MOD Mariners

by AndrewZStebbins on May 13, 2025 8:23 PM EDT Comment 2 comments

There is Stephen Strasburg. And there is everyone else.

There are the Washington Nationals. And then there are baseball's 29 other teams.

The Seattle Mariners essentially kick things off, selecting Second Overall from a group of everyone except San Diego State's righty phenom Strasburg. Scouts consider this year to be a "down year" in terms of the depth of talent at the top but in the Mariners' front office we aren't complaining...sure, Strasburg would be nice, but if you don't laugh at our pick we won't laugh at yours. There is a lot of uncertainty this year and it starts when the M's are on the clock.

Besides pick #2, Seattle holds picks 27, 33, 51, and 82 (that's as high as we're going in this excersise).

As scouting director, I can't get out to see ALL of the best players in the country, so please, send me your recommendations as to how I should continue to stockpile talent in our farm system. In the end, the decision is mine, but take pride in knowing you did your part to make the Seattle Mariners a winner.

Be sure to vote in the poll...and I'll keep you updated as to what we're thinking here at HQ.

Poll

Who do you think the Mariners, led by Andrew Stebbins, should select with the second overall pick in 2009?

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JACK Z

Here are my thoughts.

We have a system that has a lot of high risk high reward type players. I think that we really need to get some players into our system that are a little less raw and show some more polish. We really have a lack of depth from the left side of the mound and while we have some live arms from the right side they are all still relative far from the Majors. In the outfield we do have some good high upside guys but once again most of it is far away or in the case of our top prospect heading into the year (Halman) have really struggled. On the infield most of our guys profile as corner guys down the road and once again there is nobody really all that close to breaking in with the big club.

Our new General Manager Jack Zduriencik built the Milwaukee system up from a laughing stock of the league by drafting college bats like Braun, Gamel and LaPorta. It is our job with these five picks in the top 100 to restock this system with players we strongly believe will be success once they leave college or high school. We want guys with good make up, show a fair level of advancement at there position or a solid feel for pitching.

At number 2, I’m personally looking at Ackley I think he makes the most sense at this point for our organization. We can watch him closely from now until the draft and see how much cf he plays. Once he’s in the system we can start him there and move him if he can’t stick. The bat is the best in the draft and he can get the the majors quickly.

Number 27, I really think we should be looking at a pitcher at this point. Mike Minor, Tyler Skaggs, and Jacob Turner look like possibilities here.

Number 33, as with our pick before we should be taking the BPA. AT this point in the draft would a guy like Luke Bailey be worth a shot if he’s still on the board? Is he signable and do we feel we have the time to be able to wait for him to recover from the injury to his elbow? What about a Kendal Volz, Brooks Raley, or Kentrail Davis here?

Number 51, Looking at this point in the draft guys like DJ LeMahieu, Jason Kipnis, Josh Phegley, Angelo Songco, Robbie Shields and Brad Boxberger might be availabe still and would fit what we are looking for what do you think?

Number 82, At this point if we don’t feel we’ve taken a chance with anybody maybe we could look at taking a guy that has dropped unexpectedly? Or is there any specific names that pop out here that may still be on the board?

by Bouncer on May 14, 2025 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BPA

With new management I’m bringing my plan to Seattle to select the best player available, everypick, according to scouts like you. I agree, it could be Ackley, and a lot can change right now so I won’t tip my hand (yet) as to who I’m learning toward, but it will be the best player available - like you were saying.

Very good suggestions for each pick and your take on our farm system is realistic and honest, but my philosophy is if the best player is a shortstop and the organization doesn’t neccesarily have a need at the position I’m still going for the shortstop. I’m glad you’ve come aboard. Welcome.

Also, thanks to everyone for voting in the poll. You’re doing your part. These things count. And please, suggest players here in the comments section. That will give me the opportunity to get a last look before the big day. I’ll be back with a big update early next week, but will be available here in the comments.

by AndrewZStebbins on May 14, 2025 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs