Mariners Analysis: M's Former 1st Round Picks, Where are they Now?

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Jun 2, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) argues a checked swing call against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Safeco Field. Zunino was ejected from the game. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The tenure of Mariners’ general manager Jack Zduriencik has been a turbulent one. Zduriencik led the M’s to a record of 85-77 during his first season in the Emerald City, but has registered only 1 other winning season in his 7 years on the job. Seattle has lost at least 90 games on 3 separate occasions, and through 57 games in 2015, the current incarnation of the Mariners is one of the more disappointing groups in team history.

The Major League Baseball draft is set to start today at 3:00 pm PT. MLB Network will carry the draft live, and fans can watch online at MLB.com.

In honor of the event, SoDo Mojo will take a look back at the players Jack Zduriencik has drafted in the first round here in Seattle. Prior to taking over as the M’s GM, Zduriencik played a key role in shaping the Milwaukee Brewers’ roster. He was partly responsible for drafting All Stars Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart in Milwaukee. These player served as the nucleus of a Brewers club that made trips to the postseason in 2008 and 2011.

Jack Z’s track record drafting with the Mariners is shaky at best. He proved to have the golden touch in Milwaukee, but he has yet to draft a player in the first round with the Mariners who has appeared in an All Star game. We will begin the list with Dustin Ackley who was selected 2nd overall back in 2009.

Next: Dustin Ackley

Jun 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Dustin Ackley (left) is tagged out at home plate by New York Yankees catcher John Ryan Murphy (66) during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

2009: Dustin Ackley – OF – University of North Carolina – Pick 2

Many pundits hailed Jack Zduriencik’s first selection as general manager as a home run, but the career of Dustin Ackley has been a roller coaster. It was an easy decision to select Ackley after he starred with the North Carolina Tar Heels for 3 seasons. The Ack-Attack was hands down the best college hitter in 2009, posting a .417 batting average with 22 home runs, 73 RBI’s and 13 stolen bases. Many people point to the fact that the Mariners had a chance to select Mike Trout and didn’t, but Ackley was the right pick at the time.

Ackley ascended quickly through the minor leagues, reaching the big leagues in 2011. He combined to slash .290/.397/.443 in the Mariners’ system, and was ranked by Baseball America as a top 15 prospect in 2010 and 2011. As a 23-year-old rookie, Ackley tore up the big leagues, hitting .273 with 6 home runs and 36 RBI’s through 90 games in 2011. He also posted a respectable .348 on base percentage and slugged .417.

However, things have gone south in recent years. The Ack-Attack is hitting just .236 with 34 home runs and 157 RBI’s during his last 459 games. He has also registered a dismal OBP of .296 and slugged .353 over his last 1,777 plate appearances. The 27-year-old played a key role for the M’s last summer, but he has failed to carry over last season’s success.

Ackley began his career as a second baseman, but has since made the successful transition to the outfield. Fans have not been shy about voicing their displeasure with the bearded beauty, but no one is complaining about his ability in the field.

I think it is safe to say that Dustin Ackley’s days are numbered in Seattle. He is having his worst season as a pro in 2015, and appears lost at the plate. He has crumbled under the pressure of being the former no.2 overall pick, and a change of scenery would likely do him good. I have always liked Ackley, but I think he time has come to move on.

Next: Nick Franklin

May 29, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin (6) turns the double play to put Los Angeles Angels catcher Hank Conger (16) and left fielder Grant Green (not pictured) out during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

2009: Nick Franklin – SS – Lake Brantley High School (Altamonte Springs, FL) – Pick 27

Nick Franklin was selected by the M’s out of Lake Brantley High School just 2 picks after the Los Angeles Angels picked some guy named Mike Trout. Franklin was considered to be a high upside middle infield prospect with plus hit and power tools.

Franklin showed well at every level of the minor leagues for the M’s, posting a career .284/.362/.450 slash line. He moved very quickly through the system for a high school player, reaching the big leagues as a 22-year-old in 2013. In his debut campaign, Franklin hit .225 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI’s though 412 plate appearances. He registered a .303 on base percentage and slugged .382 as a rookie in 2013.

Franklin showed glimpses of what made him such a high pick, but never fully put it together during his time in Seattle. The M’s shipped Franklin to Tampa Bay last season at the trade deadline as part of the 3-team deal that saw David Price end up in Detroit and Austin Jackson in Seattle.

M’s fans have had a great opportunity to see Nick Franklin play the past couple of weeks as the Rays and Mariners played 7 games against each other since May 25th. Franklin is mired a miserable slump right now, but the 24-year-old switch-hitter still possesses plenty of potential.

