I missed a couple of minor league signings in the last week or so.  Milwaukee inked right-handers Chris Smith and Ryan Houston to minor league deals to help fill out the starting rotation and bullpen in Nashville.

Chris Smith is a 27-year old middle reliever who pitched in Boston's organization for his entire career.  In 2006 and 2007, the right-hander struggled a bit with his command.  His WHIP ballooned to 1.65 just two seasons ago, but he seemed to put it together last season with a 3.19 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 15 saves with Triple-A Pawtucket.  Smith throws a low-90s fastball and a power curve that clocks in at about 81-83 MPH.  His changeup is decent, but nothing impressive.  His two-pitch repetoire limits him to a middle relief role.  If his control remains solid, Chris Smith could see time in the Brewers' bullpen sometime in 2009 -- even if it is just in September.  Until we see how his control fares this season, however, he is just a minor league depth signing.

Ryan Houston is a 28-year old reliever who Milwaukee picked up from Houston's organization.  The right-hander is an absolute fireballer, cranking the fastball up into the mid-to-high 90s.  His strikeout rate is fantastic, posting a 9.2 and 7.1 K/9 in 2007 and 2008, respectively.  Everything sounds fantastic, until you realize his control is horrendous.  Houston does not have solid off-speed stuff, and his BB/9 rate has been 4.3 and 5.0 in the past two years.  If the right-hander can magically find the strike zone every once in a while, he could turn into a nice pickup for Doug Melvin and the Brewers.  That seems unlikely, however.  Therefore, I cannot characterize Houston as anymore than a roster-filler in Nashville with some nice (although, unrealistic) upside for next season.

The Round 'em Up will resume tomorrow.  Until then, Happy Holidays everyone!