"Giving Up on Justin Smoak" - USSM

[TellItToTheDA]

http://www.ussmariner.com/2012/06/26/giving-up-on-justin-smoak/


There is talent there, and it’s tempting to just keep rolling him out there hoping that it starts to turn into production. But, at this point, history suggests that those hopes are probably not well founded.

In the last 30 years, there have been 55 first baseman (including Smoak) who have been given 1,000+ plate appearances through their age 25 season. Every single one of them hit better than Smoak has, and we’re not just talking raw numbers that can be explained away by Safeco Field or the change in run environments. By wRC+, which accounts for both a player’s home park and the average performance of the league at the time, Smoak’s 87 is the worst of the 55 players on the list.

Travis Lee was better. Greg Colbrunn was better. Casey Kotchman was better. John Mabry was better. Conor Jackson was better. Brad Fullmer was better.

[Nateyb24]

Yea i don't agree with Dave here i am on the Churchill side of it Smoak has the most potential right now and he is not blocking anybody i like what they are doing just giving up on guys is what has gotten us into trouble.

[daddyferrari]

I'm on the fence here. I truly believe he has the talent and root for him everyday to break out, but it just doesnt seem to happen... over and over again. I agree with you Natey on holding on to these guys and making them gel, together, as a team, for a few seasons, however Smoak has been here a few seasons already... it's a tough call.

I dont keep up much with the minors, but do we have any prospects at 1B in Tacoma?

[clarknova]

I, like daddyferrari was on the fence up until the last couple weeks. It's getting past the point of reasonable expectation here, for me. He could surprise everyone, but I just feel like we're getting to the point where it would be a total shock if he becomes an above average major league 1st baseman.

[Nateyb24]

Yea i have changed my mind as well it's to the point where we are watching a pitcher at the plate and just flailing at pitches .198 BA and having a .265 OBP and still playing everyday is a joke there has to be somebody we can play at 1st base instead of Smoak.