From Australia to Florida

The Wild Things announced Tuesday that the contract of right-handed pitcher Chris Smith has been purchased by the New York Yankees. He will go to minor league spring training in Florida with the Yankees in March.

Smith had a strong 2012 season with the Wild Things, posting a 9-6 record with a 2.92 ERA. He struck out 116 batters in 129.1 innings. Smith followed that with big season by playing this winter with the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League. He was selected to play in the league's all-star game and had a 2.31 ERA in nine starts.

"Chris was a valuable part of our starting rotation and will be missed, but I wish him all the best in the Yankees' system. He has the skills that it takes to make it to the majors and I look forward to watching him develop," Wild Things assistant GM Steve Zavacky said.