Mariners Roundtable: Most Surprising Players

Aug 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Franklin Gutierrez (30) runs from second base to score a run on a hit against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Franklin Gutierrez (30) runs from second base to score a run on a hit against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Luis Sardinas (16) hits an RBI triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Luis Sardinas (16) hits an RBI triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Brian Helberg – 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 with his new club, posting a .359 batting average with 1 home run and a team high, 10 RBI across 16 games. He has tallied 14 hits in his first 39 at bats. Sardinas has utilized his plus speed very effectively, legging out 4 doubles, 1 triple and stealing 1 base so far this spring.

The switch-hitting Venezuela native has never been considered an offensive threat during his two years 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 in the big leagues. 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.

This is why Sardinas’ performance this spring has been so unexpected. Everyone knew he was a versatile defender with a steady glove, but no one foresaw him making consistent contributions at the plate. Sardinas was once considered one of the top young prospects in baseball, but many scouts had begun to question whether he could ever hit enough to be a regular. This spring he is trying to prove his doubters wrong.

Next: Updating the M’s 5th Starting Pitcher Position Battle

The numbers suggest that it is unlikely Luis Sardinas can carry over his Cactus League production into April. However, his season will be deemed a success if he can hit .265 with Seattle while severing as the utility infielder.