Who's ON first?

[saskjayfan]

The best internal option is Pearce at first and Upton in left.

 

So naturally, let's have Smoak at first, and either Pearce risking injury in the outfield, or Carrera (who can't hit righties) playing everyday against them.

 

The way to avoid Gibby hurting the team is to give him a dummy proof roster. Smoak and Zeke do not accomplish that, although Smoak's playing time might be the front office's idea.

 

Gibbs left smoak off the Alec's roster. I don't think his confidence is high, but smoak will likely get some time at the beginning of the season

[CrackerJack]

Gibbons has no job security ... win or he's gone ... so he's not going to roll with an unproductive Smoak unless the FO is directing him to.

[Atothe]

Gibby doesn't trust Smoak, I think we should be more worried about left field

[intentional wok]

Gibbons has no job security ... win or he's gone ... so he's not going to roll with an unproductive Smoak unless the FO is directing him to.

 

TBH, I think Gibbons has a bit more job security than that. It's a hard sell to the players and the fan base that Gibby deserves the boot for a down year after two successful ones (yes, I consider going deep into the playoffs successful). I'll be surprised if the FO pulls the plug on Gibby like that in 2017 for anything short of a clubhouse revolt or a severe disagreement between him and the FO.

[CrackerJack]

TBH, I think Gibbons has a bit more job security than that. It's a hard sell to the players and the fan base that Gibby deserves the boot for a down year after two successful ones (yes, I consider going deep into the playoffs successful). I'll be surprised if the FO pulls the plug on Gibby like that in 2017 for anything short of a clubhouse revolt or a severe disagreement between him and the FO.

 

A contract extension for Gibbons should be easy as pie. He might be willing to do the job just for meal money. Gibby's livin' the dream. He said on PTS re his contract status, "I'm just like Colby Rasmus, it doesn't take much to keep me happy."

Edited February 23, 2017 by CrackerJack

[TholesWeirdEye]

My apologies but I haven't really been on top of what's going on with the Jays this off-season.

 

I was watching Sportsnet the other night and they were talking about how Justin Smoak is the starting first basemen. What are the details on this? Are the Jays that strapped for payroll that he's the best option they can find? He's been below replacement level for 3 of his last 5 years and has never been above .0.7 in his career.

 

1B in the AL East should be a top producing position. I don't wanna hate on the new front-office, but they don't exactly seem like they're trying to improve on the teams 2 back to back ALCS appearances.

 

Can someone fill me in?

 

 

They apparently want to give Smoak some legit time at 1B this year for some reason. After that idea probably fails and they realize he's a bench/defensive replacement they will hopefully put Pearce at 1B for the majority (if he can stay healthy).

I just hope they keep Morales at DH.

[Brownie19]

They apparently want to give Smoak some legit time at 1B this year for some reason. After that idea probably fails and they realize he's a bench/defensive replacement they will hopefully put Pearce at 1B for the majority (if he can stay healthy).

I just hope they keep Morales at DH.

 

I think they simply plan on easing Pearce back into action and thus want to prop Smoak up a little in the meantime. Personally, I want to ensure Pearce is healthy enough to be playing everyday come August, September and October - so I support this approach.

 

 

That said - I do think Morales can play some 1st base this year. I don't see why not (he probably would have the past couple of years on any other AL team if not stuck behind defensive genius Eric Hosmer )

[TheHurl]

1B in the AL East should be a top producing position.

 

It really isn't.

 

By rank and projection

 

Orioles 8th 2.8 fWAR

Yankees 13th 1.9 fWAR

Jays 19th 1.2 fWAR

Red Sox 22nd 1.2 fWAR

Rays 29th 0.7 fWAR

 

It's unquestionably the division's weakest position.

[Gary]

Shartkins said recently that the best lineup involves Smoak at first and Pearce in left.

[Gary]

It really isn't.

 

By rank and projection

 

Orioles 8th 2.8 fWAR

Yankees 13th 1.9 fWAR

Jays 19th 1.2 fWAR

Red Sox 22nd 1.2 fWAR

Rays 29th 0.7 fWAR

 

It's unquestionably the division's weakest position.

Very interesting analysis.

[saskjayfan]

Shartkins said recently that the best lineup involves Smoak at first and Pearce in left.

 

Compromising photos. It's the only explanation. Smoak must have some juicy ones of Shapiro.

