Every weekday from February 7-25, I'll be publishing a prospect profile from my top 30 Detroit Tigers prospect list. The profiles that appear here on Bless You Boys were the ones that were cut for space from this year's Maple Street Press Tigers Annual. You'll be able to read half the list for free, but I'd really encourage you to order the annual for the other half (not to mention all the other great content).
Drew Smyly, LHP, Grade C
Bats L, Throws L, Height 6'3", Weight 190 lbs, Date of Birth June 13, 1989
Smyly is a lefthanded pitcher drafted by the Tigers in the second round of the 2010 draft. His fastball isn't very special, sitting at 89-92 with good movement. His slider is above average and he also has a useable curve and changeup. Smyly's real strength comes with his fantastic command, and it is on that basis that he's a pretty safe bet to become a number four starter, possibly as soon as 2012. I can see the case for a C+ , but with fourth starter types, if the slightest thing goes wrong, they get set back pretty far.