Mariners Minor League Report: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not

Jul 13, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder James Jones (99) slides into third base after advancing to third base from first base on a wild throw by Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) (not pictured) during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Tacoma Rainiers: 29-34, 4th Place in PCL Northern Division

Hot – Stefen Romero – RF

The former Oregon State Beaver is tearing up the Pacific Coast League in 2015. Romero is hitting .345 with 3 doubles, 4 RBI’s and 7 runs scored over the last week. The 26-year-old is now hitting .285 on the season with 8 home runs and 31 RBI’s across 48 games with the Rainiers. Romero was an afterthought for M’s fans entering this season, but he making a strong case to be promoted at some point this summer.

Jun 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Stefen Romero (7) at bat against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Hot – Sam Gaviglio – SP

Sam Gaviglio is another former Oregon State Beaver who is starring for the Rainiers in 2015. The 25-year-old right-hander has gone 3-1 and posted a 2.96 ERA over his last 4 starts. He was roughed up in his last outing, surrendering 6 runs in 5 innings, but he remains the Rainiers best hurler over the past few weeks. If he can keep it rolling, look for Gaviglio to make his big league debut this September.

Not – Chris Taylor – SS

Chris Taylor struggled mightily during his time in Seattle this season, and his trouble at the plate has followed him to Tacoma. The University of Virginia alum is hitting just .107 with 1 double and 1 RBI over the last week. I do not think Taylor will ever hit for enough power to be an adequate everyday shortstop, but I am in favor of replacing Willie Bloomquist with the 24-year-old middle infielder.

Hot – James Jones – CF

I am very pleased to announce that James Jones is on fire right now for the Tacoma Rainiers. Jones is hitting .321 with 1 double, 1 triple and 1 stolen base over his last 7 ball games. The speedster has a 2:4 strikeout to walk ratio across his last 33 plate appearances. I have always been a big fan of James Jones, and I think he would be a smart call-up to Seattle right now. The M’s are one of the least athletic clubs in the league, and Jones’ wheels could be huge as a pinch runner in the late innings.

Hot – Forrest Snow – SP 

The local boy is pitching his butt off right now in Tacoma. The Lakeside School and University of Washington alum has gone 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA over his last 2 outings. Snow has struck out 8 and walked 4 in his last 10.1 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander has registered a 2.12 ERA since moving into the Rainiers’ starting 5 on May 8th. Snow stands tall on the rubber at 6’6, and reminds me a lot of Doug Fister.

Next: Jackson Generals