Mariners announce minor-league awards

The Seattle Mariners announced their Minor League player of the Year awards on Monday. Here is the press release:

“SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President &General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today the Mariners Minor League Players of the Year and Player Development Staff of the Year awards.

“Infielder/Outfielder Vinnie Catricala (High Desert/Jackson) was named Player of the Year, while right-hander Taijuan Walker (Clinton) was named the Pitcher of the Year. Arizona League Mariners Athletic Trainer Randy Roetter was named the Player Development Staff Member of the Year.

“Catricala, 23, hit .349 (182×521) with 97 runs scored, 77 extra-base (2B – 48, 3B – 4, HR – 25) and 106 RBI in 133 games combined between A High Desert and AA Jackson. Among full season minor leaguers he ranked 2nd in extra-base hits, 3rd in hits, T3rd in doubles, T4th in batting average and T9th in RBI. He recorded 59 multi-hit games (34- High Desert, 25-Jackson), including 12 three-hit games and 3 season-high four-hit games. Catricala was named to the California League All-Star team before being promoted to Jackson on June 30. He hit safely in 52 of 62 games, while reaching base safely in 57 games with the Generals, batting .347 (83×239).

“‘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.’

“Walker, 19, who was recently named the top Midwest League prospect in 2011 by Baseball America, went 6-5 with a 2.89 ERA (31 ER, 96.2 IP) in 18 starts with A Clinton last season. He limited opponents to a .202 (69×341) average, including a .187 (34×182) vs. right-handed batters. Walker was 0-2 with a 9.95 ERA over his first two starts of the season, but went 6-3 with a 2.39 ERA (24 ER, 90.1 IP) over his last 16 starts. He recorded 7 quality starts, including tossing his first-career complete game victory on July 13 vs. Great Lakes (9.0,2,2,2,1,7,HR). Walker struck out a season-high 11 batters three times and finished with 113 strikeouts in 96.2 innings. He was amongst MWL leaders in lowest opponent average (3rd at .202), highest K/9.0 IP ratio for starters (4th at 10.52), fewest baserunners/9.0 IP for starters (5th at 10.33), strikeouts (6th with 113) and WHIP (8th at 1.12) following his final start on Aug. 10 vs. Cedar Rapids.

“‘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.’”

Roetter was named the Mariners Player Development Staff of the Year as the Arizona League Mariners Athletic Trainer during the 2011 season. He recently completed his 25th season as a trainer with the Mariners organization and 10th with Peoria. Roetter also assists with all the Mariners off-season programs, including Mini-Camp, Spring Training, extended Spring Training, Instructional League and the Arizona Fall League.”

Players, Pitchers of the Year

Class AAA Tacoma: Alex Liddi (3B), Blake Beavan (RHP)

Class AA Jackson: Vinnie Catricala (3B), Andrew Carraway (RHP)

Class A High Desert: Danny Carroll (OF), Chris Sorce (RHP)

Class A Clinton: Stefen Romero (INF/OF), Taijuan Walker (RHP)

Class A Everett: Jabari Blash (OF), Jose Campos (RHP)

Rookie Pulaski: Jamal Austin (OF), Angel Raga (RHP)

Rookie AZL Mariners: Phillips Castillo (OF), Yunior DeJesus (RHP)

Dominican DSL Mariners: Janelfry Zorrilla (OF), Domingo Brazoban (RHP)

Venezuelan VSL Mariners: Felipe Burin (3B), Isliexel Gonzalez (RHP)

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