Smoak has been quite the catch for Blue Jays
When Justin Smoak was a first-time all star in 2017, he earned his way to the Midsummer Classic with his prowess at the plate, a performance that justifiably wooed voters.
It was the bat that got the Blue Jays first baseman to the big leagues after all and is the most visible part of his game. But Smoak was taught as a kid that as well as he could swing the bat, it might be the glove that keeps him invaluable.
Somewhat quietly, the soft-spoken native of South Carolina has been the most reliable defensive first baseman in the American League this season, ranking first in fielding percentage with just one error so far this season.
“Honestly I feel like at a very young age my dad told me you’ve got to be able to play both sides of the baseball,” Smoak said. “It was something back in the day that you’d just throw guys over there that were brutal (defensively). They were just good hitters and sluggers.
“Now the game’s changed a little bit to where they want guys that can play defence. It’s something I’ve always taken pride in.”
Despite his size, the sixfoot-four, 220-pounder has savvy quickness around the first base bag with a big reach and lightning-quick glove that’s as good as any in snagging wayward throws.
“He’s been unbelievable not just this year, but the past few years,” Jays manager John Gibbons said. “I think he’s a bit underrated and doesn’t get the recognition he probably deserves.
“But he’s a big guy and he’s got that big wingspan and he handles himself around the bag and picks it as good as anybody. You take it for granted at times until you see somebody out there that can’t do what he does.”
Smoak’s defensive role has been of particular importance this season given the roving band of characters switching it up in the middle infield spots. Some have been smoother than others, shall we say.
“No doubt. I think it definitely helps out,” Smoak said. “I think it maybe relaxes them a little where they can throw it wherever and it allows them to make better throws that way.”
CLOSING TIME
Gibbons has made it clear that recently acquired reliever Ken Giles will be his closer until proven otherwise.
Coming to Toronto in the deal that sent Roberto Osuna to the defending World Series-champion Astros, Giles hasn’t been in for a save situation, but has seen action in two games so far.
He gave up a run in his first appearance Friday, but threw a scoreless ninth inning in his second Saturday against the Seattle Mariners with a fastball and slider that impressed catcher Russell Martin.
“He had great life on his fastball and when he throws the slider down, it disappears,” Martin said.
AROUND THE BASES
Smoak’s bat is starting to heat up as well. He’s hit safely in his last 10 games, four off his career best from 2011. While Smoak won’t match his career-high 38 home runs from last season, the 17 he has hit so far have him on pace for the second most of his career … Quite the road trip for shortstop Aledmys Diaz, who had five homers and batted .357 during the 10-game journey … Not having a start in Seattle allowed Marcus Stroman some free time and the Jays pitcher spent part of a day at Seahawks training camp, where he was able to catch up with quarterback Russell Wilson. Stroman will get the ball in Tuesday’s opener versus the Red Sox, looking to rebound from one of his dodgier efforts of the season when he allowed seven runs in five innings in Oakland.