Less is More: New approach helped Jays’ Justin Smoak finally reach potential
VANCOUVER — Doing less wound up getting Justin Smoak a lot more.
The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman set career highs in almost every statistical category last season after realizing he needed to take his foot off the gas over the winter to survive the rigours of what can be a gruelling major league schedule.
“I didn’t hit as much, which is crazy, you know what I mean?” Smoak said when asked how his preparations changed. “I tried not to do as much as I’d done in the past.
“That’s something that I feel like as a player — and guys will tell you all the time — (when) you take so many swings … at some point you get tired and your body’s going to get worn out, especially when you play 162 (games).”