Two Montana boys in AAA Tacoma

[GrizBiz]

Well, the M's now have two Montanans parked in AAA: catcher Rob Johnson from Butte and relief pitcher Kam Mickolio from Bozeman. Both could see action in the majors this year, although Johnson is a likely trade candidate as the Mariners look for a starter after the all star break.

The read on Johnson is that he's major league ready behind the plate but that his hitting skills are a little lacking. He's made progress with the bat this year while repeating AAA and has put up an ok line of .257 BA/.321 OBP/.675 OPS. If he's going to make the bigs, it will be because of his skills behind the plate and he's evidently a very solid defensive catcher.

Kam Mickolio, on the other hand, is on the fast track to the majors. He was drafted out of Utah Valley State just last year and debuted in AA Wisconsin this season. In 18 appearances in relief, he pitched 29.2 innings with two saves, 3 wins and a 1.18 era. After getting promoted to AAA Tacoma, he got off to a rough start but has righted the ship since. After throwing three shutout innings last night, he even got a mention on the radio broadcast of the M's game last night. At 6'9", 256lbs he's supposed to be a pretty intimidating presence on the mound, which always helps. He'll be in the Mariner bullpen by the end of the year.

Pretty amazing, given that there is no high school baseball in Montana.

 

[SuperHornet]

I'm not so sure I'd worry about that catcher being "lacking" at the plate. Historically, catcher is one of those positions where other things are more important than power or average. Those things are leadership, calling a game, a good arm, and a great glove. If he's got those things (and from your analysis, it sounds like he does), then he should be in the majors soon.

Catchers and shortstops are not expected to hit for average. Catchers MAY hit for power, but that's more expected from first basemen and corner outfielders. Just give me a guy with Johnny Bench's behind-the-plate prowess, and I'll be happy, whether he's got Bench's bat or not. (And, yes, Bench was one of the first who got treated like Bonds is being treated now with the IBBs.)

At least your catcher in Tacoma's not batting around the Mendoza line like some good catchers have done!

 

[GRZFTBL]

We have a AAA umpire in the Pacific Coast League, as well. Brian Knight from Helena. He's worked several (80-90) games in the bigs the last couple of years, filling in for vacationing umps. Word is, he's next in line for a full-time job.

 

[GrizBiz]

I'm not so sure I'd worry about that catcher being "lacking" at the plate. Historically, catcher is one of those positions where other things are more important than power or average. Those things are leadership, calling a game, a good arm, and a great glove. If he's got those things (and from your analysis, it sounds like he does), then he should be in the majors soon.

Catchers and shortstops are not expected to hit for average. Catchers MAY hit for power, but that's more expected from first basemen and corner outfielders. Just give me a guy with Johnny Bench's behind-the-plate prowess, and I'll be happy, whether he's got Bench's bat or not. (And, yes, Bench was one of the first who got treated like Bonds is being treated now with the IBBs.)

At least your catcher in Tacoma's not batting around the Mendoza line like some good catchers have done!

Historically that's true but we seem to be entering the era of the offensive catcher. Virtually all of the good teams have offensive catchers. Victor Martinez is a legit MVP candidate, with Mauer, McCann and Martin not far behind. The next group of Johjima, Pudge, Estrada, Veritek, Buck and Molina all help their teams win with their bat.

I like Johnson but he's in a tough spot - Johjima has a lock on the Seattle C spot for another year and a half and nobody will be surprised if the M's extend his contract to keep him in Seattle for another year or two. Meanwhile, the other catcher in Tacoma is last year's first round pick Clement, who is hitting better across the board and has the kind of left handed power stroke that plays well in Safeco.

The best thing for Johnson is to get traded to someone like the White Sox, who are looking for Perczynski's replacement.

 

[SuperHornet]

The best thing for Johnson is to get traded to someone like the White Sox, who are looking for Perczynski's replacement.

What, so Pierczynski can go to TNA full-time? It'd be pretty cool to see Pierczinski and Dale Torborg in the 6 Sides of Steel!

:laugh:

 

[GRIZFAN20]

Mickolio was talked about last night during the "Banner Bank: Building To The Future" segment of the Mariners game. His stats are impressive.

Right now, the bullpen is pretty solid, especially with Mark Lowe on his way back. Mickolio may make it to the majors this season when September call-ups happen, but if the Mariners continue to play well, they may not want to call him up just yet. If he doesnt make it to the big leagues this season, he definatly will next season, especially with Morrow likely to be moved into the rotation.