Prospect Insider - Spring Training Scouting Notes

Spring Training Scouting Notes

By Jason A. Churchill

By 03-17-2011

PEORIA, ARIZONA -- As the Seattle Mariners are nearing the start of their campaign in attempt to buck the MLB odds, the kids in the system -- the future of the ballclub -- are working off the rust.

Upon arrival at the complex Wednesday morning, I was able to gather some intel that will be helpful going forward: Grouping assignments, as well a good chunk of batting practice and an intrasquad game. for the groupings, tt doesn't mean these levels are where the player starts the 2011 season, but sometimes it is a sign, and other times it's a strong indication of nothing at all.

On to the info! (Note: We're really only mentioning prospects and other notables, rather than entire rosters, so names like Johan Limonta will not be listed)

Group 1 - Tacoma/Jackson

Carlos Triunfel, SS
Triunfel was one of six batting practice sessions I focused on today, and there have been some adjustments made in his stance and swing. He's starting with his front foot pointed toward the pitcher; a year ago this month, he was open, with that left foot facing the hole at shortstop, and his hands are lower and a little closer to his body. This appears to allow him to let balls get deeper before he commits to swinging. He still generates plus bat speed and laces line drives to all fields, but it appears he's getting more consistent loft on the ball, even the other way and he hit a couple of balls to the warning track in right-center field on a high line, and five or six out to left and left-center that cleared the fence by 30 feet.

Triunfel appears to be in tremendous condition, too, and I still think there's a chance he is good enough at shortstop to stick, contrary to most scouts. I'd leave him at shortstop, which is not consistent with what I opined in the handbook, and I believe he will get time there this season in Jackson, if not serve as the regular ... more on that in a few minutes.

Kyle Seager, 2B
Seager is likely to start the year at Double-A Jackson, and mainly as the second baseman. In camp Wednesday, he showed some problems moving to his right and fielding the ball cleanly while transitioning to a throwing position. At the plate in BP, he showed the same clean swing, spraying line drives from line to line. His bat speed is average at best, however, hence the expectation of limited power.

The left-handed swing is consistent whether he's poking a liner to left or pulling a high rope to right field. He keeps his hips closed until he’s ready to pull his hands through the zone. He has good hand-eye coordination, too, and all of the above bode well for his ability to hit for enough average as he moves through the system.

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Comments
The following 11 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: Marco on 03-17-2011 06:47:41
Jason, how do you imagine will be (or should be, if you prefer)Tacoma lineup this year ?

2. By: Rudolf on 03-17-2011 10:43:59
Jason, if word is true about Campos, are you updating your expectations of him? What else can be said of him?

3. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-17-2011 10:50:08
Marco,

As for the batting order, I'm not sure but I think the infield will be Liddi, Josh Wilson, Ackley and Carp.

Moore and Saunders may be on the roster as well. I'll write a big post on this next week.

4. By: acqb1424 on 03-17-2011 12:01:29
Jason,

If Liddi, Wilson, Ackley and Carp will make up the infield in Tacoma, what will the Rainiers do when Mangini and Tui don't make the M's OD roster? If Saunders is on Tacoma's roster what does that do to the outfield that in theory would have Mike Wilson and Greg Halman already in it with the possibility of guys like Gabe Gross, etc?

5. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-17-2011 12:06:08
Tui can play outfield and there is the DH spot, where Wilson belongs.

I don't see any chance Gross ends up in Tacoma. But yes, it's a full corner IF/OF crop. They'll have to share/earn time at the five spots (incl. DH).

There is a good chance Tuiasosopo, who does have an option left (Thanks to Mike Curto for reminding me of that last month) is the odd-man out and is traded before the minor league schedule begins.

Of course, this is assuming he doesn't make the 25-man, which seems as unlikely as any other scenario.

6. By: Marlin Man on 03-17-2011 13:23:08
jason- I have not seen/read anything on aardsma and his recovery schedule? what is the latest on him pls?

M.M.

7. By: Robert on 03-17-2011 15:55:31
I'm log in but unable to read the notes on the other 20 players

Bob S

8. By: everblue77 on 03-17-2011 16:14:44
jason - you think Burgoon being in that group has anything to do with him getting limited action in Everett last year due to a sore elbow?

Where do you think Raben will eventually land position wise?

Last - where do you htink Pryor will start the year?

9. By: Sapo44 on 03-17-2011 23:17:08
Where do you think Ken Kasparek, Anthony Vasquez, Brian Moran, and Brandon Haveman will end up, and do you consider any of them prospects? MLB's Jonathon Mayo seems to believe Vasquez is a prospect, along with Brian Moran.

10. By: Lailoken on 03-17-2011 23:25:33
Awesomeness, thanks.

11. By: everblue77 on 03-18-2011 07:44:48
Should have asked earlier.... haven't heard or read much if anyhting on Bischoff or Wiswall? Any update or comments on these two first year players?

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