Seattle Mariners Top-15 Prospects of 2010, No’s 1 – 5

ALSO SEE – Mariners Top Prospects, No’s 6 – 15

Grades are based on a prospect’s projected value over the course of his career and how likely it is that prospect will fulfill his projected value. Various factors are accounted for including upside, red flags, actual performance, and closeness to the majors. See the 2010 Prospect Primer for more information as it relates to prospect grading and philosophy.

Hitters must have 100 or fewer Major League ABs to qualify for this list. Starting pitchers must have 50 or fewer Major League innings to qualify for this list. Relief pitchers must have 25 or fewer Major League innings to qualify for this list. Ages are listed as of May 1st, 2010. Levels are based on the highest level in which a prospect played in 2009. All grades are subject to change based on any new information I receive before the season starts.

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Player Grades
Contact – 45 Now | 55/60 Future
Power – 40 | 50
Discipline – 50 | 60
Speed – 65 | 65
Defense – 45 | 55
Arm – 45 | 45
Instincts – 50 | 60
ETA – Late 2011 or Early 2012
Final Grade – B+

I compiled a scouting report on Dustin Ackley a little while back. Since that time, we’ve seen Ackley compete in the AFL with mixed result. He hit for average, he got on base, but he didn’t show a lot of power. Power seems to be the biggest question mark Ackley and you’ll get a wide range of opinions depending no who you ask. Personally, I see him as a 15 – 20 homerun player.

It really wasn’t about results though for Ackley, during his time in the AFL. He was simply getting himself acclimated to pro ball, adjusting to better pitching, and adjusting to the use of wood bats.

One of the interesting developments for Ackley was the Mariners’ decision to give Ackley an extensive look at second base. It’s not clear to me if the Mariners are ultimately set to make Ackley a second baseman first and a center fielder second, but I believe they have said they will experiment with Ackley at second base in 2010, so it’s something to monitor. Either way, Ackely would be playing a premium position so there isn’t much to worry about.

Best Case Outcome – Top-5 center fielder or top-3 second baseman

More Likely Outcome – Above average center fielder or well above average second baseman

Player Grades
Contact – 45 Now | 50 Future
Power – 45 | 50
Discipline – 45 | 50
Speed – 30 | 30
Defense – 50 | 55
Arm – 55 | 55
Instincts – 50 | 55
ETA – 2010
Final Grade – B-

Body Type – He’s pretty big at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds

Scouting Report

Adam Moore isn’t going to blow anybody away with his tools or performance, but he’s pretty solid across the board.

Moore’s power fell off some last year and I’m not quite sure why. He still projects to have average power to all fields. He’s always had a solid approach at the plate though I’d like to see him walk more. He makes good contact, but he’s not somebody I’d call a high-contact hitter…as I said, solid across the board particularly for a catcher.

Defensively, he already shows an above average arm and he’s improved in other areas over the last couple years, especially his blocking skills.

Moore will compete for the everyday job next year after current catcher Kenji Johjima opted out of his contract in October.

Best Case Outcome – Average everyday catcher

More Likely Outcome – Slightly below average everyday catcher…may have to give him games off against tough right handers

Brief Rundown on Prospects 3 – 5

3. Gabriel Noriega, SS – He’s a high risk prospect, very raw, but he plays a premium defensive position and plays it well…shown some promise with the bat

4. Carlos Triunfel, 2b/3b/SS – Would rate higher if I didn’t think he would end up at third…bat profiles best up the middle and I question how much power he’ll eventually hit for

5. Alex Liddi, 3b – Unsure really what to make of Liddi…difficult player to evaluate and a lot of diverging opinions…originally had him rated at No. 3, but the more I’ve dug into him, the less I’ve liked, especially defensively where there are some that feel he’ll have to be moved off third…if that is to be the case, then his value will drop off sharply, but for now I still think he can potentially be an average everyday third baseman

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UP NEXT – Seattle Mariners, Prospects 6 – 15

Other References and Resources Used for This Article – First Inning and Minor League Splits