Prospect Insider - Seager's new swing

Seager's new swing

By Jason A. Churchill

By 02-17-2012

Third base has been an issue for the Seattle Mariners since many of us were a lot younger, let's just put it that way. It's been a long time since there was an answer at the hot corner. The Mariners tried Chone Figgins and he hasn't worked out -- he may be slated for trade in March or a utility role -- and Kyle Seager spent a decent portion of the second half in 2011 as the starter.

Even Figgins, however, wasn't ever going to bring much pop and run production to the table. At his best, he's a table setter, not a bus boy. Seager's game doesn't fit the bill, either, but that isn't stopping him from trying.

Seager, writes Larry LaRue of the News Tribune today, has changed his swing a little bit to help him hit for more power.

Seager got stronger over the offseason, but he says that is just in order to stay strong all season. The swing adjustment is a "tuck" of his front shoulder that allows him to hit the ball where it's pitched more. In layman's terms, this helps Seager put a better, more powerful swing on the ball because his shift is a little more balanced.

It's pretty slight, and nobody, not even Seager himself, expects him to hit 25-30 homers a year. He's still a line-drive hitter, but we may see a few more doubles out of this change.

There is always risk in adjustments like this, however, including a sacrificing of contact or plate coverage, but in this case I do not expect that to occur. The key in LaRue's piece is when Seager says "I like my swing path," and "I like the kind of hitter I am."

He's not swinging for more power, he's not changing his stance and he's not changing his approach. These sorts of changes are safer than when a hitter goes through wholesale alterations.

He was the best option at third base for the Mariners when 2011 ended and he was the best option to start 2012, despite the presence of Vincent Catricala and Alex Liddi. His shoulder tuck hasn't changed that a whole lot, but it can really only help.

If Seager hit .270 with a league-average on-base percentage and a .400 slugging -- 8-12 homers, 30 doubles in 600 PAs -- it's a great year for him at the plate. He can certainly handle third defensively, and could even see a bit of time at shortstop, if necessary.

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Comments
The following 9 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: Mackie on 02-17-2012 14:00:53
I'm pretty bullish on Seager for 2012. There will be some good competition at 3B this spring, but I think the job is still his to lose. He showed a lot of savvy and intuitive feel for the game last year given how little time he spent in the minors. I hope he gets a lot of playing time this year; I look forward to seeing him continue to develop.

But I'm also wondering about Vinnie Catricala at 3B. If his bat continues to develop at the present rate, the club will need to find a place for him somewhere. While he seems more likely to end up in LF or maybe at 1B or DH, how bad is his 3B glove, really? Would he be as bad there as Russ "Iron Hands" Davis? If Catricala's bat dictates that the M's need to squeeze him into the lineup, is 3B out of the question?

2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-17-2012 14:13:10
From what I have seen, and mostly heard from scouts, is that Catricala is a below-average defender at third. Firmly below average, not just slightly. He's closer to a 40 than a 45.

He's really destined for left field, it seems.

3. By: outfieldgrass on 02-17-2012 14:16:41
I have heard there is a good chance Catricala is trade bait rather than a true contender for a starting job in Seattle. How do you think they view him in their future plans? Really hope they give him a shot despite hitting from the right side. Seems like the type of player this club needs.

4. By: Ungnome on 02-17-2012 14:16:50
Thanks Jason. You have reinforced my opinion that Seager can be a very useful bridge to a higher ceiling 3B in the near future. I have been confused with the general pessimism surrounding Seager and the projections of Figgins starting at 3B in 2012.

I believe that Seager will have a career as a very useful starting infielder for a second division club however that does not preclude him from being a solid player for the M's in 2012-13.

Am I crazy to envision him reaching an all-star game during his career year while playing 2B in the NL?

5. By: Gibbo on 02-17-2012 14:58:20
I really like Seager and see him as a decent Utiltiy guy at worst. I think a month in AAA wouldn't hurt him, even getting some reps at LF too. Catricala seems destined for LF which there is still a fit for him. I think they view Francisco Martinez as the best in house 3B solution. The more I look at our team the more bullish I am, I know we tend to overrate our own prospects but... We are getting better across the park. If guys like Wells, Smoak and Monetro have good breakout years then add in Ackley and Guti bounces back we have a very nice foundation. All those are very possible too, can't wait!!!!

6. By: Jazz00 on 02-17-2012 17:49:56
I've got to agree with you Ungnome. I believe Seager is worth keeping and will only get better. Even it he goes back down to AAA he will only get better. Catricala definitely intrigues me as Jason's statement of him being a below average defensive 3rd baseman means he would be nothing more than a stop gap if he made it until maybe Martinez gets to the majors.

7. By: dewey on 02-17-2012 19:59:28
#4 We will pick in top 5 again this year so we our a third division club right now so maybe Sager can be solid for us this year.I still think Figgy is gonna breakout this year i have no reason why i just feel he has been embaressed the last two years and feel like he will play alot better this year.

8. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-18-2012 00:55:06
I'll take the bet on the M's drafting top 5 again in 2013. It could happen, but I'd take the odds on that.

There are some gosh awful teams out there. Oakland may be one of them, Houston certainly is, Baltimore didn't get any better this offseason and everyone in their division got better -- four teams, twice as many in front of Seattle that got better.

The Mets might lose 100 games and how do the Padres not lose 95 after losing 91 in 2011 WITH Latos?

I think there is a good chance the M's win 75 games and select 6-12 in '13.

9. By: dewey on 02-18-2012 04:59:31
Jason i think you miss understood me i was talking about 2012 draft.I would hope we can be better then those 5 clubs. Im thinking 70-75 wins also

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