The Dutch outfield prospect of the Seattle Mariners, Wladimir BALENTIEN, still impresses his coaches with good numbers in Spring Training in Arizona. The 24-year-old is batting .326 (OBP .387/SLG .652) in 19 games this March. He leads the team with three homeruns, one longer than the other. Baseball America listed him as the fifth best prospect in the Mariners organization with the best outfield arm.
However it is going to be difficult to break the camp with the Major League Team. The everyday lineup is set with Ichiro SUZUKI, Brad WILKERSON and Raul IBANEZ. And the leading candidate for the backup job is Mike MORSE, who is hitting .523 (.588/.818). The possibility for a fifth outfielder on the active roster is very slim as Willie BLOOMQUIST is capable of playing nearly every position.
Nevertheless BALENTIEN will see some big league games this year, if he can take his hot bat to the triple A level.
