Poised for success
Smyly’s composure big part of his early success with Tigers
There are certain players who must be accounted for when teams face the Detroit Tigers.
Everyone knows about reigning American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander and feared sluggers Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera.
If the first month of the season is any indication, opponents may want to add former Little Rock Central and Arkansas Razorbacks standout Drew Smyly to the list.
Smyly, a left-hander who will pitch today against the Mariners in Seattle, has provided some stability to the Tigers’ rotation with a 1-0 record and an American League-leading 1.61 ERA. In 28 innings, Smyly has allowed 6 runs (5 earned) on 25 hits, struck out 29 and walked 8.
“That’s exciting to be in that category after one month,” Smyly said of his ERA. “But it will mean more to me if that’s the case in September, not April.”
Tigers Manager Jim Leyland said Smyly’s composure is the main reason for his effectiveness.
“He’s pitching very well and showing a lot of poise and charisma on the mound for a young kid, but his stuff is good,” Leyland told the Detroit News.
Catcher Alex Avi l a agreed.
“What he has done has been huge,” Avila told the Detroit Free Press. “The way he has been pitching has been big because everybody else
has been kind of inconsistent. That’s a credit to him. He’s extremely poised for a guy not having a lot of professional experience.
“It makes my job easy knowing he has a lot of confidence in his pitches. I can mix it up as far as calling pitches. He has been a huge lift for our team.”
Opponents have been impressed as well.
“He’s good, with some velocity. He’s deceptive with a good change-up, and he had our guys out in front,” Chicago White Sox Manager Robin Ventura told the Detroit News after facing Smyly in his last start. “He was composed and looked good. He can locate, and with Avila back there he’s getting him through certain at-bats. He’s impressive.”
Smyly said he’s just trying to be consistent with his approach.
“I just go start by start,” he said. “These guys are professionals. You’ve got to be ready to go every time or they’re going to get you.”
Smyly’s only victory came April 28, when he allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits, struck out 7 and walked 2 as Detroit defeated the New York Yankees 7-5 at Yankee Stadium to end a five-game losing streak. It also came with his parents, Todd and Toni, in the stands.
“It was my first time in New York, and to have my parents there, it’s something every kid dreams about,” Smyly said. “My parents were probably more excited than I was.”
Smyly has had his share of adversity.
While pitching for Detroit’s Class AA affiliate in Erie, Pa., last season, Smyly suffered from tendinitis in his left elbow that cost him five starts. He still finished the season 11-6 with a 2.07 ERA while holding opponents to .227 batting average.
Smyly said he hasn’t had any trouble with the elbow recently.
“My arm has been feeling really great,” Smyly said. “I’m playing catch virtually all year, so my arm gets tired, but I’ve just got to train it so it doesn’t break down.”
Smyly’s numbers last season were good enough to earn an invitation to Detroit’s big league camp in spring training, where he competed against Duane Below for the fifth spot in the pitching rotation.
“Spring training is a competition,” Smyly said. “It’s always going to be that way unless you’re Justin Verlander or someone like that. You’ve just got to go out there and show what you’re made of.”
Now Smyly is in the same rotation as Verlander, and he’s learning everything he can from the Tigers’ ace.
“It’s been a whole lot of fun to play with Verlander,” Smyly said. “I’ve learned from him by watching how he goes about his business. After I pitch, he’ll come up and give me pointers.”
The Tigers have made it clear they aren’t trying to get too far ahead of themselves with Smyly. After his start against the White Sox on Saturday, Leyland said he and General Manager Dave Dombrowski met to discuss a plan for limiting Smyly’s innings.
The Tigers limited Verlander’s innings during his rookie season and innings for fellow starter Rick Porcello, who skipped starts last season.
No matter what they come up with, Smyly seems ready for it.
“You’ve got to be able to make adjustments,” he said. “There are going to be lots of ups and downs, so I just have to maintain what I’m doing.”