I didn’t need to wait until Felix made his major league debut to fall in love. Just the idea of Felix made me feel that way. The same can be said of Smoak.
By the way, who else is paranoid about the outcomes of Montero/Smoak?
After what happened, they’re probably going to always be compared to each other (think Morrow and Lincecum?) I would have been elated with either, but the fact that we pulled some shenanigans and went out of our way for Smoak just makes me think Montero is going to blow up.
I’m not going to burn Safeco down if Smoak turns into Lyle Overbay and Montero turns into Frank Thomas. If they both develop into star hitters, I’d be afraid Montero would be worth about a win per season less than Smoak defensively, and I’m not certain Montero would become more than a win per season better than Smoak with the bat.
However, the age difference certainly tips the scales toward Montero in my eyes. I’m happy to trust Z and Co.’s talent evaluation in this case.
Heard some great things about Justin Smoak, but haven’t paid any attention to him until now. For me and probably most fans, tonight’s game is a ‘must see.’ Hope he has a solid start with us. He’s probably feeling a little bit of pressure.
Actually, all along I wanted to keep Lee if possible, but this is an awful close second. Stay tuned I guess. Prospects are prospects, but if we’ve discovered our 1B of the future, one corner of the infield is solidified. Big plus if it happens. Sounds like there’s plenty of hope for all 4 of the players we got. Time will tell.
and if Dustin Ackley comes through we have 2B, maybe Nick Franklin at SS, Adam Moore at C.
3B and some relief pitchers, another starter (though Pineda for one is not too far away) or two — and maybe we’ll have a serious young team. Pieces are falling into place.
Crazy that Lee’s first non Mariners start is vs. Chris Tillman.
Also crazy that Tillman is no-hitting the Rangers thru 5 innings.
Further crazy that Corey Patterson who has walked less than 200 times in a 10 year career just had an 11 pitch AB vs Lee.
BTW – This is my first post here. Love the site.
As to my handle – I grew up in Calgary AB, former home of the Cannons. Danny Tartabull showed up in Calgary with a Corvette with personalized plates that said ICANHIT. So, I’m copping that.
If there ever was a "sell high!" player Seattle has pulled the trigger on,
it’s Cliff Lee 2010. I don’t advocate rejoicing in a player’s difficulties or failures, since the players are essentially just pieces of a machine. I DO however advocate rivalry between teams, and when Baltimore pulls a Bedar’ on us I think it’s fair for them to wave it in our faces a bit.
All of that said, Cliff Lee is going to make the Rangers awfully tough in a short series. In that regard, I’m happy we aren’t headed to the playoffs this year.
People have given Ruben Amaro a lot of grief over getting less from Seattle than Seattle got from Texas,
but while Lee was riding high from his World Series performance, he was riding higher with Seattle from his World Series performance AND one of the greatest two months of pitching you’ll ever see. The new reputation may very well outweigh the perceived value of having him for a whole season over half a season.
Amaro could have gotten more, probably, but I think it’s not as straight forward as people are making it.
Ackley and Smoak will actually reform the entire offense, even if they don't hit their upside projections.
They are both patient hitters who at a very young age have very impressive eye ratios. We haven’t had guys like that since Edgar or Olerud.
They both also happen to be picture-perfect fits to the park. Finally, the team is going to have the opportunity to field an offense that is built for the park, and we can stop asking for the LCF fence to be brought in.
The Ackley-Smoak combo on the right side of the infield and the patience they bring to the lineup gets me a lot more excited than the Smoak trade alone.
I’ve loved him since draft day 2008, when I got pissed about how fortunate the Rangers were to have him fall in their lap and my jealousy ran wild. Why can’t we have one of those guys who make the prospect experts say, “This kid is going to hit. Period. It’s just a matter of when.” Our hitting prospects have been so high-risk lately. Smoak may not turn into a perennial All-Star, but he feels like a sure thing to be a productive and valuable major leaguer in the coming years. And that is neat.
I like him, hope to love him soon.
JonBBT - July 10, 2010
Yeah I think its all about hope
I’ve probably got about 75% of my hope for the future in Smoak.
Edgar for Pres - July 10, 2010
I feel the same way about Ackley.
This was just a big prospect shift that netted us Smoak and 3 months of amazement.
the other side - July 10, 2010
Watching some of his home runs...
The guy has some monster power. I think I’m going to love him.
Fuckmikereilly - July 10, 2010
Holy crap yeah.
Of the 8 homers this year, 7 were upper deck shots.
Jon S. - July 13, 2010
Love him
Probably because he basically embodies my optimism for this team in the future which may or may not be reasonable
jruss22 - July 10, 2010
He wears his hat brim to flat for my taste
Robert - July 10, 2010
Could just be a new hat
Poochie - July 10, 2010 via mobile
Cautious optimism
= Don’t have a strong opinion
chrees - July 10, 2010
My thoughts exactly.
wyte_lightning - July 10, 2010
I love the idea of Justin Smoak.
