Mallex Smith racks up frequent flier miles

[jerichoholicninja]

Today Smith was traded to Seattle along with Shae Simmons for Luiz Gohara and Thomas Burrows. Later in the day he was traded by Seattle to Tampa Bay for Drew Smyly and two minor leaguers. I know Mallex never physically went from one place to another but the only way his name could have traveled more miles today would have been if he started with the Marlins. Also, Seattle's doing something. Not sure what or if it will work but they're doing something this offseason.

[pacopete4]

Would have loved to add Drew Smyly.

[JosephC]

Love what the Mariners did today. Picked up Drew Smyly and Shae Simmons (high upside reliever not so different from somebody like Thornburg) and gave up LHP-Luiz Gohara and three role player prospects. Smyly had problems with the long-ball last year but the rest of his peripherals appear pretty solid...like him as a strong bounce-back candidate if he avoids injury.

[Eye Black]

Also, Seattle's doing something. Not sure what or if it will work but they're doing something this offseason.

Dipoto has put an emphasis on outfield defense (Jarrod Dyson, Leonys Martin, Mitch Haniger) which certainly suits their park well. He has added some fly ball pitchers to the rotation. Smyly was second among all starters last season with a 49.3 FB% (fly ball percentage) and Gallardo was a fly ball pitcher (36.7 FB% last year). Additionally Iwakuma was at 37.8 FB% last season, so there will be plenty of balls in the air at Safeco this season. Sounds like they believe in Haniger's defensive range quite a bit (per Fangraphs podcast), and he is currently penciled in to start in right field.

[Mass Haas]

A reminder that the Brewers drafted Smith in the 13th round in 2011 (Baseball Reference)

[CheezWizHed]

A reminder that the Brewers drafted Smith in the 13th round in 2011 (Baseball Reference)

 

The round and the year, I forgot. But the name you can't forget.

[brewcrewdue80]

What a great trade by Seattle, to get Smyly. Gohara is a loss certainly but at same time not someone you have to play on the ML team for the next 2 seasons maybe longer. Smith for whatever reason entices Tampa for someone possessing such a soft bat. Speed is great and all but the offensive cost? Think a line like .260/.325/.355 makes up for that? Not to mention their OF seems full on starters so as a 4th OF?

I guess looking at the other two names the Rays are looking for Lottery tickets and they may be the more value to them in this trade.

 

With this deal, it would appear Tampa has passed Milwaukee for lower payroll to start 2017. Gotta say Tampa doesn't look all that great at the ML level and in the Minors. I dunno when they'd come up with a 90win team again certainly not before Milwaukee does. Snell and Honeywell are going to have to reach their ceilings to be taken serious as a .500+ team.