The Padres have dealt Jake Gautreau (2001, 14th pick overall–24 slots ahead of David Wright and twice the price) to Cleveland for Corey Smith (2000, 26th pick overall). Smith, who turns 23 in April, was rated as the Indians’ #13 prospect in the Baseball America 2004 Prospect Handbook. Some excerpts from his entry in that book:

While Smith clearly has good tools, the Indians are still waiting for him to have a breakthrough season… He has above-average bat speed and strength, but hasn’t translated his raw power into homers… Smith also has a plus arm but is a defensive liability at the hot corner. Poor footwork and uncertain hands have led to him leading his league’s third baseman in errors in each of his four pro seasons.

Comments from the 2002 book, in which Smith was rated the Tribe’s top prospect, are more encouraging:

The muscular Smith was a shortstop in high school, but the Indians wasted no time in moving him to third base, where they feel his size and power potential make him a more natural fit. In Smith’s two years as a pro, the transition to third base has gone much better offensively than defensively. Club officials downplay his struggles with the glove, partly because his upside with the bat is so vast… He loves the game and works hard to improve his weaknesses. He’s intelligent and has tremendous athleic ability as well as an aptitude for learning… He seems to rise to the occasion offensively and is a very tough out with men on base. Despite his obvious physical gifts, his biggest strength may be his passion. He’s a potential franchise cornerstone once he reaches the big leagues.

This strikes me as a classic “change of scenery” type of trade, along the lines of Ben Howard for Blaine Neal last spring. Give a former hot prospect a shot to start over in a new organization and have a career. With luck, both young men will be able to take advantage of their new situations and make something happen.

The folks over at Tribe Report like the deal from the Indians’ standpoint. Ryan at the Indians Compendium offers his take, which is basically the same as mine. Probably much ado about nothing, but you never know…