They're Called 'Prospects' For A Reason: #6 Bud Smith

Bud Smith, LHP

The trade (July 2002): St. Louis sends Smith, Placido Polanco and Mike Timlin to Philadelphia for third baseman Scott Rolen, a minor leaguer and cash.

The hype: In its 2001 Prospect Handbook, Baseball America ranked Smith as the No. 1 prospect in the St. Louis organization -- one spot ahead of a promising young third baseman named Albert Pujols.

"The Cardinals hope he'll become something of a cross between Rick Ankiel and Jamie Moyer and occupy a spot in the middle of their rotation for years," BA wrote.

The rest of the story: Smith made a big splash in 2001 when he threw a no-hitter against San Diego. He even generated some Tom Glavine comparisons for his poise and ability to carve up the plate. But Smith pitched poorly in 2002, and when the Cardinals had a chance to acquire Rolen at the deadline, they packed Smith off to Philly.


MLB CAREER STATISTICS
G W L ERA IP BB SO BAA
27 7 8 4.95 132.2 46 81 .284


The Philadelphia papers heralded Smith as the potential key to the deal, but Smith apparently was damaged goods. He made three minor league starts, underwent shoulder surgery and never pitched an inning in Philadelphia.

After a brief audition with the Twins and a comeback attempt or two in independent ball, Smith went home to California to coach high school ball. Two labrum surgeries and a procedure on his rotator cuff were too much for the crafty young lefty to overcome.

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