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December 13, 2007

Future Shock

Mariners Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Jeff Clement, C
Four-Star Prospects
2. Chris Tillman, RHP
3. Carlos Triunfel, SS
Three-Star Prospects
4. Wladimir Balentien, OF
5. Juan Ramirez, RHP
6. Phillipe Aumont, RHP
7. Michael Saunders, OF
Two-Star Prospects
8. Tony Butler, LHP
9. Robert Rohrbaugh, LHP
10. Greg Halman, OF
11. Danny Carroll, OF

Just Missing: Matt Mangini, 3B; Edward Paredes, LHP; Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B

1. Jeff Clement, c
DOB: 8/21/83
Height/Weight: 6-1/210
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2005, University of Southern California
2007 Stats: .275/.370/.497 at Triple-A (125 G); .375/.474/.813 at MLB (9 G)

Year In Review: The power-hitting catcher stayed healthy throughout the year and began to blossom at Triple-A in just his second full season.
The Good: Clement is a rare talent-–the catcher who can hit in the middle of the order. He’s tremendously strong and has plus power to all fields, but he’s hardly a one-dimensional slugger, as he has a patient approach as well as very good hitting skills, and should hit for a high average with good on-base skills as well. Despite his high profile and big bonus, he gets high marks for the makeup and work ethic.
The Bad: While Clement has made significant strides defensively, he’s still no more than adequate. That’s good enough news, as combined with his bat, adequate defense makes him an elite catcher. He still needs to work on blocking pitches in the dirt and improving his pop time.
Fun Fact: While at Marshalltown High School in Iowa, Clement set a new national record for career high school home runs, with 75.
Perfect World Projection: A catcher with 30 bombs? That’s an All-Star.
Timetable: Clement is ready for the big leagues, but Kenji Johjima blocks him. One possible scenario has the two splitting the catcher and designated hitter roles in 2008.

2. Chris Tillman, RHP
DOB: 4/15/88
Height/Weight: 6-5/195
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 2^nd round, 2006, Fountain Valley HS (CA)
2007 Stats: 3.55 ERA at Low-A (33-31-13-34); 5.26 ERA at High-A (102.2-107-48-105)