Biographical

Portrait of Justin Smoak

Justin Smoak 1BGiants

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 32)
PA AVG HR R RBI SB DRC+ WARP
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Birth Date12-5-1986
Height6' 4"
Weight220 lbs
Age37 years, 4 months, 19 days
BatsB
ThrowsL
1.02015
-0.32016
3.62017
0.82018
2.02019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

YEAR TEAM AGE G PA H 2B 3B HR BB SO HBP SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ DRAA BRR FRAA BWARP
2010 SEA 23 30 122 27 4 0 5 8 34 0 0 0 .239 .287 .407 90 -1.3 -0.3 -1.8 -0.2
2010 TEX 23 70 275 49 10 0 8 38 57 0 1 0 .209 .316 .353 92 -2.2 0.4 3.0 0.4
2011 SEA 24 123 489 100 24 0 15 55 105 3 0 0 .234 .323 .396 100 0.8 -3.1 -5.1 -0.3
2012 SEA 25 132 535 105 14 0 19 49 111 1 1 0 .217 .290 .364 96 -2.4 -2.5 -10.7 -1.1
2013 SEA 26 131 521 108 19 0 20 64 119 2 0 0 .238 .334 .412 114 9.1 -5.1 -9.1 0.0
2014 SEA 27 80 276 50 13 0 7 24 66 2 0 1 .202 .275 .339 86 -4.1 -0.4 -3.3 -0.6
2015 TOR 28 132 328 67 16 1 18 29 86 2 0 0 .226 .299 .470 112 5.9 -2.4 2.1 1.0
2016 TOR 29 126 341 65 10 0 14 40 112 2 1 0 .217 .314 .391 91 -2.8 -1.3 -2.3 -0.3
2017 TOR 30 158 637 151 29 1 38 73 128 2 0 1 .270 .355 .529 135 29.8 0.6 -0.9 3.6
2018 TOR 31 147 594 122 34 0 25 83 156 3 0 1 .242 .350 .457 117 14.2 -5.1 -7.2 0.8
2019 TOR 32 121 500 86 16 0 22 79 106 6 0 0 .208 .342 .406 111 9.5 -2.0 -5.5 0.7
Career12504618930189219154210802333.231.324.42010856.4-21.2-40.74.2

