Seattle Mariners news that may please fans is that Justin Smoak has found his swing in Spring Training. Coming into camp knowing that he has to produce this season, Smoak has posted a .500 batting average so far. Through the game on Monday (March 4), Smoak has 18 plate appearances for the Mariners. He is 8-for-16 with two walks and appears to be continuing the hot streak that he finished off the 2012 MLB season with.
Smoak has two doubles, two home runs, five RBIs, and four runs scored during the six games he has played. That has led to an OPS of 1.556 so far, which is exactly what the Mariners could use from their first baseman in 2013. Sure, those numbers are going to come down a bit in the regular season, but these early spring results certainly show that he is deserving of another shot at first base.
During the offseason the Seattle Mariners traded for Kendrys Morales, presumably to either become the designated hitter or take over at first base if Justin Smoak wasn't showing improvement. The good news is that both players are hitting very well in Spring Training, potentially giving manager Eric Wedge even more options when it comes to the batting order this season. Yes, these are numbers from Spring Training, but it could build up Smoak's confidence and finally allow him to fulfill on that potential that made him a first round draft pick.
Smoak will likely be playing first base again on Wednesday (March 6), when the Mariners take on the Milwaukee Brewers.
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