PORT ST. LUCIE — Josh Smoker was on the fast track, long before he became a first-round draft pick of the Nationals in 2007.
Smoker raced cars. Quarter-midgets, late-models and raced on dirt tracks until he was 15 and then focused on pitching.
Now Smoker is racing around the Mets facility, excited for spring training to begin in a few short days.
After so much hardship, and shoulder issues, he finally made it to the majors last season and this year the lefty, who was clocked at 100 mph at Triple-A Las Vegas last season, could play a significant role in the Mets bullpen.