Mariners Position Battle Update: Backup CF/ 5th Outfielder

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Boog Powell, Shawn O’Malley and Dan Robertson are all competing in Arizona to be the M’s backup center fielder in 2016.

Since the days of healthy Franklin Gutierrez, the Mariners have struggled to maintain a discernible presence in center field. Leonys Martin is more than likely going to be the everyday center fielder once the 2016 season opens, but there are still a number of guys vying for the job to back Martin up in center field.

Boog Powell, Daniel Robertson and Shawn O’Malley have been thrown in the mix as possible options to fill the backup center field/outfield role. All have had their share of playing time this spring, but only one will be on the roster opening day.

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Boog Powell came over this off season in the trade that sent Logan Morrison, Danny Farquhar, and Brad Miller to Tampa Bay. Shawn O’Malley, the more familiar of the candidates, has noted talent in the infield and outfield. Daniel Robertson seems to be a bit of an outlier here, but he is a Dipoto approved, typical OBP and defensive guy that should provide depth.

That being said, the winner of the fifth-outfielder position will probably be the guy that can best execute Dipoto’s vision of baseball in Seattle. We’ll start with Boog Powell, the youngest outfield hopeful.

Next: Boog Powell wants to build with the Mariners

Boog Powell

Boog Powell was a part of the very first transaction that Jerry Dipoto manufactured this offseason. He was also the first outfielder that Dipoto acquired, who kickstarted the reformation of a more Safeco-centric outfield defense. His ability to control the zone and his speed has been on display thus far in the Cactus League, and he has been impressive to watch in center field. Powell is hitting .250 with 2 RBI and 1 stolen bases through 8 games this spring.

The Mission Viejo, CA native has put together quite an impressive resume during his time in the minor-leagues, including a career .410 OBP. Especially notable was his 2015 campaign, splitting time between Class AA and AAA, Powell slashed .295/.385/.392. He’s 23 and offers a pretty unique skill set to the team. Powell has the aforementioned stellar on-base percentage, good plate discipline (a.k.a controlling the zone), and excellent speed on the base paths.

Powell, who still has three options remaining, more than likely will start the season in Tacoma with the Rainiers. However, he’s already a well-received clubhouse personality and is more than just a contingency plan in center field. Boog is a tailor made player for the new style of these Seattle Mariners, and we hopefully will see him as a mid-season call up.

Next: Shawn O'Malley hopes to return to Safeco Field this spring

Shawn O’Malley

We’ve have already previewed Shawn O’Malley here at SodoMojo, as a contender for the M’s utility infielder gig. However as many fans probably remember, O’Malley spent most of his time in center field last season in Seattle. The 28-year-old has made an impression this spring, hitting .400/.500/.400 with a 1 RBI and a team leading 4 stolen bases.

Since coming over to the Mariners in late 2014, O’Malley has shown great adaptability in the positions he is able to play on the field. In this article from his September call up last year, we see that O’Malley has made it a point to become comfortable in center field in order to make himself more attractive to the club. He saw some solid action at centerfield (among other positions) in 24 games with the Mariners at the end of 2015, and finished with a productive .418 on-base percentage.

This spring O’Malley has seen most of his action in the infield. Overall, O’Malley offers a lot of options with his range of available playing positions, so it seems like he’ll be the likely candidate to win the opportunity to support center field. I also feel his familiarity with the club and Safeco Field should work in his favor, and we should see him fill a spot on the 25-man roster come April.

Next: Dan Robertson looks for another chance in the AL West

Jun 24, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Daniel Robertson (44) lays down a sacrifice bunt in the thirteenth inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Robertson

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Dan Robertson was claimed off waivers from Dipoto’s ex, the Los Angels Angels of Anaheim, this offseason. He comes into camp as a non-roster invite. This is the second time that Dipoto has made a move to secure Robertson as a talent, so you have to imagine that there is something that Dipoto likes about his game. Robertson is 30-years-old, but 2016 will only be his third season as a professional baseball player.

Robertson is slashing .545/.583/1.091 through 8 games and 11 at bats for the Mariners this spring. He has tallied 2 doubles, 2 triples and 4 RBI in Cactus League play. In two season in the majors Robertson has played a total of 107 games with 277 plate appearances, posting a respectable .274 batting average. He spent most of his time last year playing with Class AAA Salt Lake where he turned in a .267 batting average with 20 RBI and 16 doubles in 60 games.

Next: Mariners Position Battle Update: First Base

The Oregon State alum is undersized at 5’8 and 205 lbs, and he will more than likely start the season in Class AAA Tacoma. Robertson’s power numbers are almost nonexistent, but with a .324 career OBP, he will get on base and will also steal a lot of bases once he gets there. He currently best serves the club as outfield depth, but his speed and ability to defend multiple spots could facilitate a midseason call-up to the Emerald City.

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Boog Powell, Shawn O’Malley and Dan Robertson are all competing in Arizona to be the M’s backup center fielder in 2016.

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