Seattle Mariners rumors have Justin Smoak unworried about a roster spot in 2013. Maybe he is trying to put up a strong front or maybe his offseason training is about to pay off, but Smoak had some interesting statements to make. According to a report from Sunday (Jan. 20), Smoak stated, "I'm not worried about anything other than just trying to get better every day and do what it takes to win a lot of ballgames."
That's exactly what Mariners fans and the front office want to hear from the first baseman, but the reality is that he has a lot to prove in Spring Training 2013. After posting a batting average of just .217 last season, he will have to out-play a group of veterans that includes Kendrys Morales, Michael Morse, Raul Ibanez, and several others if he wants to secure a spot on the roster for Opening Day.
Die-hard fans of Smoak will point to him struggling through injuries the past two seasons, which could be why he is still getting a shot at playing first base for the Mariners. The other reason is that he looked really good at the tail end of the season, posting a .341 batting average over the final 27 games. If he could put up numbers even close to that he could become the best hitter on the roster.
These Seattle Mariners rumors could quickly shift from giving Justin Smoak an opportunity to shipping him off in a trade before the regular season begins. The team has to make a number of moves before setting the roster, so Smoak is going to have to prove that he is finally ready to take a permanent spot in the Mariners' batting order.
More Seattle Mariners News:
Morales, Ryan Get New Contracts
John Jaso Traded For Michael Morse
Justin Upton Rejects Trade To Seattle
Comments