SEATTLE (AP) — Even if Justin Smoak only looked half awake, the new first baseman of the Seattle Mariners was ready to start impressing his new club.
Smoak arrived in Seattle Saturday afternoon. The Mariners didn’t waste any time getting him into their lineup, batting Smoak sixth and starting him at first base against the New York Yankees.
Smoak was the main player coming to Seattle in Friday’s trade that sent Cliff Lee and Mark Lowe to Texas in exchange for Smoak and a trio of minor leaguers.
While Smoak was hitting just .209 with eight homers and 34 RBIs with the Rangers, the Mariners think they have acquired a young slugger with huge potential.
Smoak says he’s still a little in shock about the trade but understands it’s part of the game.