Next: Steve Baron

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

2009: Steve Baron – C – John A. Ferguson High School (Miami, FL) – Pick 33 (Supplemental)

The Mariners selected Steve Baron out of John A. Ferguson High in Miami, FL in the supplemental round of the 2009 draft. Baron graded out as a plus defender behind the plate in high school, but had a questionable offensive skill set.

Baron has yet to reach the Majors, but remains in the Mariners’ organization. The now 24-year-old started the 2015 season with the M’s AA affiliate in Jackson before earning a promotion to Tacoma. Baron has a career slash line of .222/.276/.333 across 7 seasons in the minor leagues. He has combined to hit just 1 home run in his last 97 games.

The young catcher has done a nice job defensively throughout his minor league career. Baron has gunned down 44% of potential base stealers, and has registered a .986 fielding percentage across 417 games.

2015 may be Steve Baron’s best season as a pro. Through 37 games in Jackson, Baron hit .243 and posted a .362 on base percentage. He is never going to hit for a high average, but he has developed incredible patience at the plate, and he rarely strikes out. He has only played 2 games with the Rainiers, but has already nursed 2 walks. He has also recorded a .993 fielding percentage between Jackson and Tacoma.

Baron will likely never be more than a backup at the big league level, but that is still a pretty solid return on investment for a supplemental round pick.

Next: Taijuan Walker

May 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) reacts after getting the final out of the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

2010: Taijuan Walker – RHP – Yucaipa High School (Yucaipa, CA) – Pick 43 (Supplemental)

Taijuan Walker was a relative unknown to M’s fans when he was selected 43rd overall out of Yucaipa High, but he quickly made a name for himself in the minor leagues. Walker has always had great size, but he really learned how to pitch as he moved up the ladder in the Mariners’ system.

Tai found success at every level of the minor leagues, going 30-30 with a 3.65 ERA across 453.2 career innings. Walker was ranked the 5th best prospect in the game prior to the 2013 season by MLB.com. The heir to the throne in Seattle got the call to the big leagues as a 20-year-old in 2013.

Understandably, Walker has had an up and down career thus far with the Mariners. Prince Tai has a 5-9 record with a 4.42 ERA across 22 games in a Mariners’ uniform. However, this spring, fans saw the pitcher we all hoped would one day grace the mound in the Emerald City. He has struggled thought he first 2 months of the regular season, but he has a 1.69 ERA over his last 16.0 innings pitched.

Fans may have lowered their expectations slightly, but there is still plenty of optimism surrounding the 22-year-old right-hander. If people can be patient with Walker, I believe greatness is possible. Prince Tai has incredible stuff, he just needs to mature mentally. He arrived in the Emerald City as a very young man, and has pitched like one for much of his career.

Next: Danny Hultzen

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

2011: Danny Hultzen – LHP – University of Virginia – Pick 2

Picking 2nd has not been kind to the Mariners in recent drafts. A couple years after the club selected Dustin Ackley, Jack Z picked another colossal disappointment 2nd overall. Danny Hulten was drafted so high in part because he was projected to reach the Majors very quickly. However, M’s fans have yet to see Hultzen throw a pitch at Safeco Field in the 4 years since.

Injuries have played a huge role in Hultzen’s demise, as he has fared well when healthy. He was thought to be the member of the big 3 (Hultzen, Walker, James Paxton) who would reach Seattle first. The southpaw made it to Tacoma in 2012, and was off to a great start with the Rainiers before suffering a shoulder injury. He tried to pitch through the issue, but ultimately required surgery. Hultzen proceeded to miss the entire 2014 season recovering from surgery.

Hultzen is attempting a comeback with the M’s AA affiliate in Jackson, although he was just placed on the DL with should fatigue. He appeared in a spring training game this past March, and has 3 starts this season with the Jackson Generals. The 25-year-old has not allowed a run in his 8.0 innings, and has recorded 8 strikeouts.

Once ranked by MLB.com as the 16th best prospect in the league, Hultzen will likely never be the front line starter Seattle hoped he would be. However, Danny still has a great chance to play in the big leagues if he can find a way to stay on the field. A shift to the bullpen may be a wise move if he cannot stay healthy as a starter.

