Seattle Mariners Take on Diamondbacks and White Sox in Split Squad Action

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Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop

Chris Taylor

(1) runs out of the batter

Shortstop Battle Continues to Entertain

Brad Miller was in the game with the rest of the Mariners’ starters on Thursday against the San Diego Padres. This obviously suggests he is the early leader in the clubhouse to be the Mariners every day shortstop in 2015. Miller looked good defensively, and he recorded a walk and a strikeout at the plate. The 25-year-old struggled mightily in 2014, but he has the best combination of skills amongst his competitors at short. Miller will be starting at shortstop when the M’s take on the White Sox today in Glendale.

Chris Taylor was called up to the show last July, and he proved to be an impact performer down the stretch for the Mariners last season. Taylor is a quality defender, and he has shown himself to be a good contact hitter. The 24-year-old had a fantastic outing on Saturday afternoon against the Dodgers. Taylor battled swirling winds all day, but managed to make a couple of great plays with the leather. Taylor shined at the plate yesterday. In his first at bat, Taylor hit a triple into right-center field that one hoped the wall. In his next plate appearance, Taylor crushed a home run into the left field bullpen. Taylor finished the day 2-2 with 3 RBI’s.

This fight is far from over, but Chris Taylor delivered the first punch on Saturday to be the Mariners everyday shortstop in 2015.

Make sure you check back after game for our take on what stood out from the Mariners this afternoon.

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