2012 Watchlist: LH Relievers

Josh Smoker Josh Smoker
DOB: 11/26/88
Ht. 6’2″
Wt. 195
Bats: L
Career Stats
As predicted last offseason, Smoker’s move
to the ‘pen revived his prospect status,
enough for him to get mentioned as a
possible Rule 5 target. Consistently throws
in the mid-90s but has the Nolan Ryan “tell”
for his FB. The walks are still too many for
ninth-inning work (hence just 18GF of 46G)
but nearly 10K/9IP will make him a SU guy to
watch in ’12.
Kylin Turnbull Kylin Turnbull
DOB: 9/12/89
Ht. 6’5″
Wt. 205
Bats: R
Career Stats
A projectability pick based largely on his
long, lean frame. Fastball velocity can range
from 86 to 94 on back-to-back outings. Also
throws an inconsistent slider and slow (80-
84) splitter. For a 22-y.o. JuCo arm, he’s
quite raw, but he’s been drafted twice so
the Nats aren’t alone in wanting to see how
he’ll do with some professional coaching.
Paul Applebee Paul Applebee
DOB: 5/17/88
Ht. 6’3″
Wt. 195
Bats: L
Career Stats
Applebee has been a swingman for the Suns
the past two seasons, but appears to profile
better out of the ‘pen. Lowered his ERA from
4.68 to 3.35 with a strong second half. Not
a hard thrower (86-88) but does have good
control and plus offspeed offerings, i.e.
just what you’d want from a LOOGY.
Joel Barrientos
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Joel Barrientos
DOB: 8/16/93
Ht. 6’2″
Wt. 145
Bats: L
Career Stats
Another one of the ’11 IFAs, Barrientos put
up strong numbers (1.047 WHIP, 8.7K/9,
2.8BB/9, 1.78ERA) over 35⅓ innings in the
DSL as a 17-y.o. Not invited to instrux, so a
repeat of the DSL might be possible.

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