Mailbag: Future of few well worth wait

03/06/2006
Who are a couple of players I should look out for in Spring Training that are not going to make the roster this year but have a great chance in the future?-- Eric S., Bellingham, Wash.
There are a few to keep an eye on. Left-hander Travis Blackley might start the season at Double-A San Antonio because he's still rebounding from labrum surgery and might need to be in warmer weather for the first part of the year, but look for him to make it to Triple-A by June if he's progressing well. The Mariners still like him as a starting pitching prospect. Right-hander Marcos Carvajal has a live arm and the potential to start games, and he's got some valuable Major League experience under his belt, having pitched in 39 games for the Colorado Rockies last year, striking out 47 batters in 53 innings. If he doesn't make the big club out of Spring Training, he'll probably be in Tacoma. And reliever Emiliano Fruto can hit the mid-90s with his fastball and has a very good changeup and curveball. He needs to iron out his command and figures to be a candidate for closer duties in Tacoma.
Since Matt Lawton is suspended for the first 10 days of the season because of a drug suspension, who do you think has the opportunity to make the club for those days and technically make the Opening Day roster?-- Ben M., Las Vegas, Nev.
That all depends on how manager Mike Hargrove wants to set up the roster. If Hargrove decides to use the Lawton suspension to give him an extra arm and make it a 12-man pitching staff, Carvajal, Jeff Harris, lefty Jake Woods or righty Clint Nageotte could sneak onto the roster as relievers, depending on how they pitch in Spring Training. If Hargrove decides to go with a position player, candidates include Greg Dobbs, Roberto Petagine or outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. Of course, a lot can happen in the remaining three-plus weeks of camp. Injuries can rearrange the entire roster, and some of the names I've mentioned as possible candidates could become shoo-ins for the roster as camp progresses.
The Mariners traded Bret Boone to the Twins last year. I heard that they will get a player to be named later or cash. I am wondering what they got.-- Alex T., Seattle
According to a team spokesman, the Mariners received cash in the deal, which was done last July 11. Boone, incidentally, retired from baseball last week while in New York Mets camp.
What Mariners numbers have been retired? And who are they?-- Eric R., Portland, Ore.
The Mariners have not retired any numbers yet. The only retired number hanging in Safeco Field is the No. 42 of Jackie Robinson, which is retired throughout baseball.
What happened to pitcher Jorge Campillo? Is he still in the organization, or did we let him go as a free agent?-- Michael C., Shoreline, Wash.
Campillo is in Arizona rehabilitating his right elbow from the Tommy John ligament replacement surgery he underwent last year. Campillo remains a part of the Mariners organization on a Minor League contract. Once the season starts, the team will have to figure out which disabled list to place him on.
What is OPS and how does it work?-- Derek G., Riverside, Calif.
OPS is on-base percentage plus slugging percentage and it is believed by a growing number of baseball fans and statisticians to be the premier method of determining a player's true offensive value, although that interpretation is often questioned, usually by older, more traditional baseball people.
Is Jay Buhner still with the Mariners organization? I know that he is no longer announcing, but is he still working with the Mariners or is he enjoying retirement?-- Kara M., Richland, Wash.
The Mariners tell me that "Bone" is content right now as a Seattle-area dad, coaching his children.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/