[FrozenRopes]

Shartkins said recently that the best lineup involves Smoak at first and Pearce in left.

 

When and where?

[fatcowxlive]

It's not his fault that teams were dumb and not giving him everyday AB's. He almost put up a 5 win season in 2014 in Less than 400 AB's. Zips Projects 129 wRC+, Steamers 113 wRC+. Above average D at 1st. He's probably a 3 Win player this year.

 

That's my only question with him. With him playing everyday I wonder how fatigue will affect him

[Nafro]

Can a mod change the name of this forum to...."Who's ON First?" It would make my day.

[glory]

Where the f*** did this idea that Gibby likes Smoak come from? He has benched him every chance he's got. He used to bench him in favour of Colabello even against RHP.

 

I think it is pretty clear in this case that the love affair with Smoak is with the front office, and not Gibby.

 

Carrera is a different story. I think there will be games next season where Gibby plays Zeke over Pearce, and it will drive me nuts, but he's been pretty transparent with his actions that he's not a Smoak fan. Hell, in 2015, I actually thought Smoak should have played more when his power was finally coming together, and Gibby still benched him (some times for Fatty at DH).

[P2F]

The commentators will have a field day with this joke when Chih-Wei Hu reaches first base for the first time in the majors.

[Gary]

Compromising photos. It's the only explanation. Smoak must have some juicy ones of Shapiro.

 

Yep, I heard Smoak has pictures of Shartkins sitting on the toilet.

[Gary]

When and where?

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/jays-believe-smoak-feels-comfortable-team/

 

“We’re glad to have options,” said Atkins. “One of our best teams could be if Justin Smoak is playing first base at a regular rate, playing every day for us. That would give us the most versatility, just to have that as an alternative. …

[glory]

Imagine living in a world where Smoak wasn't extended? Pearce at first, maybe Pagan or Moss in LF (using JS's salary), get rid of Zeke, and we're good to go.

[Gary]

Imagine living in a world where Smoak wasn't extended? Pearce at first, maybe Pagan or Moss in LF (using JS's salary), get rid of Zeke, and we're good to go.

 

Maybe Smoak breaks out this years...he's in his age 30 year.

[King]

Maybe Smoak breaks out this years...he's in his age 30 year.

Do you have anything to say about this?

 

http://globalnews.ca/news/3269236/winnipeg-police-sex-crimes-unit-investigating-disturbing-incident-at-st-vital-mall/

[KingKat]

Do you have anything to say about this?

 

http://globalnews.ca/news/3269236/winnipeg-police-sex-crimes-unit-investigating-disturbing-incident-at-st-vital-mall/

 

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/5c/5cc426603205b95e62dc170ed47664370e49206550c064dc9fcd265cb1043fa8.jpg

[Gary]

Do you have anything to say about this?

 

http://globalnews.ca/news/3269236/winnipeg-police-sex-crimes-unit-investigating-disturbing-incident-at-st-vital-mall/

 

I heard it was you.

[King]

Wow!

[Gary]

Wow!

Security camera caught you on video.

[Nafro]

The commentators will have a field day with this joke when Chih-Wei Hu reaches first base for the first time in the majors.

 

That's what I'm talking about! Thanks guys!

[Nafro]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/jays-believe-smoak-feels-comfortable-team/

 

I feel like the new "High Performance" team may be very helpful to Smoak. I would really like to see him have a great year. I am definitely rooting for him. After seeing the story when he made a point of meeting with that guy from Windsor, after he caught a home run ball; I think he's someone who really deserves some success. It would also make our lineup pretty sic.

[glory]

Maybe Smoak breaks out this years...he's in his age 30 year.

 

If he's going to play everyday, or in a platoon against RHP, then I hope so. I thought he was a breakout candidate in 2015. Not so much anymore, but I guess stranger things have happened.

[Gary]

If he's going to play everyday, or in a platoon against RHP, then I hope so. I thought he was a breakout candidate in 2015. Not so much anymore, but I guess stranger things have happened.

With regular playing time I think Smoak could put up 20-25 HR, .260 and 85 RBI.

[John_Havok]

With regular playing time I think Smoak could put up 20-25 HR, .260 and 85 RBI.

 

Drop that batting avg to about .220.... maybe. The holes in his swing are very large