Next: Mike Zunino

May 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) shakes hands with manager Lloyd McClendon (23) following the final out of an 11-4 victory against the San Diego Padres at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

2012: Mike Zunino – C – University of Florida – Pick 3

Mike Zunino is perhaps the most successful 1st round selection of the Zduriencik tenure. Zunino drew comparisons to Jason Varitek when he was at the University of Florida, and was an obvious pick for the Mariners in 2012.

Zunino raced through the minor leagues, appearing in just 96 games before getting called up to Seattle. He slashed .286/.365/.571 across 419 plate appearances on the farm. Zunino has quickly become a key player for the Mariners, even if his offensive numbers leave plenty to be desired. The 24-year-old backstop has combined to hit .196 with 34 home runs and 89 RBI’s over 234 games in the Major Leagues.

In his first full season as a big leaguer, Mike Zunino hit .199 with 22 home runs and 60 RBI’s over the course of 131 games in 2014. Zunino also played superb defense, posting a .995 fielding percentage and threw out 28% of potential base stealers. Most importantly of all, he did a wonderful job working with the Mariners’ pitching staff.

Fans have been very hard on Zunino for his offensive struggles, and rightfully so. However, before hurling insults at the young man, we must first consider the context. Zunino has been a great hitter his entire life. The only time he has experienced difficulties is in the Major Leagues. He is attempting to make adjustments at the highest level while also playing the most demanding position defensively. That is not an easy task for a young player. It is not an excuse of this dismal offensive performance, but it is worth noting.

I think Zunino will figure things out at the plate soon enough. Much like a young Yadier Molina, I don’t care how much he hits, Zunino should be behind the plate every night for Seattle. He is by far the best catcher the M’s have had since Dan Wilson, and if fans can be patient with him, I expect Zunino to make more than a few All Star teams before he hangs up his cleats.

Next: D.J. Peterson

Mar 15, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman D.J. Peterson (46) bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

2013: D.J. Peterson – 3B – University of New Mexico – Pick 12

D.J. Peterson is another Zduriencik pick that was lauded on draft night. Peterson is a corner infielder with big time power, and has shown a consistent ability to hit everywhere he has been.

The 23-year-old was named the co-player of the year in the Mariners’ system for 2014 after hitting .297 with 31 home runs and 111 RBI’s across 123 games split between High Desert and Jackson. Peterson represented the M’s at last season’s Futures Game in Minneapolis, and showed well this spring in Peoria.

Unfortunately, Peterson has struggled mightily this season with the Generals. Peterson is hitting .202 with 2 home runs and 22 RBI’s. He has registered a .287 on base percentage and slugged a measly .288. These are not the type of numbers the Mariners’ front office were hoping for from their future first baseman.

I had originally thought D.J. Peterson would end the season with the Rainiers in Tacoma, but now I am less confident. Peterson entered the season ranked by MLB.com as the 50th best prospect in baseball, and I still have high hopes for the Gilbert, AZ product. If he can get things turned around at the plate, look for Peterson to make his debut in Seattle sometime during next season.

Next: Alex Jackson

2014: Alex Jackson – OF – Rancho Bernardo High School (San Diego, CA) – Pick 6

The general consensus last year was that the M’s stole Alex Jackson with the 6th overall pick. Jackson graded out as having big time power potential, and some were even comparing him to Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins. I was not quite ready to go that far, but I really liked the pick.

Jackson has obviously had a very small sample size, but he has been a disappointment thus far in his career. AJ hit .280 with 2 home runs and 16 RBI’s across 82 at bast last season in rookie ball. This season he has fallen off a cliff. Jackson is hitting .157 with 0 home runs and 13 RBI’s through 28 games this season with the Clinton LumberKings. The Mariners have said that Jackson attempted to play through a shoulder ailment this spring, and has now been shut down to recover.

The good news is that Alex Jackson played like a big time prospect this spring for the Mariners in spring training. At just 19-years-old, Jackson hit .222 with 1 home run and 1 RBI across 5 games in Cactus League action. He entered the season ranked as the 28th best prospect according to MLB.com, and I am not overly worried about his struggles this season. Jackson is very young, and is as naturally talented as anyone in the organization.

It is far too early to throw in the towel on a player who could one day be the face of the franchise.

Next: 2015 Draft

Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon (21) and general manager Jack Zduriencik talk during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

2015 Draft

Jack Zduriencik’s drafts have not yielding many superstars, but they have produced numerous Major League calibre players. He has done a great job finding value in later rounds, with James Paxton and Kyle Seager. It is fair to say many of the names on this list have failed to live up to their hype, but guys like D.J. Peterson and Alex Jackson still have a chance of redeeming Zduriencik and his staff.

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