Two breakout players drafted by Zduriencik topped the organization in a very successful statistical season for many prospects for the Mariners in 2011. SeattleClubhouse alreadt covered the statistical leaders in hitting and pitching, and these two players' names appear throughout.
3B/OF Vinnie Catricala, a 2009 draftee out of the University of Hawaii in the 10th round, was named the organization's Player of the Year. Catricala built on the success he had in his first two seasons in pro ball by taking his performance to the next level in 2011. The 23-year-old right-handed batter hit .349/.421/.601 in 133 games split between the High-A High Desert Mavericks of the California League and Double-A Jackson of the Southern League. Among full season minor leaguers he ranked 2nd in extra-base hits (77), 3rd in hits (182), t-3rd in doubles (48), t-4th in batting average and t-9th in RBI (106).
“Vinnie had an outstanding offensive season combined between High Desert and Jackson,” Zduriencik said. “He not only led the organization in many offensive categories, but was one of the top players in all of the minor leagues.
CATRICALA'S CAREER STATS
Starting Pitcher Taijuan Walker pitched his entire season in the Midwest League for the Clinton Lumber Kings as an 18-year-old and was named the league's top prospect by Baseball America. The 43rd pick in the 2010 draft by Seattle limited opponents to a .202 average, including a .187 (34 for 182) against right-handed batters. He ended the season with a 2.89 ERA (2.70 FIP), 1.12 WHIP and 10.5 SO/9 in 96 2/3 innings in his first full season of work.
“Taijuan had a great year in Clinton”, Zduriencik said. “He had great command of the ball and was one of the most dominating pitchers in the Midwest League.”
WALKER'S CAREER STATS
Each individual level also awards it's Player and Pitcher of the Year. Those players are as follows:
Triple-A Tacoma:
Alex Liddi (3B) - STATS
Blake Beavan (SP) - STATS
Double-A Jackson:
Vinnie Catricala (3B/OF)
Andrew Carraway (SP) - STATS
High-A High Desert:
Danny Carroll (OF) - STATS
Chris Sorce (SP) - STATS
Low-A Clinton:
Stefen Romero (IF/OF) - STATS
Taijuan Walker (SP)
Short-A Everett:
Jabari Blash (OF) - STATS
Jose Campos (SP) - STATS
Rookie Pulaski:
Jamal Austin (OF) - STATS
Angel Raga (P) - STATS
Rookie AZL M's:
Phillips Castillo (OF) - STATS
Yunior DeJesus (SP) - STATS
Rookie DSL M's:
Janelfry Zorrilla (OF) - STATS
Domingo Brazoban (SP) - STATS
Rookie VSL M's:
Felipe Burin (2B) - STATS
Isliexel Gonzalez (SP) - STATS
Looking for more Mariners news and articles? "Like" SeattleClubhouse on Facebook and follow SeattleClubhouse's Rick Randall on Twitter at @randallball.