Mariners’ Zunino looking right in effort to boost offensive production

PEORIA, Ariz. — The right way to add punch to his offensive production, Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino contends, is, well, the right way.

“I think I just need to totally commit to going to right-center,” Zunino said. That’s been my strength for a while, and I keep my bat in the zone for a longer time.”

This isn’t exactly a revelation.

Zunino said much the same thing on numerous occasions last season when he set a club record for homers by a catcher with 22 despite finishing below the Mendoza Line with a .199 batting average.

But an off-season of introspection reinforced the point before Zunino arrived for spring workouts currently under way at the organization’s renovated complex in the Northwest Phoenix suburbs.

“When you don’t feel 100 percent,” he said, “when you start to feel a little fatigued, you try to generate too much — and that was pulling me off my swing.

“I think it’s just a matter of getting that (swing) path to right-center and stay balanced, that’s going to be key to changing things.”

That work started before Zunino arrived for spring training.

He spends the winter in Gainesville near the Florida campus, where he was the consensus college player of the year in 2012 prior to his selection by the Mariners with the third overall selection in that year’s draft.

“You go and check out your tapes,” Zunino said. “You see your highlights and where you had success. You’re able to take a step back from being in the rush of the season.

“You’re able to see how guys attacked you, and you go back to those times and (evaluate) what you were doing or thinking. It was nice to take some time off and totally clean the slate out.”

Manager Lloyd McClendon preached patience last year through Zunino’s offensive struggles. This year, the message remains the same.

“Mike Zunino is going to be an All-Star catcher in the very near future,” McClendon insisted. “We’re dealing with a young man who came to the big leagues after (364) minor-league at-bats. Is he going to struggle a little bit? Yeah. Are there going to be growing pains?

“Absolutely. Are there going to be times when you wonder if he’s ever going to get a hit again? Yeah. He also had more home runs than any catcher in the American League. He’s doing a few things right.”

True enough, but Zunino struck out 157 times in 435 at-bats, and his .254 on-base percentage was the second-worst in baseball among players with at least 400 plate appearances.

(Only Baltimore second baseman Jonathan Schoop was worse at .244.)

Part of Zunino’s struggles a year ago likely stemmed from his emphasis on the defensive aspects of his catching responsibilities. Simply put, he had to learn his pitching staff.

His defensive numbers were solid.

Zunino’s catchers’ ERA was the second-best in baseball among those who caught at least 800 innings. His range factor and fielding percentage ranked fourth among American League catchers.

“This is a tough staff to catch,” McClendon said. “We have guys with all sorts of movement. Felix (Hernandez), (James) Paxton over the top, Kuma (Hisashi Iwakuma) with that split. It’s hard.

“Ask the pitchers. They like throwing to this kid because they know he’s going to block the pitches he needs to block.”

Former teammate Chris Young once said, “I continue to be just blown away with Mike when I remember that he’s a rookie back there. He’s doing a great job.”

Now, though, it’s time for Zunino to get the bat working.

“It definitely makes it a little more comfortable,” he said, “coming into spring training and knowing the (pitchers). Last year, I was learning six or seven guys.

“This year, we have one new starter and, maybe, one new bullpen arm. Not too much.

“I’ve just got to get into the batting cage and start with the basics. I’ve been feeling really good. I’ve been talking to HoJo (hitting coach Howard Johnson) and with Lloyd just to get on the same page.”

And do things the right way.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.