Top 2008 Draft Prospects: Justin Smoak

[DocJJ]

He hits equally well from both sides. That's pretty rare. His defense is good at first.

Hosmer is off to a hot start, but because he's only in high school, it may be a while until he's ML ready. Alonso is probably the top power hitter, but he has no defensive ability and will be a DH.

I heard Alvarez has a broken bone in his wrist and will be out a while.

[WebLink21]

Smoak is slowly (but surely) becoming my favorite for the 2008 draft.

Me too. In the beginning of the season I had it Alvarez, Beckham, Hosmer and then Smoak was a distant 4th. Then I started watching Smoak's games online and he has moved up to right behind Alvarez. He hits with power, average, walks alot and plays a good first base. Plus if we draft him, he will be on the same pace as Weiters will be. They could both reach the bigs by 2010. That would be a great foundation. Plus, if things go the way I think they will this season, we may have a top pick again next year.

1B - Smoak

2B -

SS -

3B - Rowell (hoping for big season)

RF - Markakis

CF - Jones

LF - Reimold/Snyder

C - Weiters

I like the direction.

[WebLink21]

He hits equally well from both sides. That's pretty rare. His defense is good at first.

Hosmer is off to a hot start, but because he's only in high school, it may be a while until he's ML ready. Alonso is probably the top power hitter, but he has no defensive ability and will be a DH.

I heard Alvarez has a broken bone in his wrist and will be out a while.

You are right. Alvarez will be out for atleast 6 weeks.

[bluehens45]

If Smoak continues to light it up we could easily be talking about him going #1 overall. Im hoping Alvarez falls to us but i would not complain about a Smoak pick either. Im really starting to think we should go best college hitter as there is a better chance they would ready around the same time as Rowell, Snyder, and Weiters. So if its between Alvarez and Smoak i may go Smoak because of the logjam at 3rd. This draft is deep and i have faith Jordan hits a homerun with the pick.

[baseballnelie]

I was hoping to come back here after the Clemson and University of South Carolina to post how poorly Smoak played against Clemson, but that isn't the case. In his last at bat in the 9th he gives them an insurance run with a bomb to right field making it 4-1. I hate the Gamecocks, and that would be something I'd have to get by with if we drafted Smoak in June. Go Tigers.

[DocJJ]

3-5 with an HR.

With Alvarez' injury, Smoak might be rocketing to the top of the list.

[WebLink21]

3-5 with an HR.

With Alvarez' injury, Smoak might be rocketing to the top of the list.

Another great day! Smoak really may take over the top college bat available in the draft if he keeps this up. At this point I would be estatic with either.

[Big Mac]

Man, the more I read about Smoak the more I like him. He might be the player I want most right now.

I could easily see him being a 35+ HR guy.

[clarence]

He keeps this up, he won't be available at #4.

[napbow]

He keeps this up, he won't be available at #4.

You never know, his performance could also drive up his contract demands.

[TJ Wrangler]

The whole Smoak/Wieters "switch hitting star hitter from the same hometown" idea really intrigues me.

[WebLink21]

3/7/08 vs. Duquesne, Smoak went 1-2 with 3 RBI's, and 2 walks. He had a big 2 run double and a sac fly. The thing I am the most impressed with is his walks. He seems to have a really good idea and is very patient.

[WebLink21]

3/8/08 vs. Duquesne, Smoak went 2-4 with 2 singles