5th-7th Round Picks
Chris Taylor
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.