I have to say right now I am not that impressed by the Tacoma
Rainiers roster going into next season. I hope general manager Jerry Dipoto
will be able to build the team up where it can help out the major league roster
at some point. I will write on those shown on the roster at this point that are
not on the Mariner’s 40 man roster. After the season was over the Mariners
released Rainier’s manager Pat Listach. Haven’t named a replacement as of yet; at
least not that I am aware of anyway.
I start out with the pitching first of all.
Nathan Bannister: 28th round by the Seattle in the
2016 draft out of University of Arizona. Has played two years in the Mariners
minor league system; he didn’t play at all during the summer of 2016. In 2017
he pitched primarily with the Mariners high A team in Modesto. He started 23
games where he threw for a record of 8-7 with an era of 4.33. He pitched 120
innings giving up 16 walks and while striking out 99. His first year he looked
like a control pitcher but in 2017 pitching in Double A Arkansas he didn’t do
as well. He started 24 games with an era of 6.07. His walk total increased
where he walked 48 batters and his strike totals went down to 84. Although he
is shown on the Rainiers roster I believe he should spend another season at
Arkansas. Being a 28th round pick the chances are not great he will
make the major leagues however he is 24 years old so he should have at least
two years to show his stuff. Of course this would depend how he does in 2019.
Rigo Beltran: 31 round draft pick by the Mariners this season. He
spent in 15 games at the Mariners rookie team in Arizona. Though he is shown on
the Rainiers roster I don’t see him moving up to Tacoma for a couple years or
so if at all. He does show potential since he struck out more batters then
innings pitched. Since his father played in the major leagues I am sure the
Mariners will give him a good chance to succeed. It will be interesting to keep
on checking his story.
Bryan Evans: a veteran minor league pitcher drafted in 14th
round in 2008. Hasn’t pitched at all in
the major leagues; in 2018 he started the year in Mexico then started 14 games
for the Rainiers. Unless the Rainiers need to have someone to pitch in the
rotation in 2019 I don’t see much a future with the Rainiers or the Mariners.
Ryan Garton: relief pitcher the Mariners picked up from the
Tampa Rays in late 2017. Actually pitched well for the Mariners in 13 games in
2017 with an era of 1.54; he often was the first pitcher coming in out of the
bullpen. I thought the Mariners would give him a good opportunity in 2018
however they sent him to Tacoma. In 35 relief appearances he had an era of
3.16. The Mariners didn’t add him to the roster when call ups happened this
September. At this point he likely will start the season in Tacoma once again.
The Mariners have several pitchers vying for the bullpen that fit his profile
so chances aren’t good however he would add depth though.
Tyler Higgins: the Mariners signed him as a minor league free
agent in June. He pitched in relief for the Rainiers coming out of the bullpen
28 times. He actually only walked nine batters so means he has good control. He
had 38 strike outs in 35 innings. I see him likely going to pitch out of the Rainiers bullpen once again.
David Rollins: left handed reliever previously spent time
with the Mariners signed a contract with them in August of this year and
assigned to Tacoma. Not on the 40-man roster however the Mariners may invite
him to spring training. He does give them depth at Tacoma. We will have to see
what happens with them.
Marc Rzepczynski: started 2018 as the Mariners left handed
specialist however was released on June 4. Spent a little time with the
Cleveland Indians before being released; the Mariners re-signed him to a minor
league contract on July 30. Wasn’t very impressive in Tacoma either; I wouldn’t
look to him coming back to Tacoma or Seattle unless a miracle happens.
Daniel Schlereth: another veteran minor league spent 2018 at
Arkansas double A and the Rainiers. He spent the year coming out of the
bullpens and he is left handed so might get a chance. Wouldn’t be surprised if
he is released before the season starts; he is another player I hope the
Mariners will look at rebuilding the triple A team.
Rob Whalen: started spring training this year competing for the fifth
spot in the rotation however because of a bad outing near the end of training
was sent to Tacoma. He didn’t have a great year as well. He originally was on
the 40-man roster but later on was released and re-signed where he had to make
his way back. I hope he has the chance to do so. He is 24 years old so the
future still can be ahead of him. Really like him so I hope he rebounds this
coming season. We will see wouldn’t we?
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