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Smoak is really going to be the guy who makes or breaks the offense this year. Ichiro and Figgins are veterans with a well established level of performance. You know C/MI/CF are defense first players. Cust/Bradley are somewhat wild cards, but you can make a pretty good estimate at what kind of production you're getting.
Smoak OTOH could be one of the worst everyday players at his position, eating away 550 *first base* AB's with a .700 OPS. Or, he could break through as the .900 OPS big bat that turns a below average offense into one of the top run producers.
Personally, I'm expecting the .700 OPS to be much more likely. Not sure I'd be able to use a roster spot on him in the 12-team, AL-only league even if he was in the free agent pool. However, you can't deny the potential and the M's are definitely creating a scenario where he wil have every chance to succeed.
Unless there's a fluke injury, he *is* going to get the AB's without anyone pushing him even if he's not hitting. This is his big opportunity, teams can afford to use several seasons to develop a high ceiling C/MI/OF - there's only so much leeway you can give to a 1B.