Is it his time?

Wladimir Balentien ('04) is the focus of this article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Balentien, 24, has power -- four consecutive 20-plus homer seasons in the minor leagues, including 25 in the 2008 season split between Triple-A Tacoma (18) and Seattle (seven). But Balentien didn't hit for average (.202 with the Mariners in 243 at-bats) and struck out 79 times.

With left fielder Raul Ibanez departing via free agency, the Mariners have 110 RBIs and 23 home runs to replace. So Balentien, who hails from Curacao, will get a good long look at spring training in Peoria, Ariz.

But, there might be a slight dilemma:

Balentien will have the opportunity to play for the Netherlands in the 16-team World Baseball Classic starting March 5 because Curacao is a former Dutch colony.

Like most players, Balentien is intrigued with the idea of representing his country in baseball's elite international competition. But if he does, it will take him away from the Mariners at a time when he could be making his case to be the left fielder.

Neither general manager Jack Zduriencik nor manager Don Wakamatsu was with the Mariners last season; neither has much more than a passing acquaintance with Balentien's skills. The more he is around this spring, the better his chance of a regular job in the lineup.

"The player has to do what's best for him and his country," Wakamatsu said Monday. "It's obvious he wants to play for his country. Balentien is a guy who is going to come in and compete for a job. If he doesn't get the at-bats, we might not get the chance to see him enough."

Tough choice. Much like the one that Ryan Rowland-Smith ('02, '03) faces.