Allow me to take you back in time: deep in an off-season mired in controversy and questions, in the darkest winter’s months, newly-acquired outfielder Mallex Smith burst in like a big ball of Florida sunshine:
An injection of personality into the outfield alongside famously stoic Mitch Haniger? A complement to Dee Gordon’s infectious smile? A legitimate speed threat on the bases? A 3-plus win player in 2018? Sign us up.
Unfortunately the Mallex Smith honeymoon period was bright but brief, as an elbow injury (Smith claimed he was trying to develop an 80-grade arm overnight) cost him basically all of Spring Training.