TOR @ HOU (Game 1 of 4)

[Jonn]

I can see the argument though. Upton and Smoak are both going to strikeout a ton against RHP. But is there more value to speed and defense? I would think so. Is there significant evidence that Smoak is a better defender than Edwin? That would be the only reason to make the decesion to keep Smoak in the lineup. That and his pointless contract.

 

I don't like the theory that Edwin needs to DH to stay healthy. Sure it might help. But when you look at his recent injury history. They have been hand injuries from swinging the bat. And he hurt himself running down the first baseline in Oakland. I worry less about wear and tear with him because he's relatively fresh having DH'ed the majority of the season. Hes also going to be lifted after his final at-bat for Smoak to play 1B anyway. And you figure he's still going to DH a couple days a week regardless.

 

I just wish we actually saw some left-handed pitching so Upton Jr had a chance to make an impact at the plate. Hes faced one left-handed reliever since being acquired and hit a sharp line drive at a defender.

[G-Snarls]

I can see the argument though. Upton and Smoak are both going to strikeout a ton against RHP. But is there more value to speed and defense? I would think so. Is there significant evidence that Smoak is a better defender than Edwin? That would be the only reason to make the decesion to keep Smoak in the lineup. That and his pointless contract.

 

I don't like the theory that Edwin needs to DH to stay healthy. Sure it might help. But when you look at his recent injury history. They have been hand injuries from swinging the bat. And he hurt himself running down the first baseline in Oakland. I worry less about wear and tear with him because he's relatively fresh having DH'ed the majority of the season. Hes also going to be lifted after his final at-bat for Smoak to play 1B anyway. And you figure he's still going to DH a couple days a week regardless.

 

I just wish we actually saw some left-handed pitching so Upton Jr had a chance to make an impact at the plate. Hes faced one left-handed reliever since being acquired and hit a sharp line drive at a defender.

 

All good points and questions

 

Edwin seems just as good at 1B as Smoak so no loss there, and playing 1B hasn't seemed to affect him health wise as you say

 

A few games vs LHP to keep Upton in the mix more would be helpful I agree. As it is he's just a pinch runner mostly. Gibby still uses Carrera for late defensive replacement too and not Upton...

[Jonn]

All good points and questions

 

Edwin seems just as good at 1B as Smoak so no loss there, and playing 1B hasn't seemed to affect him health wise as you say

 

A few games vs LHP to keep Upton in the mix more would be helpful I agree. As it is he's just a pinch runner mostly. Gibby still uses Carrera for late defensive replacement too and not Upton...

 

I will have to look up the defensive numbers on my computer when I'm home. I just don't see Smoak making plays Edwin hasn't made. Edwin has shown an ability to pick throws in the dirt as well. Hes just not the butcher hes been labeled as. E5 is dead.

[G-Snarls]

I will have to look up the defensive numbers on my computer when I'm home. I just don't see Smoak making plays Edwin hasn't made. Edwin has shown an ability to pick throws in the dirt as well. Hes just not the butcher hes been labeled as. E5 is dead.

 

2016 season UZR/150

 

Edwin +4.2

Smoak -2.5

 

Your eyes are correct

 

(2015 Edwin +5.1 Smoak +4.6)

[thatoneguy]

2016 season UZR/150

 

Edwin +4.2

Smoak -2.5

 

Your eyes are correct

 

(2015 Edwin +5.1 Smoak +4.6)

 

That signing is looking absolutely awful right now.

[Stangstag]

That signing is looking absolutely awful right now.

 

Yeah I just don't get it. Smoak is easily replaced

[Jonn]

2016 season UZR/150

 

Edwin +4.2

Smoak -2.5

 

Your eyes are correct

 

(2015 Edwin +5.1 Smoak +4.6)

 

The only thing that makes sense is Brook Jacoby said he thinks he's close to unlocking Smoak's full hitting potential. We just havent seen it in games. Otherwise playing out the season seemed to be the obvious choice. I actually thought he was close to being designated for assignment.

[Atothe]

The only thing that makes sense is Brook Jacoby said he thinks he's close to unlocking Smoak's full hitting potential. We just havent seen it in games. Otherwise playing out the season seemed to be the obvious choice. I actually thought he was close to being designated for assignment.

 

He cannot hit breaking balls. No secret to unlocking that

[glory]

Smoak is s***. Don't know why they felt the need to re-sign him. The sooner they go with Edwin at 1b and Bautista at DH, the better.

[Jonn]

He cannot hit breaking balls. No secret to unlocking that

 

True.... I was just trying to look for a reason why they would do it. Any at all. It sucks that were stuck with him for another 2 and half years. Nothing worse than having a player with zero position versatility and a s***** hitter locked into a roster spot.