Kyle Lewis Mariners Number One pick in 2016 and
number one prospect
The Seattle Mariners minor leagues
are the players they use to develop for the major league squad or for trading
to get established players that they are in need of.
Under Jack Z. and Bill Bavasi the
farm system was terrible. Actually Bavasi was the main celebrate just Jack Z
wasn’t able to turn things around. The Mariners are hoping to now under Jerry
Dipoto. The Mariners have developed a few pitchers however in recent times Kyle
Seager and Mike Zunino have been the only everyday players that made it to the
major leagues. In the year that Kyle Seager was drafted the only other player
to make it to the major leagues was Dustin Ackley who was the second overall
pick in that draft. He wasn’t a success because most believe he was rushed to
the major leagues too fast. This last season he played at the Los Angeles Angels triple A team so he
trying to make back to the major leagues. Zunino most feel he was rushed to the
major league as well by Jack Z because of the lack in catching the Mariners
have had. In 2016 the Mariners had Zunino play most of the season at triple A
until there was an injury to the backup catcher. He started 2017 in Seattle but
was sent down in May for almost three weeks because he started off slow batting
way below .200 and having one home run. When he returned he had a good rest of
the season though he had times where he struggled again. In June he was the
Mariners hottest hitter though he tailed off in July and August but had a good
September. He ended the season with twenty-five home runs. Some are wondering whether
the Mariners should sign him to an extension. My answer would be no until at
least May. The Mariners should see whether he can start off the season where he
left 2017. If he can I would consider signing him to an extension in the middle
of the season.
Right now the Mariners have ten
pitchers in their top thirty prospects. The rest of them are mostly infielder
and outfielders. Andrew Moore who came up a couple times during 2017 is not
considered one of the prospects and likely because he pitched too many innings.
Kyle Lewis the number one prospect who is an outfielder and drafted number one
in 2016has had some injuries since signing with the Mariners. The number three
prospect is 2017 top draft pick first baseman Evan White who struggled with
injuries as well when he signed. My thought is the Mariners should think first
before sending their top picks to minor leagues after signing since it has been
a problem. I would have them work out in Peoria until at least the Arizona Fall
League or the next spring training.
Right hander Nick Neidert who is the
number two prospect spent most of the season at single A Modesto though he did
end the season at double A. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts the season at
double but then is promoted to triple A Tacoma. Sam Carlson who was the second
draft pick in 2017 struggled with injuries as well. He was drafted out of high
school so we won’t see him any time soon.
Outside of the top four prospects I
would have no problem trading any of them since the odds are great that they
won’t make the majors unless it is Daniel Vogelbach at first base besides the
pitchers. The players the Mariners in the past they traded that were mistakes
like Jose Cruz and Jason Veritek were top draft picks. We just hope that the Mariners can develop
more players that make the start lineup. Go M’s.
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