The 24-year-old Alex Smit is among 53 players, which will participate in the Spring Training of the Cincinnati Reds at their new complex in Goodyear, Arizona. The left-hander will report to the Major League camp on February 18 besides the other pitchers and catchers. He became a free agent last fall, but both sides agreed on a new minor league contract a few weeks later. According to Honkbalsite.com he officially signed last Thursday and immediately was invited to Spring Training as a non-roster player.
Smit has an outside chance to make the opening day roster of the Reds, competing for a spot as left-handed reliever. However it is not going to get easy against the other candidates Daniel Ray Herrera, Arthur Rhodes, Phillippe-Alexandre Valiquette, Pedro Viola and Travis Wood. He will also meet outfielder Wladimir Balentien in camp, who was traded to Cincinnati last summer. Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman also will be in Goodyear.
Smit was one of the first to be signed in Europe and got good money. So far what has he shown apart from a Big League attitude in 6 plus years not getting out of AA? He is in camp to act as a water boy at the start and will be an early cut.