Mariners Position Battle Update: First Base

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Apr 25, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Stefen Romero (7) runs towards third base on a 2-RBI double hit by first baseman Justin Smoak (not pictured) during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

Stefen Romero

Stefen Romero has played parts of the last two seasons in Seattle, but he has yet to find success in the big leagues. However, this could be the year as he has had a very impressive start to spring training. Through 7 games, Romero is hitting .571 with 8 hits in 14 at-bats. He has slugged 1 home run and has 2 doubles while also driving in 6 runs. In the early part of spring, Romero has certainly made himself noticed in the first base competition.

The Oregon State University product has played in 85 games over 2 major league seasons. He has produced a slash of .192/.241/.308 with 14 homeruns. Romero does have the tools to be a very good platoon player at first base. Over the past 3 seasons in Tacoma, he hit .296/.340/.503 with 40 homeruns and 189 RBI in 245 games. But his career splits against lefties aren’t great, with a slash line of .206/.245/.313.

The Tuscon, Arizona native may be the most athletic of the bunch at 6’2″ and 220 pounds. I’m not sure if he will win the platoon job, but the fact that he is very versatile and can play the outfield as well as some infield should make him valuable. With his athleticism and defense, if his early spring success continues into April, we very well could see Romero playing at first against lefties for the Mariners this year.

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