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G PA oppAVG oppOBP oppSLG BABIP BPF BRAA repLVL POS_ADJ DRC+ DRC+ SD FRAA BRR DRAA BWARP
2008 CLN A MDW 14 62 .260 .333 .382 .326 98 4.4 2.0 -1.3 138 0 1.0 -0.3 2.0 0.3
2009 FRI AA TXS 50 227 .278 .349 .404 .380 112 13.3 6.4 -4.1 167 0 -0.2 -3.4 13.5 1.3
2009 OKL AAA PCL 54 237 .272 .340 .420 .297 86 1.6 6.8 -4.4 100 0 1.0 -1.5 0.8 0.3
2009 RNG Rk AZL 2 7 .206 .277 .264 .667 88 0.3 0.1 -0.1 163 0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.1
2010 SEA MLB AL 30 122 .254 .319 .394 .293 100 -2.8 3.4 -2.2 90 10 -1.8 -0.3 -1.3 -0.2
2010 TEX MLB AL 70 275 .263 .328 .412 .238 112 -7.1 7.6 -4.8 92 10 3.0 0.4 -2.2 0.4
2010 OKL AAA PCL 15 66 .273 .336 .422 .325 97 5.8 2.0 -1.3 150 0 0.0 -0.2 16.9 1.7
2010 TAC AAA PCL 35 159 .270 .344 .429 .309 89 14.3 6.0 -3.8 153 0 -3.0 -1.1 18.1 1.6
2011 SEA MLB AL 123 489 .253 .315 .398 .273 94 6.3 13.2 -8.4 100 7 -5.1 -3.1 0.8 -0.3
2011 TAC AAA PCL 4 15 .280 .364 .415 .000 90 -2.7 0.5 -0.3 61 0 0.4 0.2 -0.7 0.0
2012 SEA MLB AL 132 535 .251 .313 .403 .242 90 -11.2 14.7 -9.4 96 9 -10.7 -2.5 -2.4 -1.1
2012 TAC AAA PCL 20 82 .290 .351 .434 .320 91 0.5 2.4 -1.6 111 0 -1.2 0.4 1.4 0.1
2013 SEA MLB AL 131 521 .252 .319 .394 .278 94 10.5 13.7 -8.7 114 8 -9.1 -5.1 9.1 0.0
2013 TAC AAA PCL 5 22 .271 .340 .422 .313 95 0.1 0.6 -0.4 80 0 -0.2 0.3 -0.7 0.0
2014 SEA MLB AL 80 276 .255 .317 .390 .243 89 -5.7 7.1 -4.5 86 12 -3.3 -0.4 -4.1 -0.6
2014 TAC AAA PCL 56 249 .281 .346 .438 .376 88 26.6 7.3 -4.7 152 0 -1.7 -0.9 13.1 1.3
2015 TOR MLB AL 132 328 .253 .314 .410 .254 108 1 8.9 -5.3 112 13 2.1 -2.4 5.9 1.0
2016 TOR MLB AL 126 341 .261 .320 .431 .295 110 -5.6 9.6 -5.9 91 9 -2.3 -1.3 -2.8 -0.3
2017 TOR MLB AL 158 637 .251 .320 .420 .285 105 20 18.6 -11.8 135 10 -0.9 0.6 29.8 3.6
2018 TOR MLB AL 147 594 .248 .317 .411 .297 106 13.7 16.7 -10.6 117 9 -7.2 -5.1 14.2 0.8
