Mariners Minor-League Roundup: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not

Apr 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) fields a ball during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) fields a ball during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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June 9, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers pitcher Andrew Moore (23) pitches against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Corvallis Super Regional at Goss Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
June 9, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers pitcher Andrew Moore (23) pitches against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Corvallis Super Regional at Goss Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Bakersfield Blaze: 3-7, 5th place in California League North Division

Hot – Andrew Moore – RHP

The Mariners selected Andrew Moore out of Oregon State University in the third round of last year’s draft. Moore dominated with the Everett AquaSox in 2015, and even pitched a couple of innings this spring in Peoria. The 21-year-old right-hander is the ace of the staff in Bakersfield, and he sports a 1.62 ERA through his first 3 starts. Moore is know for his stellar command, and he has registered a 12:3 strikeout to walk ratio in 16.2 innings. I expect Moore to rise quickly through the M’s system, and he should finish the season in Jackson.

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Hot – Drew Jackson – SS

Drew Jackson is another member of the Mariners 2015 draft class, and he is the reigning Northwest League MVP. The Stanford alum is proving last season was not a fluke, hitting .311 with a pair of doubles, 6 RBI and 2 stolen bases in 10 games with the Blaze. Jackson is the best middle infield prospect in the M’s system, and he has a chance to be promoted to Jackson this summer.

Not – Austin Cousino – CF

Scouts are in love with Austin Cousino’s glove work in center field, but his skills with the stick are questionable at best. The 23-year-old is slashing just .167/.205/.222 with 0 home runs and 4 RBI across 36 at bats. Cousino has also whiffed 13 times in 8 games. These numbers are not going to cut it, and the University of Kentucky product needs to turn things around quick.

Hot – Arby Fields – CF

All Arby Fields has done since joining the Mariners organization in 2014 is get on base. The speedy center fielder is doing a nice job hitting out of the top of the order in Bakersfield, slashing .400/.516/.440 through 25 at bats. Fields has also swiped a pair of bases. He may not have the pedigree of a Cousino or Braden Bishop, but Fields will find his way to Seattle if he continues to produce.

Hot – Tyler Pike – LHP

2016 is Tyler Pike’s 5th season in the Mariners organization, and yet he is still only pitching in the California League. The 22-year-old southpaw bungeed back and forth between Bakersfield and Jackson last season, but he is pitching well for the Blaze right now. Pike has a 1.54 ERA with 10 strikeouts and 3 walks through 2 starts this season.

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