Seattle may move two minor league stars to outfield

Seattle  has two minor league infielders who may be patrolling the Mariner outfield in the next two years. One is 22 year old third baseman D.J. Peterson, who has also been playing some games at first as a possible  replacement to Justin Smoak. But with Logan Morrison having an outstanding September at first and Kyle  Seager an all-star at third, it has been hinted that Peterson could see outfield duty in the minors next season. Peterson hit .297 with 31 homers and 111 RBI’s in Double A last year. Peterson likely will begin season at Double A or in Tacoma.

Peterson shared Mariners minor league co-player of the year with another infielder, Jordy Lara,  who also may be moved to the outfield. Lara, a 23 year old from the Dominican Republic played for High Desert in the California League where he played first base, hitting .337 with 26 homers and 104 RBI’s. Of course he may still continue to play first, but the Mariners are not sure where he ends up. They like to tinker with minor league players depending on what the big league club’s needs may be in the future.

The Mariners have no plans on moving 20 year old shortstop Ketel Marte, another Dominican, who has played so well, he finished at Tacoma where he played 19 games. At Double A he stole 29 bases and the Mariners see him as a top of the order player.

The Mariners do have a good outfield prospect. He is 20 year old Gaby Guerrero who hit .297 for High Desert in the California League with 18 homers 97 RBI’s, and 18 steals. 

There is another wave of young bats coming on the horizon for the Mariners and opportunities are there in the outfield for Peterson, Lara, and Guerrero. Whethe at first for either Peterson or Lara, or the outfield, these are three names to watch.