2019 TOR MLB AL 121 500 .248 .317 .424 .223 100 0.5 15.1 -9.6 111 5 -5.5 -2.0 9.5 0.7

Statistics For All Levels

Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
Year Team lvl LG PA AB R H 2B 3B HR TB RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG ISO SF SH
2008 CLN A MDW 62 56 9 17 3 0 3 29 6 5 10 0 0 .304 .361 .518 .214 0 0
2009 FRI AA TXS 227 183 30 60 10 0 6 88 29 39 35 0 0 .328 .453 .481 .153 0 0
2009 RNG Rk AZL 7 6 3 4 0 1 2 12 5 1 1 0 0 .667 .714 2.000 1.333 0 0
2009 OKL AAA PCL 237 197 25 48 11 0 4 71 23 35 45 0 0 .244 .366 .360 .117 0 0
2010 OKL AAA PCL 66 50 10 15 6 0 2 27 5 16 8 0 0 .300 .470 .540 .240 0 0
2010 TAC AAA PCL 159 133 23 36 7 0 7 64 25 23 32 0 0 .271 .382 .481 .211 0 0
2010 TEX MLB AL 275 235 29 49 10 0 8 83 34 38 57 1 0 .209 .316 .353 .145 2 0
2010 SEA MLB AL 122 113 11 27 4 0 5 46 14 8 34 0 0 .239 .287 .407 .168 1 0
2011 SEA MLB AL 489 427 38 100 24 0 15 169 55 55 105 0 0 .234 .323 .396 .162 4 0
2011 TAC AAA PCL 15 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 .000 .267 .000 .000 0 0
2012 TAC AAA PCL 82 66 10 16 6 1 0 24 4 16 16 1 0 .242 .390 .364 .121 0 0
2012 SEA MLB AL 535 483 49 105 14 0 19 176 51 49 111 1 0 .217 .290 .364 .147 2 0
2013 SEA MLB AL 521 454 53 108 19 0 20 187 50 64 119 0 0 .238 .334 .412 .174 1 0
2013 TAC AAA PCL 22 21 2 5 2 0 0 7 1 0 5 0 0 .238 .273 .333 .095 0 0
2014 SEA MLB AL 276 248 28 50 13 0 7 84 30 24 66 0 1 .202 .275 .339 .137 2
2014 TAC AAA PCL 249 205 29 69 13 0 7 103 40 33 41 0 2 .337 .422 .502 .166 8
2015 TOR MLB AL 328 296 44 67 16 1 18 139 59 29 86 0 0 .226 .299 .470 .243 1 0
2016 TOR MLB AL 341 299 33 65 10 0 14 117 34 40 112 1 0 .217 .314 .391 .174 0 0
2017 TOR MLB AL 637 560 85 151 29 1 38 296 90 73 128 0 1 .270 .355 .529 .259 2 0
2018 TOR MLB AL 594 505 67 122 34 0 25 231 77 83 156 0 1 .242 .350 .457 .216 3 0
2019 TOR MLB AL 500 414 54 86 16 0 22 168 61 79 106 0 0 .208 .342 .406 .198 1 0