I didn’t need to wait until Felix made his major league debut to fall in love. Just the idea of Felix made me feel that way. The same can be said of Smoak.
Now go hit some dingers!
Wilder. - July 10, 2010
I love Justin Smoak, however I have unreasonably high expectations for him.
SgtSasquatch - July 10, 2010
By the way, who else is paranoid about the outcomes of Montero/Smoak?
After what happened, they’re probably going to always be compared to each other (think Morrow and Lincecum?) I would have been elated with either, but the fact that we pulled some shenanigans and went out of our way for Smoak just makes me think Montero is going to blow up.
SgtSasquatch - July 10, 2010
Don't forget Ramos.
JonBBT - July 10, 2010
At this point they sound about equal to me.
I’m not going to burn Safeco down if Smoak turns into Lyle Overbay and Montero turns into Frank Thomas. If they both develop into star hitters, I’d be afraid Montero would be worth about a win per season less than Smoak defensively, and I’m not certain Montero would become more than a win per season better than Smoak with the bat.
However, the age difference certainly tips the scales toward Montero in my eyes. I’m happy to trust Z and Co.’s talent evaluation in this case.
Double06 - July 10, 2010
I'm really hopeful,
though watching him this year has underwhelmed me. I know he’s young, was rushed, etc… but I’m going to be realy sad if he ends up being a dud.
doublemazaa - July 10, 2010
Watch these
Righty power
Lefty Power
Fuckmikereilly - July 10, 2010
Holy shit.
the other side - July 10, 2010
I think you mean Holy Smoaks.
Someone flag me immediately.
JY - July 10, 2010
Extra points because I really really hate Jerry Blevins.
JonBBT - July 10, 2010
I know, eat a fucking sandwich, dickwad.
Mariner John - July 10, 2010
Have to love that swing.
Zach Sanders - July 10, 2010
I like the Texas announcer as soon as Smoak swung.
“It’s 3-1, Texas.” Camera hadn’t even switched to follow the ball yet.
The Typical Idiot Fan - July 11, 2010
I'm anxious to see what all the talks about
Heard some great things about Justin Smoak, but haven’t paid any attention to him until now. For me and probably most fans, tonight’s game is a ‘must see.’ Hope he has a solid start with us. He’s probably feeling a little bit of pressure.
Actually, all along I wanted to keep Lee if possible, but this is an awful close second. Stay tuned I guess. Prospects are prospects, but if we’ve discovered our 1B of the future, one corner of the infield is solidified. Big plus if it happens. Sounds like there’s plenty of hope for all 4 of the players we got. Time will tell.
SW WA Coug - July 10, 2010
.
○ Thinks Justin Smoak should be called Chip or Skip
msb - July 10, 2010
Actually, looking at him some more, I think I may go with Wally.
msb - July 10, 2010
I expect Smoak will underwhelm people who undervalue walks.
He will make me happy if he develops as I think he will.
We still have so many holes to fill on this team though it makes me sad.
Sec 108 - July 10, 2010
But they will be fine with his 35 HR age 35 season, even if 100 BB doesn't impress them.
My expectations are firmly connected with reality.
Did you know that Blake Beaven is going to start throwing 94-96 next spring, and that his change up is going to become a genuine outpitch?
philosofool - July 11, 2010
That should have said "age 25" not thirty-five
philosofool - July 11, 2010
At first I didn't have a strong opinion of him,
but when he’s not in a Rangers uni he just looks way less Redneck-ish. And he can hit, not to mention he’s young and cheap (for now). So I like him.
mkries - July 10, 2010
Looks a bit too Chris Sheltony for my tastes
JLC - July 10, 2010
Prettier.
But, then, most things are.
msb - July 10, 2010
I'm just hoping he can atleast develop a league average chin.
SgtSasquatch - July 10, 2010
Also
The Travis Wood v. Halladay duel is epic for those who have MLB Network
JLC - July 10, 2010
(Wood has a perfect game going and still no score)
JLC - July 10, 2010
Perfecto is over :(
JLC - July 10, 2010
I always confuse Travis Wood with Travis Chick.
Coach Owens - July 10, 2010
I don't have high expectations for him this year since he's been pushed through the minors so fast
But the next 5 (6?) years will hopefully be a joy to watch our star blossom.
wyte_lightning - July 10, 2010
I liked him
until I saw the picture above. Now for some reason I love him. Maybe it’s just the M’s cap?
Mothy - July 10, 2010
Let's see. The OF may be OK for a little while,
and if Dustin Ackley comes through we have 2B, maybe Nick Franklin at SS, Adam Moore at C.
3B and some relief pitchers, another starter (though Pineda for one is not too far away) or two — and maybe we’ll have a serious young team. Pieces are falling into place.
ignacio - July 10, 2010
Oh god, it can't be unseen guys.
