MLB Draft Tracker 2012: Mike Zunino a Perfect Fit with Seattle Mariners

Sitting at No. 3 in the MLB 2012 draft, the Mariners landed a perfect prospect for them in catcher Mike Zunino. The 6'2", 220-pound player out of the University of Florida is exactly what the Mariners need. 

Zunino is an excellent defensive catcher. His biggest defensive weakness is his arm. He is never going to be among the league leaders in gunning down baserunners, but he has a good glove, is well built and has excellent leadership ability. His play earns him a lot of comparisons to Jason Varitek. 

This is key for the Mariners. This franchise is developing a lot of young pitching talent, and now they have a catcher to aid them in this process and grow with them. 

Zunino has been on the minds of MLB teams for a few years now. In 2009, he was selected in the 29th round by the Oakland A's. This is a testament to his natural ability. 

He turned that natural ability into production on the college level. He is not considered an elite hitting prospect, but he is certainly no slouch. 

This season with Florida he hit for a .316 average with 27 doubles, 18 home runs and 60 RBI in 62 games. Even more impressively, he had the second-highest OPS in the SEC for the past two years.

Zunino will not spend a ton of time in the minors, and his path to being the M's full-time catcher is relatively clear. They have Jesus Montero, but his defensive weaknesses leave him better-suited for DH and backup catcher. 

Zunino is a talented player and he fills a huge need for the young Mariners. 

You can follow the live draft tracker on MLB.com.