“As Fast As Anybody We’re Ever Going To See”

February 10th, 2017

MallexOne piece retrieved in the Drew Smyly trade should be one of the most fun attractions of spring training.

Outfielder Mallex Smith was part of the Smyly trade with Seattle. Smith, 23, was a rookie with the Braves last year (traded to Seattle and then to Tampa Bay) and is known for his speed.

He’s known for little else after posting a .316 on base percentage, but he can fly and the Rays believe he’s a legitimate outfield prospect.

“We needed to find one or two guys to complement [Kevin Kiermaier,] Kevin Cash told WDAE-AM 620. “When KK gets on base, it’s havoc. It puts so much pressure on the defense. Mallex Smith is in that same mold. I mean, I’ve heard he’s as fast as anybody we’re ever going to see. So we’re all excited to see him run.”

Cash went on to say Smith has to focus on getting on base “and then go do your thing.”

Perhaps one of these young guys like Smith will be ready and successful earlier than anyone thinks. Joe’s not counting on Smith, but it will be fun to see if he can inject juice into an offense that took way to long to get aggressive last season.

Cash acknowledged the team will keep that second-half aggression rolling into the season.

2 Responses to ““As Fast As Anybody We’re Ever Going To See””

  1. "Cluttered" - Tampa Bay Rays Blog, Rays News Says:

    […] in the Rays outfield are slated to play a lot, with Corey Dickerson, Steven Souza, Colby Rasmus, Mallex Smith and Kevin Kiermaier expecting serious […]

  2. Bunting Bug Bites Rays - Tampa Bay Rays Blog, Rays News Says:

    […] Enter new Rays outfielder Mallex Smith, and Kevin Cash tells Steve Carney of WDAE-AM 620 that he’s never seen a player approach bunting like the 23-year-old newcomer from the Braves/Mariners. […]

 

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