Mariner Prospects #'s 6 and 5

Prospect Insider has a former Rattler and a future Rattler in the sixth and fifth slots on their list of M's prospects.

The (possible) future Rattler is Chris Tillman and he checks in at #6.

Chris Tillman was seen as a first-round talent by most that scouted him, analyzed him and faced him from 60+ feet away. But the way the chips fell last June favored the Seattle Mariners more than Tillman, who dropped into the club’s lap in round two.

Let’s see, a 6-foot-5 pitcher who approaches the mid-90s with his fastball and has a bigtime breaking ball to go with the potential for two more useful offerings?

Yes. Yes, please.

Chris Tillman is No. 6, and with as much helium, as they say, as any arm in the system.

Click the link for the scouting report. Here is the key part for Rattler fans:

Future: Tillman’s ceiling is as a No. 2 starter with “Gil Meche” type stuff. Hopefully for the M’s Tillman avoids the operating table and develops better command sooner in his career than did Meche.

In the end, it’s all about command for Tillman, who’s already got two big-league offerings.

The right-hander will start his first full season in pro ball with Wisconsin in the Midwest League, where his mistakes will be minimized by the poor weather conditions and a few larger ballparks.

A quality first half could spring him to the Cal League for a look-see, provided he’s got room in his workload.

Ryan Feierabend (WI '04) checks in at #5 on the list.