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr% CSAA
2010 1521 0.4990 0.4221 0.7601 0.5968 0.2480 0.8653 0.5079 0.2399 0.0018
2011 1902 0.4874 0.4464 0.7373 0.6386 0.2636 0.8176 0.5525 0.2627 -0.0016
2012 1970 0.4812 0.4279 0.7758 0.6034 0.2652 0.8741 0.5683 0.2242 0.0115
2013 2076 0.4725 0.4451 0.7695 0.6381 0.2721 0.8450 0.6107 0.2305 -0.0053
2014 1103 0.4714 0.4334 0.7385 0.6231 0.2642 0.8611 0.4805 0.2615 0.0084
2015 1265 0.4530 0.4245 0.7020 0.6126 0.2688 0.8291 0.4624 0.2980 0.0004
2016 1370 0.4759 0.4533 0.7037 0.6212 0.3008 0.8148 0.4954 0.2963 0.0000
2017 2573 0.4516 0.4287 0.7652 0.6299 0.2629 0.8497 0.5984 0.2348 0.0000
2018 2439 0.4695 0.4022 0.7452 0.5825 0.2427 0.8396 0.5446 0.2548 0.0000
2019 2023 0.4785 0.3959 0.7603 0.6095 0.2000 0.8593 0.4834 0.2397 0.0000
Career182420.47340.42640.74970.61530.25670.84610.54000.25030.0012

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2014-06-10 2014-07-04 15-DL 24 22 Left Thigh Strain Quadriceps -
2014-06-08 2014-06-09 DTD 1 1 Left Thigh Tightness Quadriceps -
2014-06-03 2014-06-03 DTD 0 0 Left Thigh Tightness Quadriceps -
2013-09-15 2013-09-16 DTD 1 1 Left Thigh Tightness Quadriceps - -
2013-05-30 2013-06-18 15-DL 19 18 Right Abdomen Strain Oblique -
2013-05-26 2013-05-29 DTD 3 3 - Abdomen Strain Oblique - -
2012-06-20 2012-06-22 DTD 2 1 Right Knee Contusion Foul Ball - -
2012-04-22 2012-04-25 DTD 3 2 Right Thigh Strain Hamstring - -
2012-04-18 2012-04-19 DTD 1 1 Right Thigh Tightness Hamstring - -
2011-09-15 2011-09-20 DTD 5 4 Right Groin Strain - -
2011-08-13 2011-09-02 15-DL 20 19 - Face Fracture Nose and Maxilla From Ground Ball - -
2011-08-03 2011-08-12 DTD 9 7 Left Thumb Sprain - -
2011-07-25 2011-07-25 DTD 0 0 Right Thumb Soreness About One Month Ago - -
2011-06-25 2011-06-25 DTD 0 0 General Medical Illness -
2011-05-16 2011-05-16 DTD 0 0 Ankle Sprain -
2010-03-07 2010-03-10 Camp 3 0 Left Hip Strain Hip Flexor -
2009-05-29 2009-06-23 Minors 25 0 Left Abdomen Strain Oblique -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2020 MIL $4,000,000
2019 TOR $8,000,000
2018 TOR $4,125,000
2017 TOR $4,125,000
2016 TOR $3,900,000
2015 TOR $1,000,000
2014 SEA $2,637,500
2013 SEA $514,000
2012 SEA $495,100
2011 SEA $419,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
10 yrPrevious$29,215,600
10 yrTotal$29,215,600

