PEORIA, Ariz. — A conversation with Mallex Smith can be enlightening, amusing and maddening, all in the same moment.
Flighty at times, and focused in others, Smith will say what he thinks for just about anything whether it fits the expected tone or not. His self-awareness can be limited to a small radius around him, but he also can have the best perspective on issues affect the game.
The intention is always in earnest. A perfect example: His comments about himself and his performance last season that included a demotion to Class AAA Tacoma in late April and a benching in September.