| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 06-18-2011 |
NOTE: Click here for the roster for the M's rookie league club in Peoria.
I'll make this quick, but it's pretty, it's so pretty.
Dustin Ackley went 1-for-4 Friday versus Philadelphia, singling off Roy Oswalt in his first trip to the plate. He made a handful of plays in the field and the M's won 4-1.
But there's more. A lot more.
His single came after Oswalt, an experienced, above-average starting pitcher, worked the count 0-2. Ackley, whose heart rate probably never gets above 70, calmly poked a single through Oswalt's wickets and into center for the hit.
For those that thought he had the jitters, and judging by tweets and texts sent to Root Sports during the game many of you thought that, you're wrong. Ackley doesn't get the jitters. Why not? Because hitting and playing baseball is what he does.
He hit a ball fairly hard to center in his second PA for a flyout and lined out to the first baseman the next time up. He'd fly out again in his final at-bat, but it was a play he made in the eighth inning in the field that made Ackley's night.
He'd already made a few routine plays, but with one on and nobody out in the eighth and the M's up 4-1 and Aaron Laffey on the hill, Ackley's turn of the double play feed from Chone Figgins to force Carlos Ruiz at second and nail Jimmy Rollins at first was a thing of beauty, and a showing of not only impressive athleticism, but enough arm strength that I will never worry about his arm strength again. I'd never seen such a play in Tacoma, but he wasted no time proving he can make that play -- and throw.
Not only did Ackley hop over Ruiz as he threw the ball, but he wasn't balanced when he started his throwing motion because the throw wasn't fed perfectly -- no shot on Figgins, that is a long throw and it was more than fine -- so he was bent at the knees and waste with a slight lean toward left field.
He still needs to get better going to his right and there are some types of throws he still needs to get better on, but they will come with reps and there isn't a play he needs to make regularly that he cannot -- not in my opinion, not any more.
An executive in attendance emailed me after the game to say that Ackley looked good and hung in well on that play. He was clearly impressed, despite having some doubts about the position coming in.
Ackley doesn't really look the part at second, but he's getting the job done, and tonight was a perfect example.
thoughts-on-ackley\'s-debut
Comments
The following 49 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: Urbannaja on 06-18-2011 02:20:41 Ack looked great. It's really hard to temper optimism when we have Ackley, Smoak, Felix, Pineda already on the team. Especially when we've gotten some mildly intriguing production out of Peggy and Halman as well. Dare I hope for Liddi to come up and provide another youth upgrade? |
| 2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 06-18-2011 02:44:12 If you dare, but I wouldn't, he might be worse than Peguero. |
| 3. By: kevin_ess on 06-18-2011 03:14:03 Jason, I heard Liddi once ate three plates of spaghetti and hit nine grand slams in one rained out four inning game. Seriously though. Ackley looked so cool and collected at the plate. While his defense needs work, he did not look anywhere NEAR out of place. I cannot be more excited. And what a great debut. |
| 4. By: rocketdawg31 on 06-18-2011 03:18:24 Thanks for the Peoria roster, Jason. There's a lot of intriguing names on there- almost all the outfielders are getting my interest in following their stats, particularly Frankie Christian. I'm wondering just what do we have in that guy, since he was something of a decent "get" (and I didn't expect us to buy him out of his USC commit) for the org in the '10 draft. I hate to admit it, but I'd almost forgotten Dylan Unsworth existed. |
| 5. By: rocketdawg31 on 06-18-2011 03:22:04 As for more youth coming, if Dan Cortes and Josh Lueke can come up and be effective relievers in September? I'll be most happy. Ackley and Smoak, I can see them being our Bagwell/Biggio for the next decade (although they are NOT the same sort of players, exactly- clarifier.). But I really believe they are going to be the faces of this franchise in time. Let's hear it for them Carolina boys! |
| 6. By: maqman on 06-18-2011 07:25:22 Ack was the story of the day and everything that could be expected of him at this point. Not to be ignored is how Pineda dealt to the 9 wins in a row Phillies. The M's are showing they can play against the best and beat them, at least some of the time. We've got a team worth watching again and it looks like it will be getting better going forward. This season is everything we thought last season would be. I'm stoked! |
