ST. PETERSBURG -- In the two weeks since his callup, outfielder Mallex Smith has made himself a fixture on Rays television broadcasts for his consistent hitting, his thrilling baserunning and his visible dedication to self-improvement. When he returns to the dugout after his turn at the plate, cameras have been eager to show Smith jotting notes down for himself in a personal journal.
The notes are extensive and detailed. Smith's game preparation is even more so.
The notebook is an aspect of Smith's practice most easily observable by fans. The second-year big leaguer has been writing to himself on the bench since 2012, when his father recommended the practice as Smith began pro ball.