Discussing the Mariners Arizona Fall League Representatives

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Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; A general view of stadium seats before a spring training baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners are not likely to playing baseball this fall. However, there is a select group of prospects who will be representing the M’s in the Arizona Fall League. Considered the best collection of young talent in the game, the Arizona Fall League showcases tomorrow’s stars every fall in the desert.

The M’s will combine with the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds to form the Peoria Javelins. The league consists of six teams, and they play at spring training complexes around the Phoenix area. Games begin on October 13, and the regular season concludes on November 19. A championship game is scheduled for November 21, where the winner of the West division will square off against the East division champ.

The Mariners are taking an interesting approach in selecting players this year. James Paxton and David Rollins will represent Seattle despite spending much of the 2015 season with the M’s. This is uncommon, and both players are the only big leaguers currently on the Javelins’ roster. D.J. Peterson and Tony Zych both finished the season in Tacoma, and they both will head south this fall. Tyler Smith has done a nice job in Jackson this season, and he earned a spot in the AFL. Paul Fry and Tyler O’Neill spent 2015 in Bakersfield, and they will represent the M’s this fall.

MLB insiders are not overly impressed with the Mariners’ minor league system right now, but there are a few intriguing players headed to Phoenix in October. Today, we will take an in-depth look at each individual. We will start by discussing James Paxton and his 2015 season.

Next: Pax-Man

May 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton (65) throws against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

James Paxton – LHP

It is unconventional to send a 26-year-old veteran to the Arizona Fall League, but that is exactly what Seattle is doing. James Paxton has not appeared in a big league game since May 28. The imposing southpaw has been dealing with a strained tendon in his left middle finger. Prior to injuring himself, Paxton was 3-3 with a 3.70 ERA across 10 outings. He struck out 45 and walked 22 through 58.1 innings pitched.

Paxton is working his way back to Seattle, and many expect him to finish the season in the M’s starting rotation. The Ladner, BC product is currently in Tacoma, where he has gone 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA in his first 2 starts with the Rainiers. Those numbers are ugly, but he has only pitched 3.2 innings, so his earned run average is inflated.

James Paxton has pitched a total of 62 innings thus far in 2015. The Mariners want him to increase that tally, and they feel sending him to the AFL is the best way of doing so. Seattle employed a similar tactic last year with Taijuan Walker, and just like with Walker, do not be surprised if Paxton only makes a couple appearances before shutting it down for the winter.

Next: David Rollins

Jul 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher David Rollins (73) throws against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

David Rollins – LHP

This season has been a rollercoaster for David Rollins. The 25-year-old was selected by the Mariners in the Rule-5 Draft last December, and he was electric this spring in Peoria. However, Rollins was hit with a 50-game ban for testing positive for PEDs. Since being reinstated on July 4, Rollins has gone 0-1 with an 8.57 ERA across 15 appearances. He has fanned 19 and walked 8 through 21 innings with the M’s.

Much like with James Paxton, the Mariners ares sending Rollins to Arizona to get some more work in. The Dallas, TX product missed half the season, and has pitched less than 30 innings so far in 2015. Rollins made the jump from double-A to the big leagues this year, and there have been some growing pains. Hopefully, spending the fall with the Javelins will allow him to gain some confidence as he prepares for next season.

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

D.J. Peterson – 3B/1B

D.J. Peterson is the top ranked Mariners’ prospect heading to Arizona this fall. Peterson was the Co-Minor League Player of the Year for the M’s in 2014, and is currently Seattle’s 4th best prospect by MLB.com. Peterson began the year with the Jackson Generals, where he hit a measly .223 with 7 home runs and 44 RBI across 93 games. He posted a .290 on base percentage and slugged .346.

Despite his disappointing numbers, the Mariners opted to promote Peterson to Tacoma in August. Peterson hit .214 in 4 games before being placed on the disabled list. He has yet to return, and likely will not rejoin the Rainiers before their season ends on September 7.

This season has been a bit of a disaster for D.J. Peterson. A lot was expected from him, and he failed to live up to the hype. However, I am not ready to give up on him just yet. The 23-year-old has shown an ability to hit during his career, and hopefully a strong fall in Arizona is in the cards for the former first round pick. I believe we will see D.J. in Seattle by June of next season.

Next: Tony Zych

Tony Zych – RHP

The Mariners landed the 25-year-old right-handed reliever this past offseason, and he has been a very pleasant surprise. Tony Zych began the season in Jackson, and dominated the opposition. Zych went 0-0 with a 2.16 ERA and 5 saves across 15 appearances. He struck out 18 and walked 0 through 18.2 innings.

Zych’s strong start in Jackson earned him a promotion to Tacoma. Since joining the Rainiers, Zych is 1-2 with a 3.41 ERA and 4 saves over the course of 25 appearances. He fanned 37 and walked 9 during 31.2 innings pitched.

The Mariners named Tony Zych one of their September call-ups earlier today. I am excited to see what this young man is capable of over the final month of the season. Look for Zych to compete for a bullpen spot in 2016 if he can pitch well in the AFL.

Next: Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith – SS/2B

The Oregon State alum has put together a pretty nice season in Jackson with the Generals. Tyler Smith is hitting .268 with 3 home runs, 30 RBI and 10 stolen bases across 116 games this year. He has registered a .363 on base percentage and slugged .353. He has tallied 23 doubles and 3 triples in 2015. Smith has struck out 84 times and worked 61 free passes. The former 8th round pick knows how to work an at bat, and that is perhaps his most valuable offensive skill.

Tyler Smith is 24-years-old, and the Mariners want to find out what they have in him. Smith should get plenty of reps in Peoria this fall, playing shortstop and second base. He is a solid defender up the middle, and a positive showing in October could lead to him playing at Safeco Field next season.

Next: Paul Fry

Apr 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Seattle Mariners hat and baseball glove during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeated the Rangers 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Fry – LHP

Paul Fry spent some time with the Mariners this past spring in Peoria, and fared reasonably well. The 23-year-old southpaw opened the season in Bakersfield with the Blaze. Fry made 1 start in the California League, and appeared in another 27 games as a reliever. He went 4-3, posted a 2.13 ERA and recorded 2 saves across 28 games. Fry struck out 70 and walked 14 through 55 innings of work.

The Mariners promoted Paul Fry to Jackson in mid-July, and the former 17th round selection has pitched even better with the Generals. Fry is 0-2 with a 2.11 ERA over the course of 18 games. He has registered a 36:5 strikeout to walk ratio during 21.1 innings.

Paul Fry is being groomed to be a left-handed specialist, and he could debut in Seattle within the next year. A strong showing this fall with the Javelins could earn him an extended look next spring in big league camp.

Jul 16, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Canadian dugout reacts as Canada left fielder Tyler O Neill (13) hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against Puerto Rico during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Ajax Pan Am Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler O’Neill – RF

Tyler O’Neill is the last name on this list, and he may well be the most exciting. At just 20-years-old, O’Neill is the second youngster member of the Javelins. He is also the Mariners’ 7th best prospect according to MLB.com.

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