During the winter months we are going to look back at the performances of Europeans, who played in the United States during the 2009 season.
Alex Smit
Birth date: 10/02/1985 in Geldrop, Netherlands
Throws/Bats: Left/Left
Organization: Cincinnati Reds (currently free agent)
Position: Pitcher
2009 Season: Alex Smit began the year with the Carolina Mudcats in the Southern League. He had a 4-3 record with an ERA of 3.04 in 21 games (ten starts), striking out 73 batters in 71 innings (42 walks). His time in Double-A was interrupted in May due to an injury. He worked his way back with five rehab appearances in the Gulf Coast League and the Florida State League. Smit was part of the Dutch National Team during the 2009 World Baseball Classic, appearing in four games (3.1 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 2 SO). He also started twice for the Netherlands in the IBAF Baseball World Cup in September, going 1-0 with an ERA of 3.72 and seven strikeouts (six walks) in 9 2/3 innings. The minor league contract of the southpaw ran out at the end of the season after seven years and he is currently a free agent.
Career Stats: 157 GP (86 starts), 33-31, ERA 3.43, WHIP 1.306, 559.2 IP, 621 SO, 270 BB
Highest Level: Double-A (Southern League 2009)
Previous:
Andrei Lobanov (Twins)
Thomas de Wolf (Mets)
Dwayne Kemp (Cubs)
Matteo Pizziconi (Reds)
Petr Cech (Reds)
Jan Baldee (Astros)
Luca Panerati (Reds)
Frédéric Hanvi (Twins)
Swen Huijer (Red Sox)
Mariekson Gregorius (Reds)
Jeroen de Haas (Mariners)
Donald Lutz (Reds)
Rien Vernooij (Mets)
Eric Gonzalez (Padres)
Mike Bolsenbroek (Phillies)
Kalian Sams (Mariners)
Kai Gronauer (Mets)
Tom Stuifbergen (Twins)
Jakub Sladek (Phillies)
Matej Hejma (Twins)
Jan Rehacek (Twins)
Alex Liddi (Mariners)
Comment by Owen
December 6, 2009 | 2:45 pm
The man which such an ego has never really pitched that well in America. Being a lety I am sure some team will take him but even indy ball is to good for him. Shame that one of the 1st Europeans to be signed for big bucks has failed.
Comment by JK14
December 10, 2009 | 1:49 am
559.2 IP, 621 SO…