Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/662215
in an RBI situation. He has an advanced ap- proach for a young hitter, and by no means is he strictly a pull hitter. "Obviously, he was a big, left-handed hitter that could impact our lineup. We felt he really could hit." Smith also has shown he could play left field as well as first base. He also was a stand- out pitcher his senior year at Palm Beach Gardens High in Florida. He compiled a 5-0 record with a 0.66 ERA and racked up 54 strikeouts in 32 innings. "He was recruited potentially to do both," O'Connor noted. "Last fall, we did some pitching with him, but he won't pitch this year. "He did have pitching in his background and was very talented at it. It's too early to tell if that will be in his future, but he defi- nitely has the talent to do it. But as far as last year was concerned, by being a first baseman instead of a pitcher, we felt he would make it through the season and be fine." Being able to hit only is part of the equa- tion for a first baseman. Fielding is arguably just as important. Or as somebody once said, you don't appreciate a good defensive first baseman until you don't have one. "I had a coach whom we played against recently who said Pavin is like a shortstop at first base," O'Connor said. "His hands and feet work so well. In game three of the CWS, Kenny Towns made a diving play at third base and threw out the runner. What gets missed was the catch Pavin made. He adjusted his feet and caught the ball in foul territory. "Most first baseman can't do what he did. Kenny doesn't make that play unless Pavin catches the ball." Smith also could have "caught" a chunk of money coming out of high school when he was drafted in the 32nd round by the Colo- rado Rockies. But, as Smith noted, there was zero chance he would sign. "I didn't consider signing with the Rock- ies," he said. "I told the pro scouts I was go- ing to college. I knew before the draft I was coming to Virginia. "I looked at the 2014 team Virginia had and knew it would be fun to play with this group. Coming to college benefits you in terms of growing and improving your game, When you reach the minor leagues it enables you to get to the big leagues quicker." Smith also had to fill the large cleats va- cated by two-time All-American Mike Papi who signed with the Cleveland Indians after being drafted. "I knew I could help this team," Smith said. "I was trying to do my best on the field and give a little bit of what he did in the middle of the lineup." That's exactly what Smith has done, if not more, since arriving in Charlottesville. ◆ "He certainly had one of the best first-year seasons we've ever had. The expectations coming into this season were high. He's a very talented, capable player who benefitted from the experience he had last year. As great a year that he had last year, he doing even better this year." HEAD COACH BRIAN O'CONNOR ON SMITH