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
10 y 69 dBledsoe Agency2021

Details
  • 1 year/$6M (2021). Signed by Yomiuri Giants of Japan 1/6/21.
  • 1 year/$5M (2020), plus 2021 club option. Signed by Milwaukee as a free agent 12/20/19 (minor-league contract). 20:$4M, 21:$5.5M club option ($1M buyout). Released by Milwaukee 9/6/20. Signed by San Francisco as a free agent 9/9/20 (minor-league contract). Contract selected by San Francisco 9/10/20. DFA by San Francisco 9/21/20.
  • 2 years/$8.5M (2017-18), plus 2019 club option. Signed extension with Toronto 7/16/16. 17:$4.125M, 18:$4.125M, 19:$6M club option ($250,000 buyout). 2019 option may increase to $7M with 950 PAs in 2017-18 combined or to $8M with 1,100 PAs in 2017-18 combined (met). Toronto exercised 2019 option at $8M 10/31/18.
  • 1 year/$3.9M (2016). Re-signed by Toronto 12/2/15 (avoided arbitration).
  • 1 year/$1M (2015). Re-signed by Toronto as a free agent 12/3/14.
  • 1 year/$2.7875M (2014), plus 2015 club option. Re-signed by Seattle 2/15/14 (avoided arbitration, $3.25M-$2.025M). 14:$2.6375M, 15:$3.65M club option, $0.15M buyout. 2015 option guaranteed with 525 plate appearances in 2014. Claimed by Toronto off waivers from Seattle 10/28/14. Toronto declined 2015 option 11/1/14. Non-tendered by Toronto 12/2/14.
  • 1 year/$514,000 (2013). Re-signed by Seattle 3/13.
  • 1 year/$495,100 (2012). Re-signed by Seattle 2/27/12.
  • 1 year/$419,000 (2011). Re-signed by Seattle 2/27/11.
  • 1 year (2010). Contract purchased by Texas 4/22/10. Acquired by Seattle in trade from Texas 7/9/10 (Cliff Lee deal).
  • Drafted by Texas 2008 (1-11) (South Carolina). Signed 8/15/08, $3.5M signing bonus.

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ VORP FRAA WARP
90o 54 13 3 0 2 7 12 0 0 .277 .370 .468 136 0.0 1B -1 0.0
80o 36 9 2 0 2 5 8 0 0 .290 .389 .548 129 0.0 1B 0 0.0
70o 23 5 1 0 1 3 5 0 0 .250 .348 .450 124 0.0 1B 0 0.0
60o 12 3 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 .300 .364 .400 119 0.0 1B 0 0.0
50o 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 115 0.0 1B 0 0.0
Weighted Mean410000100.333.333.3331160.01B 00.0

