Mariners Analysis: 3 Players Who Warrant a Call-Up

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Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Franklin Gutierrez – OF

Franklin Gutierrez called the Emerald City home from 2009 through 2013. Guti has a long history with obscure ailments, but he appears to be back at full health this season in Tacoma. The 32-year-old outfielder has been a star for the Rainiers, hitting .324 with 4 home runs and 15 RBI’s through 74 at bats. He has posted a .457 on base percentage, and has slugged .554. His 20:16 strikeout to walk ratio is unheard of.

May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Rickie Weeks (25) before a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

I think it is time to wonder if the Rickie Weeks experiment will ever produce the way Zduriencik and his staff had hoped. Weeks is attempting to make the transition from second base to left field this season, but the process has been bumpy. Weeks is hitting .200 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI’s through his first 50 at bats in a Mariners’ uniform. His .322 on base percentage has been useful, but his .340 slugging percentage has fallen well shy of expectations.

Weeks has been serviceable in the outfield this year. He has yet to commit an error during his 57.0 innings in left field. However, his 1.58 range factor per 9 innings is nowhere near the league average of 1.97. It is reasonable to expect some improvement from the 32-year-old as the season progresses, however he will likely never be more than a below average outfielder.

Guti has the ability to play all three spots in the outfield, and has a gold glove on his resume. Even with his lengthy track record of injuries, Gutierrez could play center field with Austin Jackson on the disabled list. He spots a .991 career fielding percentage in the outfield. His 2.73 career range factor per 9 innings demolishes the league average of 2.30. Franklin’s exceptional defense could be a real plus to a club struggling to find it’s identity.

Next: Justin Germano