Down on the Farm: Mariners Minor League Check-in

Everett Aquasox off to a slow start

3 – 5 (Fifth in Northwest League)

The Aquasox came into the season with a heralded roster, including many of the standouts who performed well in Modesto last year. One of those prospects is catcher Harry Ford. The Mariners' top prospect has had an eventful year getting meaningful reps in spring training and shining for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic, but he is struggling in Everett to the tune of a .172/.415/.656 slash line. Fans of the ultra-athletic prospect shouldn't be worried because he is still walking more than he is striking out, which means he is hitting the ball at people. The hits will come. Meanwhile, the 60-grade arm is alive and well. 

Most of the lineup is struggling, but Jonatan Clase is showcasing his speed already (5 SB) and leads the team in both average (.294) and on-base percentage (.429). 

The Frogs’ pitchers are keeping them in ball games, led by starter Reid VanScoter. He has one of the three Aquasox wins, throwing ten innings of two-run ball and striking out nine. The fastball plays and has some late life, making dicing up Northwest League batters easy in this young season. Juan Mercedes also shined, racking up 16 strikeouts in ten innings.