Mariners First Base Questions

[The Q]

We posted an article on the Mariners Blog today about Justin Smoak.

A couple ??'s for M's fans.

Why Do the Mariners Still Believe in Justin Smoak?

Doesn't Mike Carp offer some very attractive numbers for 1B?

No holds barred – who would be your choice for the starting first basemen next season? Smoak, Carp, Pujols or Fielder?

Hit us back, we want to hear from you!

[Insider Steve]

It is entirely way to early to be looking at replacing Smoak at 1B. Most get caught up in the mainstream offensive numbers to guage a players development. 2011 was Smoak's first full season at the big league level with out being sent down or called up. obviously to most fans it was a disappointment. My question to everyone is why? It was a way of player development anyway, and he is just as young as Ackley, Seager, and so forth. His numbers of .234/.323/.396/.719, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 24 2B, 100 H, 3 R in 427 AB is right on pace with what a first year starter in that situation would put up. He had zero protection for the first half of the season, and was counted on to provide all of the team's power. Carp on the other hand should be given the full time position. He is the quintessential player without a position. Which is the reason for the DH. .276/.326/.466/.791, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 17 2B, 80 H, 27 R in 290 AB. Notice that those two guys' numbers in the the stat areas are very similar.

It's to early to consider a different option at 1B. If Smoak has another "down" year next season, then we can talk

[Danny]

Steve I agree with your thoughts. Smoak has yet to show his true potential and deserves a chance, the question is how long of a chance should that be?

[brydaddy]

Carp can play full time 3rd base, or any other infeild, or outfeild position for that matter. A huge pick-up for 1st would be Albert Pujols. too bad that would cost way too much money. I think J. Smoak will turn into a solid all around.

[The Q]

Bry welcome to the forums. Not being mean here, but what makes you think Smoak could turn into a solid player. Haven't we seen enough yet?

[Insider Steve]

I actually thought Smoak did show flashes of his true potential. I've always believed if you put too much weight on the shoulders of a kid before he's ready to handle it, he's going to fail 9 times out of 10. We saw that this season. The Mariners asked too much from someone who was entering his first full season. The Mariners need to add one big, huge power hitting bat. Someone who can take on that load. Let Smoak and Carp be secondary power sources. Without the same amount of pressure, those two would rake...

[Danny]

Steve, that sums it up perfectly. There is a lot more pressure on these players than we realize. Smoak would excel if he could bat 5th in the order with a good clean up guy ahead of him. He is a switch hitter with power on both sides which it a great find if he can get comfortable in his role. He crushed a few home runs to the opposite field from his weak side (left). If Cust had been what the team had hoped for the Mariners may have seen a better performance from Smoak.

[brydaddy]

I,m not saying Smoak is a #1 starter but he is a switch hitter and a big target at 1st base. If the M's could pick up a huge bat at
D.H.,,something better than ( CUST the BUST ).. Smoak could move to 5th or 6th in the line-up and get comfortable.

[brydaddy]

If the M's put Carp at 3rd, with dustin achly at 2nd smoak at 1st then your looking at a lot of good speed and great infeild defense.

[Danny]

I think that the mariners are more likely to use the DH position to rest and rotate their starters and bench players than to go for a bat. I mean I pope I'm wrong on that, but it seems the likely strategy.