2007 Mariner Organizational Review

The '07 Mariner Minor League review is up at milb.com. That link takes you to the main page with stats and links to a photo gallery and an '07 flashback. There is also a link to Lisa Winston's review.

M's prospects could make world of difference

Jones and Balentien should join outfield with Ichiro in 2008

On the field here at home, the Mariners' 2007 results were mixed. When it comes to win-loss records, the organization finished 23rd out of 30 systems with a .469 winning percentage, hurt largely by the fact that both of its Class A teams at High Desert (California) and Wisconsin (Midwest) finished last in its respective league at a combined 108-168.

But the news was far from all bad. Many of the club's top upper-level prospects met or exceeded expectations on the field, especially on the offensive side, with a notable surge in their outfield prospects.

Here are Winston's takes on some 2007 Timber Rattlers

CLIMBING THE LADDER

Carlos Triunfel, SS: The Dominican bonus baby was the youngest player in the Midwest League at age 17. He showed no problems hitting against the "big kids," with a .308 average before he broke his thumb and went on the disabled list. When he healed and was deemed ready to return to action, the Mariners showed their belief in his ability to be fast-tracked by sending him to High Desert, where he batted .288 down the stretch. He combined to hit .296 on the season with 39 RBIs and while he continues to be a work in progress (his 162 strikeouts were fifth in the Minors), at age 17 that is no surprise. He has five-tool potential and could be in our preseason 2008 Player of the Year prediction picture.

KEEPING THEIR FOOTING:

Greg Halman, OF: One of the club's international signings out of the Netherlands, the 20-year-old center fielder started the summer at Wisconsin but was hitting .182 by mid-June, prompting a return to his 2006 team, Class A Short-Season Everett. There he regrouped in a hurry, hitting .307 with 16 homers 37 RBIs and 16 steals. It was a humbling experience but that's not necessarily a bad thing for the powerful youngster who needs to work on plate discipline.

And some possible future Rattlers from the 2007 draft:

1. Phillippe Aumont, RHP: Aumont, a member of Team Canada, has yet to make his pro debut. Taken with the 11th overall pick, he signed late and headed to instructs and then to his national team for IBAF World Cup action. He throws a plus fastball and slider and has a good feel for the mound despite limited pitching time.

2. Matt Mangini, 3B: The club's supplemental first-round pick out of Oklahoma State is a pure line drive hitter whose power output has been limited due to back trouble. He hit .291 at Everett in his debut.

3. Denny Almonte, OF: The switch-hitter out of Florida Christian High School struggled a bit in his introduction to pro pitching, batting .161 in 18 games in the Arizona League and .100 in 20 at-bats at Everett, but the club loves his upside.

Go check out the whole thing.