Reese Kaplan -- El Paso Tops Las Vegas 3-2; Dom Smith Interview

Welcome to the first of four games marking the historic final appearance of the Las Vegas 51s here in El Paso.  As we all know, the Mets are moving their AAA affiliate to Syracuse in 2019 and they will no longer be part of the Pacific Coast League. 

The game started off poorly with Scott Copeland quickly giving up a pair of hits (including the RBI single to Francisco Mejia who the Padres stole from the Indians instead of merely looking to dump salary).  

It looked like it was going to be a long night more reminiscent of the Mets than the 51s, but he settled down to pitch dominantly for the next five innings.  Then Copeland ran out of gas and was tagged for two more runs of doubles by Luis Urias and again by Francisco Mejia.  In all Mejia had three hits in the game.

On the Las Vegas side of the ledger there was not much happening.  They didn’t mount much of an attack until the 6^th inning but it was not of the baseball variety.  Pete Alonso got plunked by a pitch by Padres starter Walker Lockett.  Considering he had walked Zach Borenstein to start off the inning and Alonso had whiffed in his first two Abs, there didn’t seem to be intention behind it.  However, Alonso mouthed off a bit to the pitcher which was picked up by the 51s dugout.  Soon Christian Colon was tossed by the umpire from his seat on the bench, so he stormed onto the field to have his say.  

When the Chihuahuas didn’t take kindly to Colon’s histrionics, they countered with some loud invective of their own.  Eventually both benches emptied and the 51s came in from the bullpen as well, but like most baseball fights, nothing much happened except some players and coaches getting ejected.

The 51s did mount a little offense via the long ball, including a monster 477 foot shot off the bat of journeyman Patrick Kivlehan and a pinch hit dinger from light hitting catcher Jose Lobaton.  That was how it ended, a 3-2 victory for the hometown Chihuahuas.

One thing that stood out in the game was the at-bats by heretofore shunned Dom Smith.  In the second inning he line a laser to the 2^nd baseman which resulted in a somewhat errant throw to 1^st base.  Rather than tagging the bag, Chihuahuas 1^st baseman Ty France opted to run towards Smith to tag him out.  Dom knew he was a dead duck but decided to have some fun with France, backing up towards the plate forcing France forward.  Finally France’s brain clicked on and he realized he could simply touch the bag  and Dom made it a bit of a foot race.

When Smith returned to the plate in the 4^th this time he hit the ball even harder but unfortunately right at the 1^st baseman.  Two frozen ropes and nothing to show for it. 

In the 6^th Dom hit the ball into what should have been a sure 6-4-3 double play but he busted it down the line and was ruled safe at first.  All of the other writers in the press box were grumbling that he was out and I opined that had this same play happened a year ago he would have been but the dramatic weight loss helped him to become more athletic.

With Brandon Nimmo’s injury today the Mets find themselves potentially in need of an outfielder should he wind up on the DL.  With Zach Borenstein, Bryce Brentz, Matt den Dekker and Ty Kelly not being on the 40-man roster, logic would suggest Smith’s time has indeed come.  With that in mind I asked the clubhouse personnel if they could get Dom to spend a few minutes with me to talk about how his season has evolved.

MacksMets

Dom, we just ran a column on Wednesday suggesting that given the roster status of Peter Alonso that it is Smith who should get the call to play the outfield on a fairly steady basis, particularly with the news Jay Bruce is working out at 1^st base.  Did you hear about Brandon Nimmo’s injury today?

Smith

No, what happened?

MacksMets

Apparently he was hit by a pitch so hard that the third baseman threw him out as it has gone down the line as if it had come off the bat.  X-rays were negative for a break but they’re taking it seriously and he’s headed for an MRI which will help better ascertain the extent of the damage.  With another outfielder on the shelf, it would seem logical for the Mets to tap you for another trip to Queens.

Smith

Well, I never want to advance due to someone getting hurt but it’s good to hear that someone still believes in me. 

MacksMets

Dom, I watched you tattoo the ball each of the first two times up with nothing to show for it.

Smith

Actually, that had made 6 consecutive line drives I’d hit that went right at someone.  This year more teams are employing the shift and it’s having some impact on my results.  My exit velocity is as good as ever but last season it was just that Astros and Phillies who did that and they were my worst series. 

MacksMets

How have you felt this year?

Smith

To be honest it was frustrating.  I started off injured and missed an opportunity, then I had to work with whole new coaching staffs in both the majors and minors who weren’t there to see when I hit ..330 last season.  Some folks don’t realize I also had between the minors and majors 25 HRs and 100 RBIs. 

MacksMets

So how do you keep yourself motivated?

Smith

I just go out and work hard to prepare myself for whatever they want me to do.  Some things I can’t control. Yes, I had some fun earlier.  Remember, we’re grown men getting paid to play a kid’s game and it should be fun.  Some folks question my effort because I do things smoothly and it looks like I am not making an effort.

MacksMets

Do you ever spend time talking to Gavin Cecchini (when he’s around – he’s currently still injured) about what it’s like to come in with the 1^st round draft pick pedigree and then not getting the same consideration you once did?

Smith

Yes, Gavin and I talk about it and we know we need to do what we can to impress everyone in baseball. 

MacksMets

Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today, Dom.  I really appreciate it.

Smith

Hey, thanks to you, too, and I'm so sorry I kept you waiting.

When you meet Dom, you’re immediately struck by what fantastic shape he’s in and his infectious smile makes you want to root for him despite not having the immediate impact people might have hoped to see. 

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I did also say “Hola” to Gerson Bautista who is rocking an Odell Beckham hairdo.  That man needs a sandwich – he’s very tall and skinny.

I 've got some photos to share as well, but they will have to wait until tomorrow as I'm having some technical difficulties tonight with the transfer and it's already after midnight.