| 7. By: rhettfieldsted on 06-18-2011 10:59:58 Figgins is awful, but knowing that he will be kept in the lineup and our problems seem to be in left field...is there any chance of putting him out there and kennedy at third? I seem to remember one of the reasons he was signed included his "defensive versatility" and ability to play infield and outfield too. I would rather see a Carp/Halman platoon out there but if we are going to leave figgy in there, I would hope it's not to the expense of Kennedy's ABs going forward. Your thoughts? |
| 8. By: Adam P. Boyd on 06-18-2011 11:43:07 Exciting stuff. This M's team is going to be quite fun to watch this summer. I am a little surprised Peguero isn't on the AZ roster. |
| 9. By: 36148 on 06-18-2011 12:08:12 Apparently the AZ league is dominated by LH bats? |
| 10. By: griggs on 06-18-2011 12:42:47 Jason, with Michael Saunders getting consistent at bats in AAA, have you heard anything about how he has looked at the plate? He's obviously hitting the ball, but AAA stats don't mean much. Hopefully the reps he is getting can help him iron his swing out. I haven't given up on him yet, though right now, it seems like he is the 3rd LF on the M's depth chart behind Peguero and Carp. |
| 11. By: 01v-dubs on 06-18-2011 15:34:16 I was very impressed with Ackley last night. With Ryan performing solidly in the 2 hole I wouldn't mind seeing Ackley bat third, and be the type of three hole hitter that everyone wanted to see Ichiro be, plus he'd have Smoak protecting him so he'd see a lot of good pitches to hit. On a side note has anyone been paying attention to what Walker has been doing in Clinton? Paxton has been impressive as well but he's a little old for the league. Walker is still very young and has turned into a strikeout and ground ball machine. Have you heard how Walker is progressing jason? Is he just dominating with velocity or are his secondary offerings progressing? Thanks |
| 12. By: eatmorekale on 06-18-2011 16:14:40 Baseball America's hot sheet referred to a Mariners 17 year old prospect throwing 100 in Spring Training. It said he'll be in the NWL. Anyone know who this guy is? There was a link to a BA story on the guy but I'm not a subscriber... |
| 13. By: eatmorekale on 06-18-2011 16:16:46 Oops, the 17 year old part was referring to another guy, but still, who is this? |
| 14. By: Lailoken on 06-18-2011 16:29:43 eatmorekale, Campos is the youngin who's hit triple-digits with his fastball. He's gonna be a starter in Everett. He might even be the starter tonight since their first game yesterday had Landazuri as the Opening Day starter. |
| 15. By: Lailoken on 06-18-2011 16:47:04 Burin is going to Peoria too according to Larry Stone. |
| 16. By: eatmorekale on 06-18-2011 17:08:40 Lailoken, Thanks for clarifying. I suspected Campos, but I didn't realize he threw that hard. Nice. I guess I'm really gonna need to head up to Everett for a game soon! |
| 17. By: dawgncarolina on 06-18-2011 17:16:52 eatmorekale, where is this mention of Campos at BA that you are referring to? I can't seem to find it. Would love to read it. |
| 18. By: baseballman on 06-18-2011 17:41:30 RE 17: I think this is what he was referring to. http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/minors/classification-reports/short-season/2011/2611954.html |
| 19. By: Adam T on 06-18-2011 18:48:51 Last night was the first time I'd seen Ackley hit live, and not on internet video. I'm no scout or hitting instructor, but I can see why he's had to work on hitting too much on his front leg. His stride is pretty pronounced in that way... |
| 20. By: eatmorekale on 06-18-2011 19:07:09 If the link goes to the June 17th Hot Sheet, that's where I saw it. Bottom of the page... |
| 21. By: ndcohn on 06-19-2011 13:20:58 Hultzen pitching again. It's the first. He's hit 94 several times, his command has not been especially impressive, and he's had two swinging strike outs against RHB's on sliders thrown low and inside. |
| 22. By: 11records on 06-19-2011 16:38:51 I watched that game too. His command did seem a little off at times with the 3 walks and needing 110 pitches to get thru 6 1/3. He does field his position exceptionally well. |
| 23. By: rjfrik on 06-19-2011 17:25:48 You know this Ackley kid could be just what the doctor ordered to improve this offense. It's kind of nice to need an impact bat and you are able to find it internally. |
| 24. By: Timberwolf on 06-19-2011 19:35:43 Ackley can flat out hit. He also seems to have his head screwed on the right way. It's pretty powerful to be able to add an impact player from within the organization. Picking second overall gives you far better access to talent, but you still have to grab the right guy. Watching Hultzen bat 5th in a CWS batting order and make an awesome defensive play is encouraging. Two consecutive innings of zero runs allowed while battling some adversity speaks well of his make-up. I was intending to go to the game today but finding out it was virtually sold-out last night changed my mind. Another good sign for the team. What a difference a year makes. |
