Six 2009 Jaxx added to Mariners 40-man roster
The current Seattle Mariners 40-man roster stands at 39 players, 11 of which played for the Diamond Jaxx. Former Diamond Jaxx pitchers Doug Fister and Shawn Kelley, along with outfielder Michael Saunders, infielder Matt Tuiasosopo and catcher Adam Moore have already made their major league debuts with the big club.
RHP Dan Cortes made 10 starts for the Jaxx in 2009, after being traded from the Kansas City Royals to the Mariners for short stop, Yuniesky Betancourt. Cortes was 1-5 for the Jaxx, with a 4.94 ERA in 2009 and tallied 55 strikeouts. Dan is rated as the 11th best prospect in the Mariners organization, according to Baseball America.
RHP Ricky Orta appeared in 24 games for the Jaxx while battling injuries throughout the season. Orta was 3-2 with a 1.94 ERA and held opponents to a .196 batting clip. Orta is rated as the 27th best prospect in the Mariners organization, according to Baseball America.
LHP Edward Paredes only appeared in three games for the Diamond Jaxx in 2009. Paredes allowed four runs in those three outings while walking seven hitters. Edward is considered the clubs second best lefty reliever, according to Baseball America.
RHP Anthony Varvaro was arguably the Diamond Jaxx top reliever in 2009. Varvaro was called up from Single-A High Desert on May 3rd and appeared in 36 games for the Jaxx. He led the team with 54.1 innings out of the bullpen last season. Anthony also participated in the Arizona Fall League this past offseason and went 1-0 in 10 outings, while striking out 11 batters. Varvaro is considered the fifth best right handed reliever in the organization, according to Baseball America.
OF Ezequiel Carrera hit the ground running in 2009 for the Jaxx, after being acquired from the Mets in the 2008 offseason. Carrera won the Southern League Batting Title by hitting .337 with 2 homers and 38 RBI. Carrera was second on the team with 27 stolen bases and led the Southern League with a .441 on-base percentage. Carrera was also named the Diamond Jaxx MVP and Hitter of the Year in 2009. Ezquiel is considered the 15th best prospect in the Mariners organization, according to Baseball America.
OF Greg Halman spent the entire 2009 season with the Jaxx and led the team and tied for the Southern League lead in homeruns. Halman slugged a career high, 25 long balls last season and drove in 72 runs. Halman played in 121 games in 2009 and was twice named Southern League Hitter of the Week. Greg is considered the 10th best prospect in the Mariners organization, according to Baseball America.