Published: June 13, 2009 12:43 am      

Mariners draft picks coming to Clinton?

Seattle front office says unlikely anytime soon

By Scott McNeish

Herald Assistant Sports Editor

CLINTON — Don't expect many Seattle Mariners 2009 draft selections to become LumberKings yet. It's possible, but unlikely.

The Seattle organization has stressed an effort to bring top picks along slowly, which director of minor league operations Pedro Grifol reiterated Thursday in a phone interview.

"Right now, at this second, most of the guys we picked won't filter up to A-ball in the next, say, 10 or 15 days," Grifol said. "No. 1, we want to sign guys, and our scouts are now working on getting that done. We're tickled pink that we were able to get some of the guys we got. We need to sign them and discuss as an organization what will happen.

"We'd like them to get their feet wet in rookie ball and go out and perform and meet that challenge."

Once signed, Seattle's picks will likely report to Peoria, Pulaski — both rookie-level clubs — or short-season Class A Everett.

"We have teams to fill," said Grifol, who has worked in the Seattle system for 10 years. "We have to have enough guys there to play baseball. As the season goes along, maybe some guys will make a move to A-ball.”

But, Grifol added, exceptions exist.

Justin Smoak, the Rangers' No. 1 pick last season, began his professional career in Clinton.

"Sometimes it depends on the person," LumberKings general manager Ted Tornow said. "Do they have the mental, or physical or complete psyche to play at higher levels? Other times, it depends on the club's need. If a team needs pitching, a pitcher has a better chance to move up."

Media pundits predict Seattle's top pick this year, University of North Carolina first baseman Dustin Ackley, could rapidly ascend.

Ackley, the second overall selection, has batted .412 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs this season while helping the Tar Heels to their fourth straight College World Series. He holds school records for most hits (338), most runs scored (225) and total bases (535).

The Mariners have until Aug. 17 to reach an agreement with Ackley and representative Scott Boras.

Seattle's recent history reveals scattered placement for high picks.

Catcher Jeff Clement, the No. 3 overall pick in 2005, started in Everett and jumped later that season to the Midwest League's Wisconsin Timber Rattlers — then Seattle's low Class A affiliate.

Seattle picked pitcher Brandon Morrow fifth overall in 2006. He started at Peoria, before moving to advanced Class A Inland Empire months later.

Phillippe Aumont, Seattle's top pick in 2007, started at Wisconsin and now pitches for advanced Class A High Desert. Last year's top selection, Josh Fields, started his pro career at Double-A West Tennessee.

"There's guys that start higher," Grifol said. "I won't say that it's not going to happen. Starting guys at those lower three teams is our mindset right now."

Next season represents a more realistic timetable for fans to view this year's top picks in Clinton.

The LumberKings’ active roster includes five players taken in the first 15 rounds of last year’s draft: Brett Lorin (fifth round), Nate Tenbrink (seventh), Bobby LaFromboise (eighth), Kenn Kasparek (12th) and Jacob Shaffer (15th).

Pitchers Aaron Pribanic (second) and Steven Hensley (third) also visited Clinton this season.

"When it comes to some of those first-round guys, those first-day guys," LumberKings director of broadcasting Dave Lezotte said, "it's wiser to assume they'll be here the season following their draft year."

This season remains possible, though a long shot.

"As the season goes on, and I can't give you a specific date or anything, but you might see some 2009 draft guys headed that way," Grifol said. "But we don't have any plans for it at this time."