Mariners Swift Center Fielders Draw Attention For Fast Starts

Two center field prospects previously known for their speed and defense had created a stir in the Mariners organization.

Ian Miller, 25, batted .336/.379/.454 through his first 37 games at Double-A Arkansas after reaching Double-A in each of the past two seasons.

Braden Bishop, 23, batted .316/.412/.432 through 38 games at high Class A Modesto after advancing from low Class Clinton last season.

The Mariners selected Miller, a lefthanded batter, in the 14th round of the 2013 draft out of Wagner. His plus-plus speed drew attention this spring as a possible late-season (or even postseason) threat as a pinch-runner.

“He’s very confident,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “He’s kind of on the map if you need a guy late in the year. He’s still got things to work on in his game offensively. To steal second base, you’ve got to get on first.”

Miller stole 49 bases last season in 52 attempts and opened this season by going 15-for-17, but it was his improvement at the plate that drew attention.

“Ian spent his offseason in Peoria (Ariz.) with (hitting instructor) Brant Brown,” farm director Andy McKay said. “They were able to create a routine that Ian has stuck with.

“He is one of the best basestealers in (the minors), and he is committed to becoming the best player that he can become.”

Bishop, who bats righthanded, lacks Miller’s pure speed but has been viewed as a superior defensive player since his selection in the third round of the 2015 draft out of Washington. But scouts saw his bat as a tool requiring work, which is why his fast start this year was such a plus.

“Braden has done an exceptional job of controlling the strike zone,” McKay said, “and putting his body in a position to be ready to hit every pitch. His leadership has been a large part of the team success in Modesto.”

— Bob Dutton covers the Mariners for the Tacoma News Tribune