Mariners News: Three Rainiers Selected to AAA All-Star Game

Down on the farm, it’s been a .500 season thus far for the AAA Tacoma Rainiers, who sit at 40-40 through the first 80 games.

However, on Wednesday, three Rainiers having very good seasons were awarded for their efforts.

Montero: While Jesus Montero has been a major disappointment since coming over from the Yankees for Michael Pineda, he has rebounded nicely after exhibiting a much better work ethic this past offseason. Montero is hitting .317 with a .356 on-base percentage through 77 games. He’s exhibiting good power at the plate (13 homers, 61 RBIs), but his plate discipline may still be called into question as he has walked just 19 times in those 77 games. He’s a bat that may be able to help the M’s come September. The only real issue? He doesn’t have a position to help the M’s at. LoMo has been a good bat and glove at 1st, and Trumbo/Cruz are locked into the DH slot. Montero is no longer a catcher. Where can he really help?

Marte: Ketel Marte has played 51 games for the Rainiers as a shortstop. He’s hitting .343 with a .394 OBP. He has 17 steals, which is the same amount as James Jones, and provides the system some speed. He’s also only K’d 20 times in those 51 games, while drawing 18 walks. Guys who make contact and can run? They can play in my system. Marte is just 21 so there is a young infielder to get excited about. But with Cano and Seager locked up long-term, you wonder if he’ll crack into the mold at SS that already features Brad Miller and Chris Taylor.

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Snow: A guy who was outside the Walker-Paxton-Hultzen triumvirate, but is really pitching well this season. He’s 7-4 with a 2.24 ERA in the hitter-friendly PCL. He’s made 11 stars this year, exhibiting good command. He averages just over 1 walk/4 innings and has a low 1.09 WHIP. He’s 26-years-old, so he should be able to help the M’s soon.

Overall, it’s good to see the Mariners representing well on the farm. It’s especially nice to see Montero hitting, who may be able to help the M’s should they get back in a race.

The AAA All-Star game is July 15th in Omaha, Nebraska.

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