2014 GIBBY Awards Preview

Joe Smith

Sep 23, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Joe Smith (38) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Oakland Athletics 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Smith joined the Angels bullpen as a free agent last winter, and his impact was immediately felt. The submarine right-hander played a big role in the Halos ‘pen as the club’s set-up man. Smith was utilized as the Angels closer for part of the season prior to the team trading for Huston Street. Smith proved to be one of the best free agent signings last offseason, and was an underrated reason the Angels made the postseason in 2014.

Smith is nominated for the Set-Up Man of the Year GIBBY. The man with the most ordinary name in the world was anything but ordinary in 2014, going 7-2 and posting a 1.81 ERA. Smith added 15 saves, and allowed just 1.8 walks per 9 innings. Smith has to be considered the favorite to win this award tomorrow night.