The Nationals announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Josh Smoker on Tuesday. He was the 31st overall pick in this year's First-Year Player Draft.
The team had just one day remaining before the deadline to sign players from this year's Draft, and Smoker was a top priority. He was a prep standout at Calhoun High in Georgia, and was rated the 11th-best pitching prospect by Baseball America.

"When you build an organization, you're always looking for quality left-handed starters," director of scouting Dana Brown said. "It's going to be the beginning of a beautiful thing."

Smoker was introduced by general manager Jim Bowden, then donned a No. 17 Nationals jersey. He'll report to the Gulf Coast League in Florida on Saturday.

Bowden said the team was pleased to lock up 19 of its first 20 picks, and that during the past two seasons Washington has built up incredible depth in its farm system.

"I've never seen pitching depth like this in my career," he said.


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