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

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BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2019-11-07 14:00:00 (link to chat)What do you make of Milwaukee declining the contract for Thames without having an established 1B on the roster. Think they try to bring him back at a reduced cost?
(sportsguy21792 from Madison)
There are quite a few 1Bs available this offseason and none who are expected to cost all that much. They could and probably will bring back Eric Thames, but could also go after Mitch Moreland, Jose Abreu, Justin Smoak, Howie Kendrick, Yoshitomo Tsutsugo. Thames is cool, but if I were a Brewers fan I'd rather they get someone capable of playing every day. Thames is a platoon bat. (Free Agent Chat w/Collin Whitchurch)
2019-07-09 12:00:00 (link to chat)Is Justin Smoak capable of playing 1B full time for an NL team? What teams do you expect to pursue him?
(Craig from Chicago)
Let's assume he is, I still don't know that any buyer at the deadline would see him as enough of a first base upgrade to give up much. I think it's more likely he's a Justin Bour type bench bat for a contender (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2019-04-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)What would Toronto want from Milwaukee for Justin Smoak? Asking for a friend.
(Phil from Toronto)
I don't know exactly what they'd want, but I can't see Milwaukee being desperate for Smoak. Aguilar has been brutal but Thames has been fine and they have enough depth that they can either shift Moustakas or Shaw to first and call up Hiura if they need. So maybe Toronto seeks a Marcos Diplan or Trey Supak but it's hard for me to see Milwaukee biting on that given their options. (Craig Goldstein)
2019-04-10 21:00:00 (link to chat)Is Nate Lowe more like CJ Cron or the next Goldy?
(wrburgess from KC)
Hah, if you're going to force me to pick one of those options ... Rays fans will not like the answer. BUT: I think his power and plate discipline numbers in the minors are extremely impressive and point toward success. Goldy is such a lofty name because of his all-around game. I'm not a scout, don't know Lowe well enough to tell you a whole lot about his defense or baserunning, but I still feel FAIRLY confident saying they won't be Goldy level. I do think he'll hit better and more consistently than Cron. How about recent vintage Justin Smoak? That seems like a realistic, but very positive outcome. (Zach Crizer)
2018-02-06 15:00:00 (link to chat)Which Justin are you more bullish on for this season - Justin Smoak or Justin Bour?
(Charlie from Sacramento)
Smoak for me. I believe in the changes he made and as long as he's not getting destroyed by breaking balls, I think he's going to keep hitting for plenty of power and a decent average. Bour has monstrous power but I'm not convinced that the platoon issues are gone and that could severely limit his upside. (Darius Austin)
2018-01-31 14:00:00 (link to chat)$280 cap 12 team keeper league - Please rank the following 4 potential keepers in terms of 2018 value: Eric Hosmer $26, Jake Lamb $11, Chris Taylor $7, Justin Smoak $6 Locked in Keepers are Willson Contreras, Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, Tim Anderson and Hunter Renfroe Thanks!
(Corey from Hoboken, NJ)
Taylor, Smoak, Lamb, Hosmer. Hosmer is good, despite a sabr reputation to the contrary, but he's not $20 better than Smoak. (Mark Barry)
2016-05-18 19:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks George. Do you think Justin Smoak has taken a step forward this year, or is his OBP just due to small sample size?
(Keith from Farmington, CT)
I do. Here's whats crazy, Smoak has already walked 17 times in 100 PA. Last year, he walked just 29 times in 328 PA. I think the approach has improved, he's guaranteed at-bats with Colabello gone. I've always liked Smoak and it's a shame he got traded to Seattle all those years ago. Another hitting prospect the Mariners just failed miserably to develop. (George Bissell)
2015-04-16 17:00:00 (link to chat)Bench players with a chance to perform at high level if given a chance....? (Deep leagues)
(Darnell Coles from Jose Batista before he was good)
Justin Smoak. Peter Bourjos if only for the steals. (I still believe in him, and now he had the hip surgery). Aaron Hill (he'll get traded, and the guy can hit when healthy). (Mike Gianella)
2014-05-15 20:00:00 (link to chat)Dynasty league you like CJ Cron, Justin Smoak or Junior Lake more? And what about just this season?
(Rick from Hoffa)
Ugh, if I have to pick one it's probably Cron, but I"m not happy about it. (Bret Sayre)
2014-04-09 19:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts about Justin Smoak? It's a small sample this season, not he has looked good; always a patient hitter but now actually doing some of the hitting. With Cano in front of him, there will be opportunities. Thanks. Keep up the good work on TINO.
(Billy from Chicago)
Thanks Billy. I need to see more from Smoak but I'm encouraged by his very early season success. I'm kinda buying it. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-04-03 19:30:00 (link to chat)Do you believe in Justin Smoak? Has he finally figured it out and worthy of picking up in Head-to-Head dynasty?
(Guest from ures)
Depends on league depth. Probably worth an add on the offchance that he has figured it out but the Angels bullpen is a tirefire, so we shouldn't assume anything just yet (Craig Goldstein)
2013-05-28 13:00:00 (link to chat)Seems like the M's are finally holding their struggling super prospects accountable. Do you think Justin Smoak is sweating a little bit right now?
(James from Morgantown)
Yep, the Mariners have an entire roster of 1B/DHs especially after converting Jesus Montero to yet another one.

