Justin Smoak

[nate82]

If the Mariners sign Prince in FA what would it take to get Smoak from the Mariners?

Jon Morosi twitter.

I would prefer Smoak over Gamel in the long term as I believe Smoak has a higher ceiling potential wise than Gamel and is a better hitter and defensive 1B than Gamel. I am just not sure what the Mariners would want in return for Smoak. Maybe the Mariners would be looking at adding to their rotation someone like Marcum would be of interest to them. I wouldn't mind a trade of Marcum for Smoak straight up if that is all it would take to get Smoak from the Mariners but I am not sure that would get it done.

[endaround]

What part of a .227/.316/.385 line is attractive? Smoak hasn't really hit outside of Round Rock which is very frightening. No way do I trade Marcum for him.

[Invader3K]

He's only 24 and could be a fallback option if Gamel doesn't succeed. I don't know that I'd give up Marcum just for Smoak at this point, but trading for him has at least some merit, assuming Prince signs with the Mariners.

[Hate those Rodents]

I'm too stubborn to want to trade for the guy that Prince replaces, whomever that may end up being. Its like paying money for sloppy seconds.

[PrinceEatMeat]

I really don't see Smoak as a better option than Gamel at this point.

[nate82]

What part of a .227/.316/.385 line is attractive? Smoak hasn't really hit outside of Round Rock which is very frightening. No way do I trade Marcum for him.

His numbers should increase once he gets out of the AL West which has 3 pitcher friendly ballparks and 1 hitter friendly ballpark. Smoaks production for the next 4 years > Marcums for 1 year.

[paul253]

Smoaks production for the next 4 years > Marcums for 1 year.

 

But for Marcum I think you'd be able to get more, especially with the dearth of free agent starting pitching.

[endaround]

Marcum's 4 wins in 2012>Smoak's1.5 additional wins over Gamel for four years

[Oldcity]

If Smoak even ends up being an upgrade over Gamel, that is.

[JohnBriggs12]

I'm not sure Marcum would bring much more assuming GM's were paying attention to the postseason, but count me in with those who don't see Smoak as an upgrade over Gamel.

[PrinceEatMeat]

I just don't think it's wise to trade assets for any 1B that isn't a very clear upgrade over Gamel. I'd rather just give Gamel a shot first than trade for someone unproven.

[Warning Track Power]

I just don't think it's wise to trade assets for any 1B that isn't a very clear upgrade over Gamel. I'd rather just give Gamel a shot first than trade for someone unproven.

Absolutely.

 

Gamel is going to have to play at some point. If he wasn't in our plans at some point then the time to deal him was 2-3 years ago. Given his age in 2012 (27), if the Brewers aren't going to be moving forward with Gamel at 1B they'll have to give him up for pennies on the dollar given his lofty prospect status just 2 years ago. Give Gamel the shot and sink or swim with him. Plus going with cheaper options like Gamel at 1B and Green at 3B (with Hairston as insurance) may allow for the bigger signing like Reyes at SS.

 

I for one will be very comfortable in 2012 with a lineup that includes Reyes, Gamel and Green/Hairston.