Mariners Spring Training: 8 Things To Know

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4. Who Are You and What Have You Done With Dustin Ackley?

Feb 25, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Dustin Ackley (13) throws in from the outfield during camp at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

So this guy has decided to look like the 2nd overall pick drafted out of UNC in 2009. So far this Spring he has flashed power, opposite field power, patience at the plate, and no errors in left field. He is batting .462/.500/.923– obviously that would never ever ever ever happen in the regular season and is completely unsustainable, but it’s something to be wary of.

Of his 6 hits, 4 have been for extra bases– 3 doubles and one towering home run off the batters eye in center field.

If he can maintain his numbers from the second half of last season– where he was one of only 11 AL position players to bat over .300, left field may be his for good.

And I sincerely hope that happens, because, well, Ackley is my favorite Mariner and he has the tools to be a productive everyday player. And if he keeps this up, who knows, he could bat leadoff again.

Unless…