Anyone know how Josh's season is going so far? I'm here in Texas, but have heard he's the real deal. Great name for a pitcher that throw's gas!! Any info on him would be appreciated.

It's hard to believe that I haven't gotten any information from anyone in Georgia about this kid. He's one of the top 07 pitchers in the country. NOBODY out there knows anything about him?

He signed with Clemson a little while back. Rumor has it that he is now throwing 82-85. Im not sure if i believe that, but i've heard that from more than one person. so im not gonna jump to any conclusions. he is a great pitcher that would be an asset to any team he is on in my opinion.

Josh has signed with clemson but is considered to be in the top 10 prospects in the country. My guess is he will never see a college mound. His velocity dropped off a bit in 2006 but he has regained the hard throwing this year. Although a possible rumor, I have heard he has hit 96 mph this year.

Odd how rumors pop up...

In 2006
Smoker in May - 92
Smoker in June - 92
Smoker in July - 93
Smoker in August - 93
Smoker in September - 93
Smoker in October - 94
We didn't see much of a drop off!

So far this year 2007 he has been up to 94 every time he's been scouted. Some reports a bit higher!

Just to stop any rumors from spreading!

Im headed to watch Smoker pitch tonight (if the game isn't called off for weather) so I will give a report next week on what I see. I hear the scouting pool is very thick at every game he pitches in.

Another good prospect to watch on this team is Charlie Culberson. He is considered to be a good glove and his bat stays hot.

Loonytik,

Did you see Smoker pitch in that game. Our scouts reported 92-94 and that he looked great!

Charlie Culberson is a very good player!

The original game was cancelled due to weather I wasn't able to go to the make-up. I should be at his next outing and I will report then.

I had the chance to see Smoker pitch on 3/27. He pitched the full 7 innings and faced 29 batters on his way to pitching a no hitter. He gave up two walks...one runner was doubled up on a pop out and the other was picked off first. His fastball hit 94mph on the stalker gun a few times but mostly hovered around 91-93 mph. His curve ball was working well also.

Just to clarify. Smoker threw 82 pitches, had 15 strikeouts, and faced the minimum number of batters (21). In the seventh inning he was still registered a 93 and a 94 mph fastball. Just thought I would tell the truth.

Oops...I posted for a 9 inning game without thinking. Thanks for the clarification outcast.

That sounds like the Smoker we know!

Great name for a pitcher like that!

I have a couple friends involved with recruiting in the south, and they both also say it will be very unlikely that Smoker plays college ball.

He sure had it all when I saw him last October in Jupiter.

Im sure most of you know that Josh Smoker was taken 31st overall in the recent draft. He was the first player taken in the supplemental 1st round by the Washington Nationals. Smoker had anticipated going to the hometown Atlanta Braves but dropped when Atlanta decided on another player.

Charlie Culberson, who played on the same high scholl team was taken 51st by the San Fran. Giants.