Article:Seattle Mariners 2008 Top Ten Prospects

Luckily for the M's, the aquisition of Erik Bedard only cost them one prospect off their top ten list, and may also have guaranteed the American League Western Division title without mortgaging their future. One that from a minor league standpoint doesn't necessarily shine brightly.


 * 1) Jeff Clement, 24, lefthanded hitting catcher, first round, 2005

When intially drafted, Clement was so bad defensively behind the plate the Mariners sent him to Instructional League to learn third base. Working with minor league catching instructor Roger Hansen almost exclusively for the past two seasons, Clement has put himself back on track to catch at the ML level. While he will never match the quickness and footwork of incumbent Kenji Johjima, he will more than make up for the gap with his bat. Solid catching skills and arm, Clement's only remaining weakness is the catch and throw, he has yet to reach 30% for a season in throwing out runners. Offensively he is years ahead of his age, mature, patient and with plus power and hitting ability to all fields. Originally a pull hitter, Clement homered twice in his Seattle debut in 2007, both of which went to left-center. Clement will make the Mariners roster out of spring training, spending time behind the plate, at first base and DH.


 * 2) Phillipe Aumont, 19, RHP, first round, 2007

Best sinker in the system, average/plus fastball which has reached 98. Slider is improving and potentially is a plus pitch, Aumont uses a split as a changeup although the Mariners have scrapped that offering and will teach him a more conventional change. Physically imposing (6'7", 230), his strengths are also his weaknesses. His is strong and durable but has trouble repeating his delivery and motion. Aumont signed late so his first pro experience will come in 208 at Low Class A.


 * 3) Chris Tillman, 19, RHP, second round, 2006

Traded to Baltimore in the Erik Bedard deal. Seattle had him ticketed for Double A as a 20 year old, I would guess that would also be his destination for the O's.


 * 4) Carlos Triunfel, 17, righthanded hitting shortstop, free agent, 2006

Made three stops in his first pro season, hitting .296 combined, although he had just 22 extra base hits in 371 atbats with no homers. Confident in his own ability, Triunfel is unfazed by errors or slumps and is a hard worker and quick learner for someone so young. He has a solid arm and good hands although he eventually will outgrow shortstop and the M's have him targeted as a ML third baseman. A gap to gap hitter, his power should emerge as he matures and learns to work counts and be more selective. HIgh Class A in '08


 * 5) Wladimir Balentien, 23, righthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, free agent, 2000

Has averaged 22 homers per season in his four full minor league seasons. Power to all fields, Balentien has improved overall as a hitter and projects to close to .300 in the ML. A solid rightfielder with good instincts and a plus arm, Balentien has the speed and quickness to play center if needed. He still struggles somewhat with maturity issues although made drastic strides in that regard in 2007 which played a part in him making his ML debut. Will compete for an OF spot in the spring although significant time in Triple A isn't out of the question.


 * 6) Michael Saunders, 22, lefthanded hitting, righthanded throwing outfielder, 11th round draft and follow, 2004

A potential five-tooler, Saunders is the best athlete in the M's system, a top high school hockey and lacrosse player in Canada who despite his size (6'4") was also a standout soccer player. A smothe swing with good power potential, Saunders has the speed necessary to play center and the arm for right and projects as a 25/25 player in the ML. Only weakness is experience, needs to effectively learn to use his speed on the bases, reading pitchers, jumps in the outfield and learning to work counts. Double A in 2008.


 * 7) Juan Ramirez, 19, RHP, free agent, 2005

Plus four-seamer (95-97), improving curve and change although neither considered average. Below average command. Good build (6'3", 175) for a pitcher with an easy, effortless delivery. Still learning the nuances of pitching, Low Class A in '08


 * 8) Mark Lowe, 24, RHP, fifth round, 2004

Lowe's career took off after a move to the bullpen in 2006 although he underwent microfracture surgery on his right elbow during the season. He recovered well enough to have made his ML debut in 2007. Lowe's fastball went from average to plus after the move and surgery, as did his slider. Changeup is average at best but appears better when compared to his other pitches. Spring will determine if Lowe's elbow is 100% and if so he will break camp as a member of the ML bullpen.


 * 9) Ryan Rowland-Smith, 25, LHP, free agent, 2000

Moving from the bullpen to the rotation in '08. Four pitches with a plus fastball and average everything else. Needs to work on the transition, career high in innings is 122, will spend most of if not all the season in Triple A getting accustomed to his new role.


 * 10) Matt Tuiasosopo, 21, righthanded hitting and throwing third baseman, third round, 2004

Son and brother of former NFL players Manu and Marques. Signed letter of intent to play QB at Washington, changed mind when drafted by home state Mariners. Has solid athletic skills and makeup. Signed as a shortstop, move to third due to lack of foot speed and lateral movement, has the arm and hands to be an average 3B. Has an inside out swing which generates gap hitting ability but is devoid of power. M's sent him to Arizona Fall League with a goal of getting him to turn on the ball more and keep the bat barrel move in line with his hands and also to reduce his high leg kick trigger. Double A to start 2008.


 * Kelsdad provides the Minor League Prospect Reports exclusively for ArmchairGM

Rankings by Baseball America, contributing text by Matt Eddy

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