His swing does look a lot like Correa's. Obviously he's going to AAA to begin the season...but I'm betting he's up before June. The noise will get too loud for the front office to ignore. Only question will be, where does he play?
AAA to start season to manipulate arb regardless of what he does... but he will be up in May and he will play whatever position he can. Astros need his bat.
If the Astros acquire Nolan Arenado, Smith plays right field. If they don’t, Smith likely sticks at third base, and Isaac Paredes shifts to second base, unless Brendan Rodgers forces the Astros’ hand at second base.
Surprised no one is making a pre injury Kris Bryant comparison. Regardless of manipulating service time, he should and will get a couple of months in the minors to get accustomed to pro ball.
Cam Smith, age 21, high A: 10.5% bb, 15.8% k, 160 wRC+ Kris Bryant, age 21, high A: 4.8% bb, 27.4% k, 212 wRC+; Bryant went on to hit 42 HR across AA and AAA at age 22 before spending 95% of his age 23 season in the majors. I think Smith could be up faster than that. If he crushes AA/AAA he could be up by mid-June. Dana Brown doesn’t play around when he thinks he’s got a guy who can play. One key for Smith is if they plan on converting him to RF then they may give him some more time to refine that even if his bat is ready.
Looks like Cam has less swing and miss, but Bryant could mash with the best his first few years. I was mostly just thinking elite hitting talent that might be too big for third base, fast mover coming out of college.
you put him at his most comfortable position so the transition is smooth as possible, and move parades to 2nd base.
