Burch Smith 2024

[Big Mac]

Small sample size alert, but Burch Smith has been excellent for us so far.  8.1 IP in 7 appearances, no HR or BB allowed and 10K.  Overall this season combined between the Orioles and Marlins, he's at 38 IP with a 2.56 FIP and has only allowed 1 HR.  He did give up 11.8 H/9 with the Marlins which was partially fueled by a .384 BABIP.

His statcast page doesn't really give much to get excited about, he's in the 88th percentile for BB rate, 71st for GB rate and 82nd for extension but otherwise it's a lot of blue on there.  

So, what are our thoughts here?  Do we think there may be something there or is this nothing more than a small sample size fluke?  I'm not sure he survives the impending roster changes but thought his early success warranted its own thread. 

[ScGO's]

I agree with this. I've been trying to figure him out. I think he has an interesting offering; his release point looks like its sneaky tough to pick up early. I also think he needs to be used correctly in the pen, following a reliever or starter that doesn't have a similar arm slot and offerings

[Gentile4]

I'm a big believer in going w/the hot hand, so I'd be reluctant to make Smith the odd man out when it comes time to activating Rogers. 

[interloper]

I had figured he was a soft-tossing ground-ball righty, but then he came here and starting whipping 97 past guys. Had no idea he had that kind of velocity. 

He's absolutely better than Dillon Tate, at least to my eyes. Quality of the strikes are pretty good, he's got a nice slider and a firm fastball. I think he does end up getting the cut today, which is unfortunate, but it's likely that we're getting the best of him in a small sample. That said, he's a guy I'm absolutely targeting to sign in the offseason for bullpen depth. 

Edited August 1 by interloper

[interloper]

@RZNJ says he has an option. If true, that's fantastic news. 

[Frobby]

I’d hate to lose him in a numbers game right now, the way he’s pitched.  

[RZNJ]

7 minutes ago, interloper said:

@RZNJ says he has an option. If true, that's fantastic news. 

[Safelykept]

19 minutes ago, RZNJ said:

Dont think thats right . Optioned in 2013,14, and 19. Orioles signed him to minor league contract.

[Jim'sKid26]

Interesting guy who has done a couple of things differently with the O's this year. From Baseball Savant:

So his Zone %, Zone swing % and Zone contact % are all about the same as his previous time in MLB (2021).

However his chase rate is 26. 5, up from 20.4 in 2021. 

His first strike % is 66.3, up from 61.2 and at the highest rate in his career. 

He throws 6 pitches but rarely throws the Sweeper, sinker and CU. He's mostly 4SFB(51%), Cutter (22.1%) and CB (21.5%). Ave FB veto is 94.5 mph.

So he's throwing more first pitch strikes and getting more chase on his pitches out of the zone. Sounds like a recipe for success.  

[RZNJ]

1 minute ago, Safelykept said:

Dont think thats right . Optioned in 2013,14, and 19. Orioles signed him to minor league contract.

Guess we’ll find out.

[interloper]

2 minutes ago, Safelykept said:

Dont think thats right . Optioned in 2013,14, and 19. Orioles signed him to minor league contract.

Well, wouldn't be the first time FG was wrong about stuff like this. 

[Safelykept]

Just now, RZNJ said:

Guess we’ll find out.

I looked at transactions on his minor league page

[sportsfan8703]

I've really been impressed by Burch.  He's turning out to be this year's version of Webb.  Relievers are fickle, so lets see if it lasts, but I prefer him to Baker and Tate from the Right side.  

[RZNJ]

I’m sure I just saw the best version of Burch Smith but this guy showed good stuff and probably the best command of anyone in the pen.  I think he’s headed for higher leverage opportunities.   

[interloper]

A classic Elias bullpen find.