LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2004 Spring Top Prospect Showcase
C Jason Smith: Smith is one of the best catching prospects in the Upper Midwest and he showed why at the Showcase. At 6-3, 185 lbs, he looks the part of the prospect and is very projectable physically. Despite his size and long levers, Smith’s actions both offensively and defensively are very short and quick. He has good arm strength and his release is compact and efficient. All his pop times were below 2.00 with a best of 1.86 during the drills. Smith impressed us with his blocking and receiving skills as well. He probably doesn’t catch many pitchers in South Dakota but he caught a couple of Division I signees at the Showcase with hard curveballs and showed lateral quickness and soft hands. Smith’s approach at the plate is similarly short and quick. He sets up in a relaxed, tall stance and has a no stride, no load approach and a level line drive swing. Smith has the bat speed and strength potential to hit with power in the future but it looks for now like he’s going to be a high average middle of the field hitter. This young prospect can hold his own with many of the more acclaimed Sun Belt catching prospects in the country. Smith’s signed to attend Northern Iowa.