Manager Aaron Boone was effusive in his praise for Schmidt on Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. "His pitch repertoire is excellent. His athleticism on the mound allows him to have a real clean delivery. There's an absolute presence to him, like he believes he belongs here," Boone said.
It's not unusual for a manager to praise a top prospect, but it's nonetheless comforting to know that Boone is a big fan of Schmidt. Masahiro Tanaka (concussion) may miss the start of the season, so it's conceivable Schmidt could see MLB action early and often, although Jonathan Loaisiga seems like the leading candidate to fill the fifth starter's spot if Tanaka opens the year on the injured list. Schmidt has three plus pitches and is set to start Monday night's intrasquad game opposite J.A. Happ.