Mariners Spring Training News: Two Mitch's are better than one, they're twice the fun, ask anyone

The Mariners have a record of just 3-9 this spring. Thankfully, wins and losses don't hold much weight this time of year. Despite the dismal record, there are plenty of bright spots to cover in this week's Cactus League Recap. 

Samad Taylor flips the power switch 

When Jerry Dipoto Seattle's President of Baseball Operations, sent cash consideration to the Kansas City Royals for slap-hitting, speedy utilityman Samad Taylor, the thought was that his skillset was redundant, with Sam Haggerty also competing for a roster spot. Nearly two weeks into Catcus league play, the 25-year-old is having a spectacular slashing .333/.353/1.086 in seven contests while handling centerfield, second base, and shortstop. 

Taylor crushed two longballs this spring and even ignited a late rally on Wednesday using his highest-rated asset, speed. 

Andres Munoz bright spot in a dark pen

Matt Brash and Gregory Santos are both recovering from early spring injuries. Austin Voth and Trent Thornton have differed from the rock-solid middle relievers manager Scott Servais expected. Fortunately, it is nearly three weeks until opening day against the Boston Red Sox, and Andres Munoz looks more than regular season-ready. 

The Mariners' closer appeared in two games thus far, surrendering one hit and striking out two. Those stats aren't eye-popping, but the break on his slider and triple-digit fastball (he hit 101 mph!) command was in mid-season form, giving Mariner fans some sense of solace in what's been a tumultuous journey for most of the team's relievers. 

Mitch and Mitch are locked in

On paper, Mitch Haniger and Mitch Garver make for a formidable duo. Coming into spring, both had serious questions regarding their ability to stay healthy. Servais has taken a cautious approach with the two thirty-somethings, and it's paid off, with both providing serious power in the middle of the Mariner lineup. 

They've combined for four Cactus League homers and even flashed some control-the-zone tendencies, amassing five walks. Garver and Haniger should continue to ramp up as we get deeper into the spring training schedule. 

We are at the point where we'll start to see prospects and veterans on the outside looking in reassigned to minor league camp next week. That means young talent such as Cole Young, Harry Ford, and Jonny Farmello might be on the tail end of their first big league camp.