| 25. By: cdiggins@whidbey.com on 06-19-2011 20:06:47 Well i just got back from M's game where Hamels was dominating hitters. Carp was out of his league, he had no chance to get a hit. Ackley, on the other hand, in his 3rd at bat took an 0-2 pitch to the wall in LCenter for a triple. I could see he was not phased, intimidated by one of the best LH pitchers in the majors. I would think Wedge will move him up in the order soon...but where? Maybe 3rd? |
| 26. By: xarmyguy78 on 06-19-2011 20:13:59 cdiggins - Ackley was moved in the line-up today, from 7th where he was Friday and Saturday to 6th today |
| 27. By: Blowgun7 on 06-19-2011 20:28:12 Weekend impressions: 1) Ackley is a flat out stud. The eye is going to be major league elite, bat speed above average, and just a brilliant idea of what do at the plate, and the physical tools to pull it off. He also showed a strong arm and quality range all weekend. I have no doubt he will be come a good 2B. He works hard and is a great looking athlete. 2) Smoak after a rough May, looks locked in again. Much better at bats the last week and taking his walks. 3) I love Greg Halman despite his flaws. Above average corner defensive outfielder. Saved the game today IMO, with that diving catch in the first. If we fall behind 2-0 there to Hamels, I don't think we end up winning that game. He also showed of a tremendous arm later in the game holding Francisco to a single. I still think this guy can be a strong platoon bat at one of the corners going forward. 4) Meh, on Danny Hultzen so far. Sitting low 90s with mediocre control the last two starts. He needs ++ command IMO if he's ever going to be a top tier left handed starter. I know he's supposed to have better command then he's shown lately, so we'll see what happens going forward. Nevertheless he hasn't been that impressive the two times he's pitched since being drafted. 5) Campos goes tonight, looking forward to seeing his debut. |
| 28. By: cdiggins@whidbey.com on 06-19-2011 20:29:27 xarmguy, yeah I know but i think he will go up even more soon. His poise, eye, and skill is amazing for a rookie. He will have an amazing career. |
| 29. By: 11records on 06-19-2011 20:37:16 The thing with Hultzen is that, and again - I only saw the start today... He seems pretty deceptive with that big turn. No one squared him up at all. In the two starts that he's made that have been 'meh" since he was drafted, he's thrown 12 shutout innings. So, I choose to be encouraged by it. He also looks to have 2 different breaking pitches, including one with some nasty bite to it. Didn't see a single change-up today though. Not sure where that resides in his arsenal. |
| 30. By: Blowgun7 on 06-19-2011 21:01:10 For Hultzen to be worth the #2 overall, to me, he's gotta either get back to sitting the mid 90s.. or he'll need that ++ command... His deceptive delivery and his offspeed stuff would enable him to a top level lefty if one of those other things falls into place.. However, if he's going to only show above average command and sit at 90-92 all day, I'm not sure he's anything all that special.. A solid #3 probably.. If he's 93-95 with + command then we're talking a potential #2... or if he's gonna show elite command and sit 90-92 then he's got a shot at #2 starter.. And of course there is always the outside shot, he can show ++ command, and sit in the mid 90s.. and if that's the case and I thin the M's think he's got a shot to do it... then we're talking about a potential "ace" left hander. We'll have to wait to see.. The fact he's thrown 12 shutout innings while only showing mediocre command and a low 90s fastball shows me that he's got some deceptiveness in that delivery, he's a gamer, and college offenses these days aren't anything special. |
| 31. By: Mackie on 06-19-2011 23:59:21 If Hultzen, Paxton and Walker all work out, how soon do they get to Seattle? I hope they all do well, it is great to see some real pitching strength developing in the organization! As for Ackley, I couldn't believe how he seemed to toy with opposing pitchers in the 2009 CWS, and I've been eagerly anticipating his arrival in Seattle. So far, he has shown nothing to disappoint. Good glove, good arm, great eye at the plate, great focus and intensity, good bat speed. He plays with great confidence, like someone beyond his years. I have a good feeling about him becoming part of a nucleus of solid young Mariner players who will make the M's into a competitive team that fans can be proud of! |
