MIAMI – Justin Smoak started his remarkable 2017 season by batting eighth in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup April 5 at Baltimore. On Tuesday, he will bat sixth as the starting first baseman for the American League in the 88th edition of the all-star game, between Carlos Correa and Corey Dickerson.
“Honestly, just being here is an honour,” Smoak said during Monday’s media day. “Even if I was batting ninth I’d be happy. It’s going to be pretty cool, I’m excited for it, looking forward to [Tuesday].
“To be at the all-star game, starting at first base, it’s a dream come true.”
The 30-year-old is one of 23 first-time all-stars in the Midsummer Classic and is among the least likely, as he entered the season looking at sharing time at first base with Steve Pearce. But after making some adjustments, he’s realized the potential that made him the 11th-overall pick in 2008.
He described the past week since winning the fan vote at first base a whirlwind, but he’s trying to make sure that he relishes the moment.
“It’s been constant but at the same I’ve been trying to take it all in, trying to enjoy it,” he said. “Once you get to the end of the year and the season’s over, you can look back and enjoy it a little more. Just trying to take as much in as I can right now.”
The only other Blue Jays representative in the game is closer Roberto Osuna.
“Having my family here and enjoying all this is the biggest thing for me,” said the 22-year-old. “It’s exciting and I’m happy to be here right now.”
DONKEY SHOPPING:
When Joey Votto discovered that Cincinnati Reds teammate Zack Cozart liked donkeys, the Canadian first baseman promised to get him one if he made the all-star game.
Once the shortstop earned the start for the National League, the Toronto native started the process of paying up.
“I’ve got people looking for donkey people. I think we’re just about there,” said Votto. “I think it’s down to a couple. More than anything, we’re checking their personalities, their temperament, to see if they can handle Cincinnati fans. Because that’s a variable, bringing that sucker on the field and having it kick or spit or act out. I don’t know if donkeys are called puppies, but we’re trying to get a really small one because this is a donkey for Cozart’s life. This is a lifetime donkey.”
The donkey hunt hasn’t taken from Votto’s performance, as he’s slashing .315/.425/.542 with 26 homers, 62 walks and only 42 strikeouts in 384 plate appearances. The 2010 NL MVP described his first half as the best he’s felt since 2012.
“That was probably the season where I felt most complete, whereas this season, this is probably a season in which I’ve been least lucky but have played my best,” Votto explained. “I’m really proud of how I’ve played defensively and on the bases. I promised myself I would make that adjustment over the off-season and I feel like it’s come to fruition, all the work I’ve put in.”
And having 46 extra-base hits versus 42 strikeouts?
“Really good. That’s really good,” said Votto. “I think I can keep it up, so we’ll see.”
STARTING PITCHERS:
Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale will start for the American League for the second straight year, the first pitcher to do so since Blue Jays icon Dave Stieb in 1983 and ’84.
“I’m very appreciative of it,” said the left-hander.
Stieb logged three hitless innings, allowing one walk and an unearned run with four strikeouts in the AL’s 13-3 romp in 1983 and surrendered two runs, one earned, on three hits, one a Gary Carter homer, with two strikeouts in a 3-1 loss to the National League in 1984.
Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer starts for the National League, becoming the fifth pitcher to start for both leagues in the contest.
“This is such an incredible accomplishment,” he said. “When you walk in this clubhouse and you’re with all the all-stars, you’re tickled to be in that clubhouse with that recognition. When you have a manager say, ‘We’re going to give you the ball,’ it’s icing on the cake.”
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SHORT HOPS:
Votto declined an invitation to participate in Monday’s home run derby because he believes the event can alter a player’s swing. As he put it, “I homer when I want.” But were he to actually do it, “I’d probably get hurt, almost for sure get hurt. I never hit like that. Trying to save it for the game.” … Osuna and Correa talked out their differences on the field Saturday in Toronto after the Houston Astros shortstop felt the Jays closer showed him up on the field. “We’re cool. We talked about it, we don’t have any issues,” said Osuna. “We took a photo, we had lunch together.”
