2016 Tacoma Rainiers roster

STARTING PITCHERS

The skinny: Much of the focus will be on left-hander James Paxton, whom the organization wants to maintain focus, good health and take his turn every fifth day. But he isn’t the opening day starter — right-hander Joe Wieland is. The former Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher has a knee-buckling curve ball, as well as a fastball he’s able to locate in all corners of the strike zone. Painter also loves Wieland’s smooth, repeatable delivery. Donn Roach, from the Chicago Cubs organization, arguably had the best spring camp of any Mariners’ pitcher (0.96 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 18.2 innings). But if gets to the big club, he figures to be a long reliever.

RELIEF PITCHERS

The skinny: The Rainiers figure they have three closer types with right-handers Blake Parker and Mayckol Guaipe, and left-hander Paul Fry, who was the Mariners’ minor-league reliever of the year last season. Parker will likely get first crack in save situations — he had 91 career saves in the Cubs’ minor leagues before being released last May after suffering an elbow injury. Listach said early on Parker will not pitch in back-to-back games because of his injury recovery, thus opening the door for Guaipe. Fry (1.80 ERA, seven saves in Double-A Jackson last year) could also see meaningful late-game action later in the season after a slow spring.

CATCHERS

The skinny: For now, Mike Zunino will be the primary catcher — and an everyday fixture in the batting order. The club would love for Zunino to build on what he did in his brief minors’ stint last August (.317, three HR, eight RBI in 41 ABs) in at least 450 at-bats this season. Rob Brantly passed through waivers and will be added to the roster, which would give Zunino at-bats at designated hitter and first base.

INFIELDERS

The skinny: The Mariners have made it clear they want their super-utility role player to be able to play shortstop, giving them depth behind Ketel Marte. And so the Rainers’ infield will feature a bunch of shortstop types — Chris Taylor (starter), Shawn O’Malley, Tyler Smith and Ed Lucas. Listach envisions a rotation of Taylor playing shortstop 2-3 times a week, O’Malley twice a week, Smith once a week – and Lucas every so often. The other middle infield position will be covered by the same four guys. Because of his defensive prowess, left-hander Efren Navarro will be the team’s primary first baseman. He will also play in the outfield in order to get Stefen Romero time at first base.

OUTFIELDERS

The skinny: Say the coolest name on the roster a few times — Boog (Powell). His all-out hustling style in center field should win over the Rainiers’ faithful immediately. His hitting (career .308 hitter in minors) and ability to take pitches make him an ideal leadoff candidate, but the organization would like him to become a better base stealer. Daniel Robertson was a .280 hitter in 37 games with the Los Angeles Angels last season, and had a good spring camp with the Mariners in left field (.400 BA, 13 RBI in 50 ABs). He profiles as a good reserve outfielder at the major league level. Romero had 17 home runs and 79 RBI in 476 at-bats last season in right field for the Rainiers in 2015.

Manager: Pat Listach, second season

Hitting coach: Scott Brosius, first season

Pitching coach: Lance Painter, first season

  

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 4:36 PM with the headline "2016 Tacoma Rainiers roster."