Seth Smith

2013

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2012

A career-high number of at-bats didn't translate to a complete breakout for Smith, who managed to increase his average 38 points despite minimal changes to his plate discipline last season. After the trade to Oakland, Smith won't get to enjoy the benefit of Coors Field, where had a career .925 OPS at home, compared to .750 on the road. Smith's offensive production will almost certainly be limited to what he can do against right-handed pitching as lefties continue to give him fits (.217/.272/.304 in 2011). Given the near certainty of a platoon paired with the high likelihood of a park-driven regression, tread carefully here.

2011

Smith went into 2010 as the Rockies' fourth outfielder, behind Brad Hawpe. Hawpe played poorly and was eventually released in August, which opened up the door for Smith to get more at-bats. Prior to the All-Star break, Smith had been doing fine with 12 homers, 38 RBI, and a .287/.350/.545 line. After the break, however, his production slipped (.192/.267/.372) and his promotion exposed this recent development. In 2011, Smith should go back to hitting righties as he has throughout his career (.285/.363/.513), but he'll lose time to left-handed starters.

2010

Smith began the season fighting for at-bats where he could, but was ultimately leapfrogged by Carlos Gonzalez in the outfielder pecking order. In 2010, he looks to be a much bigger factor in the outfield, and would be a candidate to lead off on occasion. The team has acknowledged that Smith has more to offer than Brad Hawpe, but he may have to tussle with Eric Young Jr. for playing time, as the Rockies like Young in the outfield, as opposed to having him at second base. Ultimately, Smith will have a job on the strength of his success as a pinch-hitter (.472/.574/.861), but he may have a difficult time finding at-bats if there isn't a trade or two to clear up the team's logjam in the outfield.

2009

Smith could be the big winner in the Matt Holliday trade, getting 400 PA as a platoon player in left field and putting up very good numbers. A Matt Stairs peak, with the Coors bonus, is well within his reach.

2008

Smith has cruised through the minors, moving up a level each year. He started 2007 at Triple-A and hit .317/.381/.528 with 17 home runs and 82 RBI in 451 at-bats. He received a September callup and went 5-for-8 in limited playing time. The Rockies’ outfield is already set in 2008 so he will compete for a reserve role with Ryan Spilborghs, Jeff Baker and Cory Sullivan in spring training. He may start the year at Triple-A if the Rockies want him to receive regular at-bats.

2007

Advancing steadily through the system, Smith spent all of 2006 in the Double-A Texas League, batting a solid .294/.361/.483, including 46 doubles and 15 home runs. Perhaps most impressively, Smith increased his contact from 78% the previous year to 86% in 2006. It's tough to recommend him for fantasy purposes, as he'll probably never be a power hitter and has just 18 stolen bases in 324 minor league games, but he should get a September call-up at a minimum.

2006

In his first full season in the minors, Smith batted .300/.353/.458 at Single-A Modesto. He struck out 115 times but showed at least some signs of plate discipline with 44 walks. It's Double-A Tulsa for him in 2006.