Born December 22, 1983 in Alexandria, LA, USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Pitcher Greg Smith made his major league debut on April 9, 2008, for the Oakland Athletics, as the starting pitcher against the Toronto Blue Jays. He gave up three runs (two of them earned) in six innings, walking none and striking out five, before turning the game over to the bullpen. Fernando Hernandez, also making his major league debut that day, picked up the win in relief. Smith had been recalled from the minors shortly earlier when Rich Harden was placed on the disabled list.

Smith had a 4.91 ERA and no decisions for Team USA in the 2006 COPABE Olympic Qualifier to help the US earn a spot in the 2008 Olympics.

Smith was one of the players obtained by the A's from the Arizona Diamondbacks in return for pitcher Dan Haren after the 2007 season. He had been a successful starter in the minors moving rapidly from Rookie-ball in 2005 to AAA in 2007. He compiled a 9-5 record in 22 starts between the AA Mobile BayBears and AAA Tucson Sidewinders in 2007, with a 3.54 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 122 innings.