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

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman D.J. Peterson (46) hits a home run in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson Generals: 25-36, 5th Place in Southern League North Division

Not – D.J. Peterson – 1B

The M’s 2013 1st round selection has been a permanent fixture in the “not” category all season. Peterson is hitting a miserable .154 with 1 home run and 3 RBI’s over the last week. He has struck out 6 times, walked just once and hit into a pair of double plays over his last 28 plate appearances. His rough week has lowered his season batting average to .203. Peterson’s performance this season is shocking considering his incredible showing in 2014.

Not – Jabari Blash – RF

Jabari Blash was white hot last week, but the past 7 games have yielded much different results for the Souther League All Star. The 25-year-old Virgin Islands product is hitting .125 with 0 home runs and 2 RBI’s over the last week. Blash has collected just 3 hits, although 2 of them were for extra bases. He may be mired in a slump right now, but Blash has destroyed AA pitching in 2015. He has the potential to develop into a Chris Carter type of hitter in the future.

Feb 20, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher James Gillheeney (77) poses for a picture during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Hot – James Gillheeney – SP

The North Carolina State alum will be joining Blash at the Southern League All Star game this summer, and deservingly so. Gillheeney is 0-0 with a 3.09 over his last 2 starts for the Generals. The 27-year-old southpaw has struck out 9 and walked 3 over the last week. He is now 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA this season. 27-year-old pitchers in AA do not typically generate much excitement, but Gillheeney has been one of the few positives in a very bleak season in Jackson.

Not – Dario Pizzano – LF

Dario Pizzano has stung together a very impressive season in 2015, but the last week has not been kind to the Columbia University alum. Pizzano is hitting .207 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI’s over the last 7 days. Pizzano did tally 3 hits his last time out, so hopefully he is turning the corner on his current slump. The 24-year-old is still hitting .309 on the season. Dario is a player to watch, and could taste the big leagues within the next 12 months.

Not – Scott DeCecco – SP/RP

The 24-year-old southpaw has been lit up during his last 2 appearances, going 0-1 with a 27.00 ERA. DeCecco has hit a rough patch with Jackson, and was removed from the starting rotation after going 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA over his last 4 starts. Much of his struggles can be attributed to his lack of command.

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