SURPRISE, Ariz. -- I got a chance to briefly chat with Justin Smoak about his spring training so far. It should be noted that Smoak talked to me on Monday, just before he doubled in that game. He then hit a homer, his first of the spring, on Tuesday. He's now batting .250 (4-for-16) with two walks, four strikeouts and three RBIs. Here is some of that conversation:

Q: Talk about your approach this spring.

A: I'm taking the same approach I did last season, working on my swing and defense and trying to get better. It's nothing complicated. I just want to see it and hit it. I've scuffled a little bit so far this spring, but that's part of it. I have to get my timing down and get ready for the season. I've been working with Clint Hurdle and the other coaches and it's getting better.

Q: What are you working on in particular?

A: It's getting back to what I was doing at the end of last year. I got in some habits I shouldn't be in right now and I have to work out of that. It was timing issues, mainly. Now I feel like I'll be ready to go here. It's definitely better.

Q: Talk about your work in the field this spring.

A: I feel really good about that. I've worked a lot with Dave [Anderson, the infield coach] and Wash and I'm getting some good work in. I'm working mainly on the foot work. That's what it comes down to playing the position. Sometimes I would have balls right at me and I'd have a problem with my feet and planting them waiting for the ball to come to me instead of keeping my feet moving and going to the baseball. Those are things I'm working on.

Q: How are you physically?

A: I feel great. I had a hip flexor. It just tightened up on me and I took a couple of days off and I was good to go.