Blue Jays claim former Mariner Justin Smoak

First baseman Justin Smoak’s time with the Seattle Mariners ran out Tuesday after four-plus disappointing seasons when he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mariners envisioned Smoak, who turns 28 in December, as a cornerstone in their rebuilding plan when they acquired him as part of a 2010 trade that sent former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee to Texas. Smoak flashed potential at times but batted just .226 over 496 games with the M’s. He never drove in more than 55 runs in a season, and he topped out at 20 homers in 2013. He batted .202 in 80 games this past season with seven homers. – Tacoma News Tribune