Mariners Position Battle Update: Utility Infielder

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Jul 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Chris Taylor (1) tracks the ball during the fifth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Luis Sardinas, Shawn O’Malley and Chris Taylor are all off to good starts, but who has the early edge to be the Mariners utility infielder in 2016?

The Seattle Mariners overturned their roster this offseason, and Jerry Dipoto created competition up and down the roster in the process. There are a number of jobs up for grabs this spring in Peoria, and tonight we will take a closer look at the fight to be the M’s utility infielder in 2016.

Luis Sardinas, Shawn O’Malley and Chris Taylor are currently the favorites to be the M’s utility infielder this season. All three players are playing well in Cactus League action, but only one will head north to Seattle when the regular season begins next month.

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Sardinas is the youngest of the three competitors, as he is just 22 years old. O’Malley is a local product, and he is the only player in this group with the ability to play the infield and the outfield. Taylor was once considered the shortstop of the future in Seattle, but now he is just hoping to earn a bench spot with the M’s this season.

Offense will definitely play a role in Scott Servais‘ decision, but how each player fares defensively will likely determine who starts the year in the Emerald City and who is playing in Tacoma. Versatility will also be key, as the winner of this position battle will be asked to play second base, third base and shortstop for the Mariners.

We will begin the slideshow by discussing Luis Sardinas, who is off to a fantastic start this spring.

Next: Luis Sardinas is making a great first impression on fans

Luis Sardinas

The Seattle Mariners acquired the 22-year-old infielder from the Milwaukee Brewers this winter. Sardinas has wasted little time making an impact for his new club, posting a .438 batting average with 3 doubles and 5 RBI across 7 games. He has tallied 7 hits in his first 16 at bats. Sardinas has also done a nice job on the base paths, stealing 1 base so far this spring.

The switch-hitting Venezuela native has struggled at the plate during his first two seasons in the big leagues. He registered a .196/.240/.216 slash line through 36 games with the Brew Crew in 2015. Sardinas has very little power, and he has yet to hit a home run during his 230 career plate appearances. He did perform better with the Brewers Class-AAA affiliate last season, hitting .282 with 1 home run, 33 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 103 games.

Sardinas has an angular build (6’1/150 lbs.) and his glove work is considered his most valuable asset. He has experience playing second base, third base and shortstop in the big leagues. Many believe his best position is second base, but he is comfortable at all three spots. It’s interesting to note that Seattle used Sardinas in center field last week. The M’s are looking for a backup center fielder this spring, and it could really help Sardinas’ chances of making the opening day roster if he can demonstrate an ability to play the outfield.

Next: Shawn O'Malley is the most versatile option

Shawn O’Malley

The Southridge, WA product has been one of the M’s most productive players early in spring training. O’Malley is hitting an even .500, with 6 hits and 1 RBI through 7 games. He does a nice job putting the ball in play, as he has struck out just 1 time in 12 at bats. O’Malley also leads the Mariners with 4 stolen bases, and his 2 free passes are tied for first on the team.

O’Malley made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2014 season, and he was signed as a minor-league free agent by the Mariners following the season. He spent the bulk of last season with the Tacoma Rainiers, but earned a September call-up to Seattle. O’Malley dominated the Pacific Coast League, hitting .297 with 5 home runs, 39 RBI and 20 steals across 89 games. He also did a great job with the Mariners, slashing .262/.418/.357 through 24 games in 2015.

The 28-year-old switch hitter has played six different positions during his career. O’Malley is capable of playing second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield spots. He played 58 games at second base last season with the Rainiers, and he spent 14 games in center field this past September for the Mariners.

I wrote prior to last season that O’Malley is the next Willie Bloomquist, and I stand by that statement. He embraces the role of a utility player, and his experience playing the infield and outfield makes him a valuable asset to the 2016 Mariners. Personally, I believe Shawn O’Malley’s ability to play center field sets him apart from his competitors, and gives him a slight edge to break camp with the Mariners.

Next: Taylor is the known commodity

Chris Taylor

The 25-year-old has had a decent start to Cactus League play, but he has been a notch below Sardinas and O’Malley thus far. Taylor is hitting .300 with 1 double, 2 RBI and 1 stolen base across 5 games. He has struck out 3 times and nursed 1 walk in 10 at bats. Surprisingly, it’s Taylor’s glove work that has let him down this spring. He committed a key error during a game last week, and he failed to corral a hard hit ground ball in Tuesday’s loss to the Cleveland Indians.

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Taylor split the 2015 season between the Mariners and the Tacoma Rainiers. He had a miserable campaign with Seattle, slashing .170/.220/.223 through 102 plate appearances. Even more disturbing, he drove in just 1 run across 37 games with the M’s last year. However, Taylor was much more productive in Tacoma. He hit .300 with 4 home runs, 32 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 86 games with the Rainiers last season.

Defense has always been Taylor’s calling card. The University of Virginia alum has a very strong arm, and boasts a .966 career fielding percentage at shortstop. He has seen very little action at second base or third base during his career, but I believe he is more than capable of manning either position.

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I have never been a fan of Chris Taylor being the M’s everyday shortstop, but I think his skill set fits perfectly as a utility infielder. However, he will need to play better over the final three weeks of March if he plans on starting the season in Seattle.

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