Mariners love Tigers; Jack loves Justin
The Mariners just concluded a successful homestand. It was not at the gate, where they drew 118,324 in six games, a 19, 720 average, but on the field where they took two of three from both the Twins and Tigers.
They did what any team tries to do, win each series. And the Mariners love the Tigers having won five of the six games they have played against the Bengals. If only they could duplicate that success against New York, Boston, Cleveland, and Colorado, the four teams they will now play on the road.
Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik at Mariners FanFest 2011. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
While the M’s love the Tigers, the bigger question is why Trader Jack, the beloved general manager of the Mariners loves Justin Smoak. And why Eric Wedge continues to keep him in the lineup.
Chone Figgins was benched because of his lack of hitting. Justin Smoak is 5 for his last 35 (.143) with one rbi. For the season he is at .173. Just because Smoak was the key player they received in the Cliff Lee trade is no reason to keep him in the lineup.
Trader Jack has said he has followed Smoak since high school, has always liked him, has believed he would be a big league hitter. Jack said in a recent interview that every young player progresses differently, some take longer to develop. In 252 major league games he is batting .220. He has been given 885 at bats. How long must we wait?
Give Liddi a shot at first. He has power, is hitting .275, and though he has struck out 16 times in 51 at bats, he at least gets some hits. Or play Carp, giving him the chance to raise his average from .130. He has had 23 at bats, so a few more starts are needed to see what he can do.
Or just pick a fan out of the stands each game. Have a lucky number contest to determine who will play first for that night’s game. It might increase attendence as fans flock to Safeco knowing they have a chance to suit up for the game.
