Put up or....

Prospect Insider lays it on the line for a few former Timber Rattlers: Wladimir Balentien ('04), Jeff Clement ('05), Ryan Rowland-Smith ('02, '03), and Mark Lowe ('05).

Balentien has yet to arrive in Peoria due to visa issues, but when he does, he better have his hitting shoes on. In fact, he should sleep in them.

He's 25, out of options and his defense hasn't made much progress over the past year or so.

His pitch recognition is below average and he's yet to meet a breaking ball away that he didn't like. To earn his plate appearances, Wlad is going to have to show progress and a stronger, more dedicated work ethic, or he's not long for the organization.

But, he will get a chance. Then, there's Clement:

Clement's prowess with the tools of ignorance will likely be determined once and for all this season. Whether he catches four or five days a week or splits time equally with Kenji Johjima, the M's will have plenty of data to make a decision on Clement's abilities defensively.

The 25-year-old will have to show significant improvement in receiving - he must show softer, stronger hands and pitcher-friendly framing - as well as higher levels of consistencies when it comes to throwing and blocking.

RRS, you're next and you have a chance to be more than the #5 guy in the rotation.

The one must-have for RRS is a more effective pitch against left-handed batters, who hit .311/.390/.480 against him in 2008. A better, more consistent change would help, but creating a better angle would be of assistance as well. He does pitch from the first base side of the rubber, but there's 4-6 inches more to take there.

Hello, Lowe.

In 2007, Lowe had this to say about his transition to the bullpen, and why he went from being a mediocre starter to a good reliever.

"I just started attacking the lower half of the strike zone with everything. I wasn't nibbling, I was throwing my change less, so I was only worried about two pitches. My fastball has natural sink to it, so staying down in the zone works for me."

I'd say as long as Lowe follows that same mode of attack, he'll be fine. This is year three since the surgery, so if he's ever going to get it all back, this is the year.

There is more on each player at the link.