Maybe I’m looking too hard for a comparison.
SgtSasquatch - July 10, 2010
LOL Smoaks ahoy.
JY - July 10, 2010
Lee vs. Tillman
Crazy that Lee’s first non Mariners start is vs. Chris Tillman.
Also crazy that Tillman is no-hitting the Rangers thru 5 innings.
Further crazy that Corey Patterson who has walked less than 200 times in a 10 year career just had an 11 pitch AB vs Lee.
BTW – This is my first post here. Love the site.
As to my handle – I grew up in Calgary AB, former home of the Cannons. Danny Tartabull showed up in Calgary with a Corvette with personalized plates that said ICANHIT. So, I’m copping that.
ICANHIT - July 10, 2010
Lee's getting knocked around a wee bit (3 HR's)
Last time he let up more than 3 runes: May 21.
SgtSasquatch - July 10, 2010
This makes me surprisingly happy.
JonBBT - July 10, 2010
If there ever was a "sell high!" player Seattle has pulled the trigger on,
it’s Cliff Lee 2010. I don’t advocate rejoicing in a player’s difficulties or failures, since the players are essentially just pieces of a machine. I DO however advocate rivalry between teams, and when Baltimore pulls a Bedar’ on us I think it’s fair for them to wave it in our faces a bit.
All of that said, Cliff Lee is going to make the Rangers awfully tough in a short series. In that regard, I’m happy we aren’t headed to the playoffs this year.
misterjonez - July 10, 2010
People have given Ruben Amaro a lot of grief over getting less from Seattle than Seattle got from Texas,
but while Lee was riding high from his World Series performance, he was riding higher with Seattle from his World Series performance AND one of the greatest two months of pitching you’ll ever see. The new reputation may very well outweigh the perceived value of having him for a whole season over half a season.
Amaro could have gotten more, probably, but I think it’s not as straight forward as people are making it.
Now back on topic! Smoak!
JonBBT - July 10, 2010
Also for trading Cliff Lee and retaining Joe Blanton
Matthew - July 10, 2010
Well... yeah.
JonBBT - July 11, 2010
He has given up 5 runs now in seven innings
Lee was probably happy that he was going to a team with an offense and the Rangers are getting shut out. Funny how that happens.
Coug1990 - July 10, 2010
That's great, but this post is not about Cliff Lee.
We prefer to keep threads on their designated topic. There are many threads here per day and also FanPosts, etc.
Matthew - July 10, 2010
Like Smoak, eager to love him, hate his name.
JY - July 10, 2010
You appear to love his name.
Mariner John - July 10, 2010
It's more that I'm a masochist.
It’s a good trait to have in a Mariners/minor league fan.
JY - July 10, 2010
I like him so far
Can’t really feel any more emotion towards him til I see him play.
Mariner John - July 10, 2010
Love him.
The thought of a lineup that includes Ichiro,Ackely,Smoak.Saunders, and Guti(and I guess Figgins too) for the next few years makes me clap with glee.
Goose - July 10, 2010
Ackley and Smoak will actually reform the entire offense, even if they don't hit their upside projections.
They are both patient hitters who at a very young age have very impressive eye ratios. We haven’t had guys like that since Edgar or Olerud.
They both also happen to be picture-perfect fits to the park. Finally, the team is going to have the opportunity to field an offense that is built for the park, and we can stop asking for the LCF fence to be brought in.
misterjonez - July 10, 2010
The Ackley-Smoak combo on the right side of the infield and the patience they bring to the lineup gets me a lot more excited than the Smoak trade alone.
Yup.
JonBBT - July 10, 2010
And Figgins!
Matthew - July 10, 2010
This where I am.
My love is split into two spheres:
Present- Ichiro, Guti, Felix
Future: Ackley, Smoak, Condor.
Since I dipped into the gulf of Cairo I’ve been smiling about the future sphere.
I also have the fucked-up-love sphere (See Wilson, Josh) but that’s another story.
MT Olson - July 11, 2010
Swoooooooooooooooon
I’ve loved him since draft day 2008, when I got pissed about how fortunate the Rangers were to have him fall in their lap and my jealousy ran wild. Why can’t we have one of those guys who make the prospect experts say, “This kid is going to hit. Period. It’s just a matter of when.” Our hitting prospects have been so high-risk lately. Smoak may not turn into a perennial All-Star, but he feels like a sure thing to be a productive and valuable major leaguer in the coming years. And that is neat.
Teej - July 10, 2010
8 people need to die in a fire as I make terrible Smoak jokes.
Fuckmikereilly - July 10, 2010
*die of Smoak inhalation
Mariner John - July 10, 2010
flagged
Mariner John - July 10, 2010
Speaking of terrible Smoak jokes, is it going to be cringe-worthy when Rizzs says 'Holy Smokes!' He's been doing it a while now.
SgtSasquatch - July 10, 2010
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