Mariners Analysis: 3 Players Who Warrant a Call-Up

Sep 23, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pinch hitter Franklin Gutierrez (21) rounds 3rd base after hitting a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the 8th inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Despite sweeping the Oakland A’s this weekend, the Seattle Mariners have had a very slow start to the 2015 season. Anytime you enter the season with enormous expectations and you are under .500 11 days into May, changes are inevitable.

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General Manager Jack Zduriencik made a few moves last week, but he has made it clear he will continue tinkering with the roster until he gets the desired results. Zduriencik went as far to say that the players are “not on scholarship” in a recent interview.

There are a few players currently playing for the Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League that have earned a call-up to Seattle. All of these players in this list are familiar faces to Mariners’ fans, and some are more popular amongst the fan base that others. I will highlight 3 players I feel could help turn the M’s season around, and I will pick 3 players who could be demoted to make room for the new guys.

We will begin the list with veteran outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.

Next: Franklin Gutierrez

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

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

Justin Germano – RHP

Justin Germano is far from a rookie. The 32-year-old has made 96 appearances and has started nearly 50 games across 9 big league seasons. He has produced mediocre numbers in his career, but he has found himself this season in Tacoma. Germano has been the most valuable pitcher on the Rainiers’ staff this season, going 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA across 24.0 innings. He has been used as a reliever and a starter in 2015.

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Danny Farquhar (40) throws during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Farquhar was a critical piece to the Mariners’ 2014 bullpen, but he has regressed significantly this season. Farquhar was as reliable as they come last year, but he has registered a 5.40 ERA across 15.2 innings pitched in 2015. He has surrendered 2 home runs and allowed 9 runners to cross the plate. His 2.60 strikeout to walk ratio is nowhere near his 3.41 career average. The walk rate is not overly alarming, but he is striking out nearly 3 less hitters per 9 innings this season. A stint in Tacoma might be just what Farquhar needs to get back on track.

Germano could function as the long man in the Mariners’ bullpen. He is a player who could also occasionally be called on to make a spot start for Seattle. The right-hander will have a hard time replicating his 0.708 walks/hits per inning, but he would still represent an upgrade over Farquhar.

Next: Jesus Montero

Mar 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Jesus Montero against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jesus Montero – 1B/DH

This pick may generate some hate mail, but Jesus Montero’s incredible numbers in Tacoma are deserving of a trip to the show. Montero has been a lightning rod ever since he arrived in Seattle. Between underperforming in his first 2 seasons, weight issues and being suspended for PED’s, it is fair to say the 25-year-old has been a colossal failure with the Mariners.

However, Montero showed up to spring training this year in the best shape of his life. The effort he put forth in the offseason has translated to improved results as the plate. He is hitting .333 with 4 home runs and 18 RBI’s across 120 at bats with the Rainiers. His .350 on base percentage and .492 slugging percentage are amongst the best on the team. He still has no patience, as his 23:2 strike out to walk ratio illustrates, but he is squaring up pitches with regularity right now.

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Brad Miller (5) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Skipper Lloyd McClendon appears intent on playing Chris Taylor are shortstop. I have stated before that I disagree with this decision, but I believe I am in the minority on this. If the intention truly is to use Brad Miller as a super utility player, then he needs to be sent down to triple-A. Miller has only ever played shortstop, and it is going to take more than a few outfield sessions to learn how to play. It would be wise to send him down and play him all over the diamond. That is the only way to find out if Miller can fill the Ben Zobrist role.

The only issue with promoting Jesus Montero is where to play him. Logan Morrison has been on fire during the past couple weeks, and many of the attributes he possesses are impossible to quantify. With first base off the table, designated hitter is the only logical place Montero can play. I envision the Mariners giving Montero starts at DH and first base against left-handed starters. Regardless, his bat off the bench could be very valuable in the late innings.

I am still hesitant to put my faith in Jesus, but with the offense sputtering, his power bat from the right side is worth a look.

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