Justin Smoak says first base is his to lose

Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak said he feels first base is his job to lose, according to the Tacoma News Tribune. 

The team brought in both Corey Hart and Logan Morrison in the offseason, but Smoak isn't threatened. "I feel like it’s somewhat my job to lose," he said. "It’s always good to have more bats."

Manager Lloyd McClendon said he expects Smoak to see time at first and designated hitter. He added that players can earn more playing time based on how well they are playing. "You go out and go three for four, hit a home run and drive in four runs…somehow, your name is in the lineup the next day," McClendon explained. "Your performance will dictate what the lineup is.”

Smoak hit .238/.334/.412 in 454 at-bats last year.