Today we catch up with Joshua Smith, a 3B/RHP who plays for Crystal Lake South HS.

"Smith is an extremely projectable Class of 2014 prospect, as the 6-foot-4, 185-pounder performed well on the mound and as a third baseman. On the mound, the athletically built right-hander comes from an over-the-top angle with a smooth rhythm and quick arm.  He has three pitches: an 80-81 mph fastball with some sink, a 68-70 mph breaking ball, and a 72-74 mph changeup.  With his frame and arm looseness, Smith should see his velocity spike in the coming years. Defensively, Smith showed good lateral movement and the ability to play the ball on the run.  At the plate, Smith has a balanced setup and an active lower half as he exhibited gap-to-gap power."

PBR: Have you ever attended a Prep Baseball Report event?  If so what were your impressions of the event?
Smith: Yes. It was run extremely well and I plan on attending more in the future.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?
Smith: I would say the pitching is my biggest strength

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what are you most excited about this summer?
Smith: Pro Player Consultants. I’m really excited for our tournament up at the University of Michigan.

PBR: What are your goals both individually and for your summer team for the rest of spring and summer?
Smith: My biggest goal is to be throwing in the high 80’s by the end of the summer and win some tournaments and get noticed during the summer team.

PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?
Smith: Last year on the Crystal Lake Cardinals, we finished the USSSA in the top 10.

PBR: What are your stats so far in the High School season?
Smith: I’m either 4-2 or 5-2 as a starter with 4 straight shutout performances and averaging around 8 K’s a start.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter/pitcher that you have faced?
Smith: As of this year in the high school season the toughest hitter I’ve faced would be Tanner Larkins of Crystal Lake Central. I threw a two hitter against them and he had both hits. He was very confident at the plate and was able to take my pitches to the correct field which I haven’t seen out of a team yet this year.