The Seattle Mariners have called up second baseman Dustin Ackley from Triple A Tacoma.
Analysis: While I don’t expect Ackley to catch fire from the jump he does possess a solid set of tools. Ackley has a .418 OBP in sixty-five games with Tacoma this year. Ackley’s fifty-five walks is leading the Pacific Coast League and Ackley’s walk rate is at 16.9% to just a 14.2% strikeout rate. He obviously has a great eye and is a patient hitter but he is by no means a power hitter. Ackley has gap power and while playing at Safeco one shouldn’t expect much in terms of his home run total. Ackley’s 2011 9 HR, 7 SB, .300 BA line is solid and one might think that he may contribute in all five categories right away but he will be needing some time to adjust. For now expect a ton of doubles and a fair amount of walks, solid for points leagues or roto leagues that count OBP. It can’t hurt to take a chance on this guy but don’t expect anything elite from this rookie second baseman this year.
Projection: A .280 BA, 6 HR, 9 SB line would be a reasonable projection for Ackley if he starts for the rest of the season.