Justin Smoak's Breakout Year?

Stratford grad Justin Smoak has kicked off spring training with the Seattle Mariners, and he looks prepared to launch a breakout year at first base.

Fellow Stratford alumnus Matt Wieters, a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, had his breakout year in 2011, including a trip to the All Star Game. Smoak's momentum was slowed last year with a string of injuries.

In a Friday column, The Seattle Times' Larry Stone noted that all eyes are on Smoak in 2012.

Few scouts have doubts that Dustin Ackley and Jesus Montero will hit at an elite level, but the third thumpateer, Smoak, is still an enigma. Yet to the Mariners, he remains the centerpiece of a brighter tomorrow.

"He's going to be right in the middle of everything," manager Eric Wedge said Friday.

Tim Heaney with KFFL.com made the argument for Smoak's fatasy league prospects as a "breakout candidate."

Smoak's .234 batting average might not reflect it, but his plate discipline is sound. His 6-4, 230-pounds frame also is built for power. He hit 10 of his 15 homers last season at pitcher-friendly Safeco Field.

The News Tribune talked with Smoak, who gave his diet and workout routine while he was spending the off-season in the Lowcountry.

Smoak looks leaner, stronger, more athletic.

“I gave up bread, ate almost entirely meat and vegetables – and working out two hours a day, four days a week didn’t hurt,” Smoak said. “My wife loved it, because she always ate well and worked out."