Before I launch into players the Mariners may look at, let me remind you that the draft can be extremely unpredictable. The stock of these high school and college baseball players, many of whom are still teenagers, can rise and fall quickly over the course of their spring baseball seasons.

Last year at this time, it was generally agreed that the first overall pick would be Stanford pitcher Mark Appel and the second pick would be high school pitcher Lucas Giolito. However, inconsistency from Appel coupled with questions in signability led to him falling to eighth in the draft and he subsequently decided go back to college instead of signing. Giolito hurt his UCL in high school and fell to sixteenth overall. There is a propensity for this kind of volatility in every year of the draft. (more…)

Shortstop from The University of Virginia.

Bats/Throws R/R

6’1” 180 pounds

College stats: .284 AVG, .383 OBP, 5 HR, 47 RBI

My Thoughts:

I’ve heard people compare Taylor to Devon Marrero. I believe that this is a very good comparison due to the fact that both guys are defensive-minded shortstops. He has great hands, and his plus speed helps give him good range. On the other hand, the bat is a question mark, and it will be what holds him back. In some regards, Chris Taylor is similar to Brendan Ryan. His glove is what the Mariners are paying for, but they hope that the bat will be passable so that they can move him up the system. In a best case scenario, I see Taylor being a MLB utility infielder with a great glove. If his bat develops, he might be an option as an everyday shortstop if both Franklin and Miller don’t work out.

Timmy Lopes

Middle Infielder from Edison High School (CA).

Committed to UC Irvine.

Bats/Throws R/R

My Thoughts:

The Mariners drafted him as a shortstop, but most scouts see him as a future second baseman where his defense would be considered above average. He does a good job of hitting the ball hard on a consistent basis, but his power is sub-par. Lopes’ bat projects pretty well in the middle infield, but it will be interesting to see if the Mariners can sign him away from college, and if Lopes can continue to improve.

Taylor Ard

First Baseman from Washington State University.

Bats/ Throws R/R

6’1” 230 pounds

College stats: .332 AVG, .412 OBP, 12 HR, 50 RBI

My Thoughts:

There is a lot of strength and a lot of power packed into the 6’1” frame of the former Cougar. While his power is not a concern, his defense is. I’m not sure where they are going to play him. He was drafted as a first baseman, but a 6’1” player is not good for first. He doesn’t possess the speed or arm for the outfield, so Ard may have to settle for DH, which isn’t ideal, but is alright if he can hit. It will be interesting to see if his bat can develop enough to keep him a valid option at DH.

Edwin Diaz

Pitcher from Naguabo High School (Puerto Rico).

Throws Right

6’3” 163 pounds

My Thoughts:

This kid’s fastball sits around 92-95, but he can touch 97. I can’t help but imagine that the sky will be the limit once he puts a little muscle on that lanky frame. His curveball and changeup are unreliable, but the velocity is impressive. If he can bulk up a bit and improve those off-speeds, Seattle could have a really good young pitcher on their hands. He may take some time to mature however.

Tyler Pike

Pitcher from Winter Haven High School (FL).

Committed to Florida State University

Throws Left

6’0” 205 pounds

My Thoughts:

Pike sits around 90 mph with good command. He kind of reminds me of Jason Vargas as he is a lefty with command of his fastball as well as a nice curve and good changeup. He will be a good guy to throw into the farm system and see how he can develop.

Patrick Kivlehan

Third Baseman from Rutgers University.

Bats/ Throws R/R

6’2” 211 pounds

My Thoughts:

Kivlehan is an interesting story because he didn’t play college baseball until this past year. Despite his hiatus, he hit .392 with 14 homeruns. He is expected to transition to the outfield in pro-ball which makes sense considering his great athleticism and hewas a safety on the Rutger football team. His power should fit the corner outfield role and he has learned how to hit breaking pitches very quickly which bodes well for his development.