Today is the day

Mariner pitchers and catchers report today and Jim Street has the story.

Pitchers, catchers and a revamped coaching staff are in town and getting ready for the first day of workouts on Thursday morning at the Mariners Spring Training Complex.

Left-hander Erik Bedard and right-hander Carlos Silva are among the first-time Mariners. Also new is pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, aided by new bullpen coach Norm Charlton, who is no stranger to the Mariners.

Stormin' Norman was instrumental in the Mariners winning the 1995 American League West championship, handling the closing duties during the memorable September that resulted in the Mariners' first division title.

Street also has some quick hits on the M's. His three prospects to watch are some ex-Rattlers:

Jeff Clement: The organization's first-round Draft choice in 2005 displayed a power stroke in September, clubbing a couple of late-game home runs. The left-handed hitter is a perfect fit for Safeco Field, which favors lefty sluggers. Most of his playing time figures to be as the designated hitter or pinch-hitter.

Wladimir Balentien: He has been a productive hitter throughout his professional career and his first big league hit was a pinch-hit double at Yankee Stadium. He also hit a home run and delivered a sacrifice fly in his four late-season at-bats. With an option left, he probably will start the season at Triple-A Tacoma, where he batted .291, hit 24 home runs and drove in 84 runs last season.

Bryan LaHair: He doesn't possess the power you would like from a corner infielder, but the 25-year-old has a sweet swing, hits for a good average and had an impressive showing last spring, batting .387 in 12 Cactus League games. His immediate future could depend on how well Richie Sexson performs coming out of the gate, but pencil him in as the future first sacker.

One of the M's returning from injury is an ex-Rattler, too.

Mark Lowe: He missed practically the entire first half and the final month of the 2007 season following surgery. But he has recovered and could vie for the important eight-inning setup position in the bullpen. Lowe made the jump from Double-A to the Majors in 2006, thanks to a mid-90s fastball and excellent control, striking out 20 and walking just nine batters in his first 18 2/3 innings.