Down on the Farm: Mariners Minor League Check-in

Arkansas Travelers

22-11 (1st in Texas League North) 

A team once deemed pitching-driven by yours truly is now clicking on all sides of the ball. They've won seven games in a row, including a six-game sweep of their in-state rivals, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Mariners Top 15 organizational prospect Jonatan Clase has flashed since his promotion from Everett two weeks ago. The slash line isn't anything to write home about (.256/.311/.410), and the strikeouts are a little high (15), but he's getting timely hits and making noise on the basepaths (9 SB). 

A few more bats that are excelling include Spencer Packard and Robert Perez Jr. Packard continues to pace the team in slash (.329/.421/.902), providing stability in the top half of the lineup. At the same time, Perez is showcasing his loud bat more frequently. 

If Perez can continue this upward trend and the team can get contributions from Leo Rivas and some of the guys at the bottom of the lineup (Kirwer, Unroe), watch out. 

Even though Bryce Miller is now toiling in Seattle, the pitching is still steering the ship. Emerson Hancock has stepped into the ace role and is shoving. The Mariner's number four prospect fired 5 2/3 of 1 run ball while racking up ten punchouts. On the heels of Hancock's start, Bryan Woo took a perfect game into the seventh, flashing his elite command and high-rising four-seam fastball. Woo parlayed that start into a Texas League Pitcher of the Week award. 

Standout relievers are plenty, but my vote goes to the recently promoted Ty Adcock, who has plenty of helium after his Arizona Fall League performance. Adcock is already getting high-leverage work for manager Mike Freeman's club, and he's picking up his first two saves this week. Keep an eye on Prelander Berroa's transition to the pen as well. He could be an exciting addition to the major league club later in the season.