| 32. By: FelixElRey on 06-20-2011 09:24:01 Is there a website reference where you can see what each team's opponent's record is? It seems as though we've had some series against some tough teams lately, and I was just curious to know if the Rangers have had an easier schedule up to this point or not. Thanks |
| 33. By: masonb on 06-20-2011 11:01:59 For what it's worth, my observation from Hultzen's game was that the strike zone was about the size of a matchbox and the umpire was very inconsistent. The home plate umpires in the CWS have been very bad overall IMO. I'm still not thrilled with the pick, but the fact that he threw 6 shutout innings under a decent bit of stress speaks alot for how good he can be |
| 34. By: Edman on 06-20-2011 11:51:02 Thanks masonb. I was sick and not feeling up to watching the game. Those that hate the pick are going to look for any way to say "I told you so". I don't judge statistics in whole, because if that was all they look for, Gerrit Cole would never have been selected #1 overall. Doesn't matter who was picked, some aren't going to like the pick. In three years, we'll find out who was right, and who was wrong. |
| 35. By: baseballman on 06-20-2011 11:59:28 Regarding Hultzen's last two starts, Chris Crawford said it best on his twitter: "The last two starts for Hultzen have been among the worst I've seen this year, and yet, he hasn't given up a run in either." That should speak volumes to the type of player Hultzen could be. In his worst starts of the year, he came away unscathed. I certainly wasn't expecting him to be the pick, but I am sure excited about what he's going to bring to this team. |
| 36. By: masonb on 06-20-2011 12:12:56 I know I'll probably take alot of flack for suggesting this, but if Hultzen signs somewhat soon after the CWS and gets a few starts in the minors, any chance he is brought up in September if the team is still in contention for a playoff spot? Seems like he could provide a good relief option or spot starter in the event Bedard gets injured or the team is concerned about Pineda's innings. I know Hultzen is up to about 110 innings or so, but maybe he could provide 15-20 good innings down the stretch? Just a thought |
| 37. By: maqman on 06-20-2011 13:10:51 I doubt we see Hultzen this year. After the CWS it's probably going to take some time to get him signed. The M's essentially made a $10MM commitment to sign Ackley. ($6.5MM original bonus, $1.5MM guaranteed salary for the first few years (total) and $2.5MM in additional bonus money which depended on when he made the team. He should get all but $.2MM of that.) I see Hultzen's agent saying "Show me the money that you gave your last number 2 pick." This is above slot and will probably make them wait until close to the deadline to complete, as did Ack. |
| 38. By: masonb on 06-20-2011 13:20:47 That's what I figure too, but I know that part of the motivation apparently behind drafting Hultzen was the little seasoning he would need to get to Seattle, and was just wondering if he could perhaps be ready this year. That however would not be the case if there's a month + long layoff. |
| 39. By: maqman on 06-20-2011 13:38:45 I'm guessing he might follow Ack's path through Arizona later in the year, given his college workload this season. Someone asked about Martin Esteilon Peguero, the 18-year old SS the M's made a millionaire last year. He's in the Dominican Summer League at this point in time. |
| 40. By: Adam P. Boyd on 06-20-2011 14:22:05 Well, he is listed on the DSL M's roster, but he hasn't played in a game yet. Somewhat odd. |
| 41. By: dawgncarolina on 06-20-2011 16:42:48 You sure about that maqman? I've heard from multiple people that he's in Arizona getting ready to play in the fall league with Pimentel and Castillo. |
| 42. By: slick on 06-20-2011 21:11:58 M Peguero on AZL roster 2nd in lineup tonight. |
| 43. By: dawgncarolina on 06-20-2011 21:15:19 awesome thanks slick |
| 44. By: dawgncarolina on 06-20-2011 21:16:37 Castillo batting 6th in Zona. Pimentel not in the lineup. Hopefully that means he's headed for Pulaski? |
| 45. By: dawgncarolina on 06-20-2011 21:17:54 Shipers debuting tonight in Everett. Esteillon, Phillips and Shipers all with their pro debuts on the same night? Awesome day for a prospect nerd like me. |
| 46. By: dawgncarolina on 06-20-2011 21:35:33 Peguero HBP in his first professional plate appearance. Proceeds to swipe third. |
| 47. By: dawgncarolina on 06-20-2011 21:37:28 Castillo doubles and scores in his first pro PA. Not bad young fellas. |
| 48. By: Gustafson on 06-20-2011 22:28:52 Looks like Castillo doubled in his first 2 ABs. |
| 49. By: Dmoseattle on 06-30-2011 03:31:38 How come no Ted Williams talk for Ackley? |
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