Olney speculating Justin Smoak to Baltimore

[Jordan Tuwiner]

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/ ... 8963855360

Total speculation: Justin Smoak would be an interesting option for the Baltimore Orioles. Some folks there like his swing.

Not interested at all unless we stash him in the minors.

[Seafordeagles]

I think Buster has too much time on his hands. Why would he ever post or report "speculation".

[ofahn]

Why would we want to give up any real talent for this guy. With the career he's had he's a minor league signing with a ST invite. NOT something you trade usable pieces for.

[OriolesRedskins28]

Why would we want to give up any real talent for this guy. With the career he's had he's a minor league signing with a ST invite. NOT something you trade usable pieces for.

That's why you trade a player of similar value with a similar history who has worn out his welcome in the organization for him. Maybe a change of scenery for both would do them good.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I'm not saying we should trade for him, but a few reasons to at least consider it:

- Perhaps he needs a change of scenery.
- Solid walks rates at the MLB level with strikeout numbers that weren't too high.
- At least above-average defensively.
- Low BABIPs but solid LD% throughout major league career.

He might still have some potential.

[ofahn]

That's why you trade a player of similar value with a similar history who has worn out his welcome in the organization for him.

Do you have someone in mind?

[OriolesRedskins28]

I'm not saying we should trade for him, but a few reasons to at least consider it:

- Perhaps he needs a change of scenery.
- Solid walks rates at the MLB level with strikeout numbers that weren't too high.
- At least above-average defensively.
- Low BABIPs but solid LD% throughout major league career.

He might still have some potential.

I agree wholeheartedly with this and think they SHOULD go after him provided the price is very low.

He never really got a shot in Texas before being traded to the Seattle which is an EXTREME pitcher's park not to mention zero protection for him in the Mariners lineup over the past few years. Looks like his peripherals were awesome in his short ML time in Texas; solid line drive rate, walk rate, K rate, the only thing lacking was BABIP and power. I certainly think he's worth a shot and wish this was more than pure speculation.

[OriolesRedskins28]

Do you have someone in mind?

Certainly not off the top of my head. I think there are a number of players with similar value to Smoak, maybe with a similar situation or maybe on the other end of the spectrum, the low upside but fairly polished player. Maybe Ryan Adams (falls under the first category)?

[docjj]

funny twitter reply

"some there like his swing..."

response:

"good, because Mariner fans don't!"

[Matt P]

Aren't him and Wieters best friends? Maybe that is why he is speculating Baltimore could be interested.

[OriolesRedskins28]

Aren't him and Wieters best friends? Maybe that is why he is speculating Baltimore could be interested.

Maybe Wieters is the only one who still likes his swing...

[birdwatcher55]

I can think of worst options. Smoak has a nice glove and late last season he seemed to pick it up offensively. My observation is lefthand hitters sometimes take longer to develop on the Major League level. Whoever gets Smoak could be getting a guy ready to put it all together

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Another reason the O's should look into this:

2012 wOBA at home: .249
2012 wOBA on the road: .324

[ofahn]

Another reason the O's should look into this:

2012 wOBA at home: .249
2012 wOBA on the road: .324

Jordan,

Two questions. First, does he have any options left? I wouldn't want to be obligated to take him north if he's not ready. Second, what would you be willing to give up for him?

[OriolesRedskins28]

Another reason the O's should look into this:

2012 wOBA at home: .249
2012 wOBA on the road: .324

GREAT point. Even with his struggles overall as a hitter, he's proven to hit better outside of Safeco.

Two questions. First, does he have any options left? I wouldn't want to be obligated to take him north if he's not ready. Second, what would you be willing to give up for him?

I want to say he does have an option left but I can't be sure. If he has none that would certainly complicate things. I think the big question would be what do the Mariners want for him. How do they value him at this point? I have no problem giving up value in return (not just non prospect players) but certainly not a player who's value is on par with Hoes/Avery.