Seattle Mariners: 6 Prospects Who Are Going to Get a Look in 2012

Due to the increased importance that the Seattle Mariners and general manager Jack Zduriencik have put on replenishing the minor league system, the Mariners have drastically improved their farm systems standing in recent years.  The Mariners have already begun to reap the benefits of Zduriencik’s focus on building up the minor leagues through homegrown players like Dustin Ackley and Michael Pineda.

Although the Mariners should be an improved team in the 2012 season relative to last year's disappointing 67-95 club, they will still be long shots to make the playoffs due in part to the strength of the AL West.  This means that, as the season progresses, the Mariners will start taking looks at various minor league prospects by calling them up to the big leagues and giving them an opportunity to prove they belong.

This slideshow takes a look at six Mariner minor league prospects that could get a look at the big league level in the 2012 season. 

James Paxton, Starting Pitcher

With the Mariners starting rotation uncertain behind Felix Hernandez and Jason Vargas, there will be an opportunity for a minor league prospect like James Paxton to win a spot in the rotation during spring training.  Paxton, a 2010 fourth-round pick, had a phenomenal 2011 season that included a trip to the 2011 All-Star Futures game. 

The 6’4”, 220-pound left-handed starting pitcher split his 2011 season between the Mariners Single-A and Double-A minor league affiliates.  Paxton’s combined statistics between the two stops were impressive, as he recorded a 6-3 record, 2.37 ERA, 143 strikeouts and a .215 opponent batting average against in only 95 innings.

While there is a chance that Paxton makes the major league rotation when spring training breaks, the Mariners more than likely will place him in their farm system at the start of the season.  By placing Paxton in the minor leagues to begin the season, the Mariners would be giving Paxton time to work on his command.   

If Paxton doesn’t crack the rotation at the start of the season don’t be surprised to see him get the call at some point during the summer.

Alex Liddi, Third Baseman

The news that Chone Figgins would be the Opening Day third baseman and leadoff hitter means that Alex Liddi will likely open the 2012 season with the Tacoma Rainiers.  The Italian-born Liddi made a brief cameo for the Mariners in 2011, hitting .225 with three HRs. 

The main appeal with Liddi is his obvious power; before getting called up to the M’s Liddi had 30 HRs and 104 RBI in Tacoma.  Unfortunately for Liddi, the Mariners currently have a bit of a logjam at third base with Chone Figgins and Kyle Seager already on the major league roster. 

Of primary concern with Liddi is his high strikeout numbers—170 last season.  The sole Mariner prospect on the list that has logged time with the big league club, Liddi could return to the Mariners over the summer if he can rein in his high strikeout numbers.

Danny Hultzen, Starting Pitcher

Similar to Paxton, Danny Hultzen is with the Mariners in spring training and will also be battling for a chance to begin the season in the starting rotation.  Although Hultzen was drafted just last season, second overall, it is possible that he will don a Mariner uniform at some point in 2012.

The former University of Virginia star dominated the ACC in his three years as a Cavalier to the tune of a 32-5 record and 2.08 ERA.  After signing his contract in mid-August, Hultzen continued his pitching prowess in the Arizona Fall League with a 1.60 ERA in six starts.

With excellent command on a full repertoire of pitches, Hultzen doesn’t have much to improve on at the minor league level.  That said, the Mariners aren’t likely to rush Hultzen to the major league level, so Mariners fans may have to settle for a late-season call-up in 2012.

Forrest Snow, Relief Pitcher

Although Forrest Snow was drafted as a starting pitcher, he showed considerable promise after switching over to the bullpen in Tacoma last season.  The ERA wasn’t pretty, 5.35, but Snow managed to strike out more than one batter per inning. 

The former starting pitcher continued his growth out of the bullpen in the Arizona Fall League where he was one of the better performing Mariners prospects.  At 6’6”, 220 pounds, Snow is an intriguing prospect that is still recovering from shoulder injuries suffered in college.

Armed with a plus fastball that sits around 95 MPH, Snow still needs refinement but will be one to watch in 2012. 

Chih-Hsien Chiang, Outfielder

Acquired in the trade that sent Erik Bedard to the Boston Red Sox, Chih-Hsien Chiang could make his way onto the Mariners roster in 2012 as a reserve outfielder.  The former Red Sox farmhand had a solid 2011 season despite struggling mightily after joining the Mariners Double-A farm team.

Chiang’s ended 2011 with a .302 average, 18 HRs and 86 RBI. Amazingly, all 18 of his HRs and 76 RBI came before being traded to the Mariners.  With a pretty left-handed stroke, the Mariners are hoping that Chiang's struggles were caused due to adjusting to his new environment. 

A rebound season from Chiang in 2012 could lead to a late-season call-up to the Mariners.

 

 

Vinnie Catricala, Third Baseman

The Mariners minor league Prospect of the Year in 2011, Vinnie Catricala has continued to impress thus far this spring with the big league club.  Upon his call-up to Double-A midway through last season, Catricala caught fire, ending the season with a robust .347 average and 11 HRs. 

Due to his limited experience at higher levels, only 62 games at Double-A and questions about his defense, Catricala could remain in the minor leagues throughout the 2012 season.  However, with the Mariners offense likely to struggle in 2012, Catricala, if he can continue to hit like he has in his minor league career, could reach the big leagues earlier than expected.