He's very frustrating because just when he seems to have figured out how to get on base, the power hasn't been there. (Zachary Levine)
2013-05-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is Justin Smoak worth keeping around in 16 team dynasty league, or is he just taking up a spot?
(Mat from Toronto)
Oof, probably just taking a spot. I've about lost all hope. (Paul Sporer)
2013-04-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is Justin Smoak ever going to hit enough to be an average first baseman? Is Montero ever going to hit enough to warrant placement as a DH some day?
(Mike from Seattle)
Hey Mike, good questions. Smoak had a great spring, but once the bell rang he went back to doing what he always seems to do. I'm not ready to give up on him yet, but it's getting close. As for Montero, he is younger and a better hitter. I wrote about him last October and discovered something interesting: He had an 839 OPS as a catcher in 2012 vs a 571 OPS as a DH. So he'll need to fix that first if that's the route the M's want to go with him. (Geoff Young)
2013-02-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)With the Mariners trading Mike Carp, what are your thoughts on Justin Smoak? Any indication from what you're seeing/reading that he could break out any time soon?
(johnpatrickbail from Washington, DC)
Smoak seems like a guy who really knows *how* to play baseball well but can't actually do it. If that makes sense. I just don't think he is capable of hitting the ball hard regularly, and this'll be the last ST we'll pay attention to him. (Sam Miller)
2013-02-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Smoak face-planted. Still hope for him?
(Nate from Fort Worth)
Good call. I'm not sure. I thought he would be a first-division player. Not sure he carves out a career as a regular. (Jason Parks)
2013-02-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)For the next five years, you have the option of Mitch Moreland or Justin Smoak at first base. Probably not ideal either way, but go with me here. Which do you take? Do you believe in Smoak at all at this point?
(Steve from Yellowstone)
Moreland. He can actually make contact. (Jason Parks)
2012-12-20 14:00:00 (link to chat)Does the Morales trade make you think the M's want to have Montero catch every day?
(Steve from New York, NY)
Thanks for stopping by, Steve. I think that was the Mariners' intention when they acquired Montero last offseason, and while he was definitely rough around the edges in 2011, that's one possible inference from this trade. That said, they have an underrated catcher in John Jaso, who has done more than enough against RHP in his brief career to warrant a look, and they might try to trade Justin Smoak to open up first base for Morales. This is a situation to monitor in the coming weeks. (Daniel Rathman)
2012-12-28 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Geoff, What do you think the Mariners' infield looks like for most of the season?
(captnamerca from Dunedin)
Howdy Captain. I'm assuming it'll be similar to last year's, with Kendrys Morales displacing Justin Smoak at first base. Nick Franklin could make things interesting at second if Dustin Ackley doesn't get his act together. (Geoff Young)
2012-10-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Mariners fire another hitting coach, does this acutally do anything or is it just a way of scapegoating another crappy season?
(Ed W from Washington State)
It's scapegoating, mostly, but I think in this case the Mariners are also looking for a bit of a fresh start. As was reported several days ago, they are moving in the outfield walls at Safeco, which should both help the hitters already on their roster and perhaps attract more free agents to Seattle. But one thing getting a new hitting coach now does, is when hitters like Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager begin to post better overall numbers, the organization will be able to spin it as the new hitting coach making a difference. (Daniel Rathman)
2012-08-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)If you don't mind a fantasy question, who would be your final keeper among Chris Carter, Travis Snider and Justin Smoak? It's a dynasty league, no contracts or time limits.
(Rob from Alaska)
Carter would be my guy. Snider has looked good in Pittsburgh, but I'm more confident in Carter's improvement than Snider's. Smoak... I'm bearish. He's the clear third guy for me. (Bradley Ankrom)
2011-12-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Ultimately, who do you think will have the better MLB career, Freddie Freeman or Justin Smoak?
(Anello from Chicago)
Smoak (Jason Parks)
2011-12-02 14:00:00 (link to chat)What does Justin Smoak project to be at this point?
(Bret from Phoenix)
I'm still optimistic in him turning into a solid to slightly more first baseman, but hard to see star anymore. (Kevin Goldstein)
2011-11-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)How do you value Josh Johnson for 2012? I could potentially get him in a lifetime keeper league for something like Logan Morrison or Justin Smoak. I generally prefer hitters to pitchers, and Josh Johnson is a pretty good example of why. Is this a risk I should consider? My team is a contender and I need to add pitching (that will be the focus of my draft) as I tend to keep many more hitters than pitchers.
(Jake from Kalamazoo)
He's elite when healthy, but the shoulder injury is obviously worrisome. Still, for the price of Justin Smoak, I think my trigger finger gets too itchy and I make the deal. (Derek Carty)
2011-04-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Christian Friedrich or Justin Smoak?
(Adam J. Morris from H-Town)
Smoak. (Jason Parks)
2011-02-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who has the better year/career? Freddie Freeman, Brandon Belt, or Justin Smoak?
(Sean from DC)
Year 2011: Smoak, Freeman, Belt Career: Smoak/Freeman/Belt (but its close). (Jason Parks)
2010-07-29 16:30:00 (link to chat)Matt, use the Swartz... How toxic is the situation in Seattle given the Figgins brawl and how does something like that effect young players like Justin Smoak in there development and adjustment to the bigs?
(Jquinton82 from NY)
I'm sure that Justin Smoak is a human being, and he probably doesn't feel all that comfortable with the tumult going on there, but at the same time, he's an adult and he's got a lot of incentive to do his best and make a good career for himself. I doubt it has long-term effects, but it's not like I know him personally. (Matt Swartz)
2010-07-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Peart kicks ass, no doubt. Too bad I write so few good tunes for him to play on.
(Geddy Lee from Canada)
Ouch. Let's not make fun of Rush, I'll have to tell Jonah Keri so the two of us can gang up on you.

