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

May 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) shakes hands with manager Lloyd McClendon (23) following the final out of an 11-4 victory against the San Diego Padres at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) shakes hands with manager Lloyd McClendon (23) following the final out of an 11-4 victory against the San Diego Padres at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clinton LumberKings: 20-12, 1st place in Midwest League Western Division

Braden Bishop, CF – Hot

The University of Washington alum is doing a solid job for Clinton this season. Bishop is slashing .282/.350/.336 through 110 at bats. He has 3 doubles, 1 home run and 11 RBI across 28 games. Bishop has also scored 18 times and swiped 5 bases. He is never going to be a power threat, but his ability to defend center field and his high contact rate suggests he could be calling Seattle home in the years to come.

Dalton Kelly, 1B – Hot

The Mariners have very few productive first basemen in their system, but Dalton Kelly has been the exception in 2016. He is hitting .363 with 1 home run and 11 RBI through 29 games with the LumberKings. Kelly has registered a .451 on base percentage and is slugging .478 through 113 at bats. Most impressive of all, Kelly has posted a 21:17 strikeout to walk ratio this season.

Kyle Wilcox, RHP – Not

The Mariners selected Wilcox during last June’s draft, and he has failed to impress thus far in 2016. He is currently 1-1 with a 6.92 ERA in 6 outings. Wilcox’s 26:25 strikeout to walk ratio obviously leaves plenty to be desired, as does his 1.88 WHIP. He is still young, and hopefully he is able to improve as the season progresses.

James Alfonso, C – Hot

The Mariners lack depth at the catcher position in the minor-leagues, and very few backstops are producing at the plate this season. However, James Alfonso is off to a great start in Clinton. The 24-year-old is slashing .308/.363/.410 with 5 doubles, 1 home run and 12 RBI across 20 games in 2016. Alfonso may not be considered a top prospect, but he will find himself in Bakersfield this summer if he continues to hit.

Next: Mariners Analysis: Have A (Birth)day

Art Warren, RHP – Hot

Physically, Art Warren is somewhat similar to Taijuan Walker and the similarities extend to their stat sheets in 2016. Warren is 4-0 on the season with a 1.39 ERA through 6 starts with the LumberKings. He has fanned 25 and walked 10 across 32.1 innings of work. It’s becoming clear that Warren is the top young pitcher in Clinton’s rotation.