Current indications are the Rangers are the team gunning for Cliff Lee now--I hope they don't do something silly, like trade Justin Smoak within their division. (Marc Normandin)
2010-06-18 14:00:00 (link to chat)Thank you for answering my earlier question. Who do you like better long-term as a hitter: Justin Smoak or Jesus Montero? Do you think Montero will stay in the Yankees organization or eventually become trade bait?
(Dennis from LA)
No problem! I like what I've seen with Smoak even though the numbers aren't much right now, but I haven't seen Montero really. Where is Montero going to play, though? The only opening is catcher, and they seem to think he can't play there. Tex is signed for another 113 seasons so he isn't going to play there. I guess they could call him up and use him as a DH, but I'd like to have that question answered first, and to see Montero in the bigs before being confident in the answer. (Eric Seidman)
2010-06-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)The reputation that permitted him to steal the 2006 MVP from the clearly correct choice, Joe Mauer?
(Minneapolitan from Nashville)
That's the one! I think he got tired of people saying Justin Smoak was the switch-hitting Justin Morneau, or that Joey Votto was the hitter people thought Justin Morneau was. He's taken it up a notch or six. (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-03 14:00:00 (link to chat)So you are down on Alonso for not showing power (despite slugging nearly .500 in the FSL) but love Justin Smoak for slugging .440 in the PCL and Texas League combined, while hitting lefties just as bad as Alonso did in 2009? Care to go into that one?
(Doug from Cincinnati)
Sure. Smoak is a much, much better pure HITTER than Alonso, and more scouts believe in Smoak's power blossoming than those that believe in Alonso's. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-12-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think of the Josh Johnson for Justin Smoak and Neftali rumor? even if it was just a rumor
(jarjets89 from NJ)
I think the Rangers would be silly silly silly to do that. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-10-13 14:00:00 (link to chat)I was a huge supporter of Chris Davis coming into the year, but even though he still struck out a ton last season, he looked utterly helpless at the plate this year. Do you see any hope for a turn around?
(ramjam36 from Fort Worth, TX)
I'd rather not give up on Davis just yet. It isn't like we're talking Hank Blalock here--Davis has value on defense, still has tremendous power, and may have had the lessons stick from his in-season demotion. It doesn't cost anything to invest the time to wait and see, up until the point that Justin Smoak arrives and makes Davis a bit of a distressed property on the roster. That's going to be sooner rather than later, of course, but selling Davis now means selling low, and he's better and more valuable than that. (Christina Kahrl)
2009-06-25 13:00:00 (link to chat)How long can Texas live with Chris Davis?!!!! It's now reaching the embarrassment stage.
(Thomas from NYC)
Max Ramirez tanked and Justin Smoak got hurt. It seems like it has to end soon, but you do need to play someone. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-06-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Smoak is on the DL in the minors, but could the Rangers consider bringing him up if Davis continues to struggle over the next couple of weeks?
(KO from Pittsfield, MA)
I'm sure they've already considered it, but I don't expect them to do it. This franchise didn't get better by panicking. The fact that they have options and the problem of "too much talent" tells you how far they've come. (Will Carroll)
2009-05-21 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is Stephen Strasburg the #1 prospect for 2010?
(Jim from D.C.)
Yes. I'm not Kevin, but I figure Jason Heyward, Neftali Feliz, Buster Posey and Justin Smoak are all in the mix. I'm almost certainly forgetting someone. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-07 14:00:00 (link to chat)What current major league player most reminds you of Justin Smoak? What kind of numbers do you expect he will put up early on at the ML level and how about during his prime?
(Matt from Palatine, IL)
I'm not a big fan of comps unless they're really obvious. The best one I heard on Smoak is a switch-hitting Morneau with better defensive chops. That one made a lot of sense to me. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-05-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is Chris Davis' 50% contact rate an anomaly or a representation of his skill set? Do you send him back down or let him work through it?
(Mike from Arlington)
I never thought he would make contact enough to hit .270. His current performance isn't really representative, though. The problem is that the Rangers have a chance to win and there's a real possibility that Justin Smoak is already the better player, and if he's not, maybe Max Ramirez is. I don't know that you can go into June with him unless there's improvement (noting that "improvement" may not necessarily immediately translate into results). (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Looking ahead to 2010, who are the prospects to watch? (assume strasberg is coming up this year)
(joyrider2001 from NYC)
Justin Smoak, Desmond Jennings, Adrian Cardenas, Brian Matusz, Buster Posey. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-04-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)If Chris Davis continues his struggles will it become time for a Smoak break?
(Gavin from County Ct.)
I've been bearish on Davis all year. His strikeout rate won't allow him to hit enough. Justin Smoak, as crazy as it sounds, may be a better player already. He certainly will be by next April. In between...I think if they were to bail on Davis, Max Ramirez would get the ABs. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-03-19 15:00:00 (link to chat)What can you tell me about Justin Smoak that isn't been widely talked about? You hear about his bat and his ability to field, his power and patience at the plate. Tell me something new, if you please, that the everyday fan might no know.
(Ben from Dallas)
His favorite food is steak and he has an older brother named David. Thanks old South Carolina media guide! (Kevin Goldstein)


BP Roundtables

DateRoundtable NameComment
2009-06-10 08:45:002009 Draft Coverage, Day TwoKG, this reminds me of the year the Athletics drafted and fell in love with Justin Smoak. Something tells me that, this time around, they get the deal done. (Bryan Smith)
 

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