While we’re on the subject of top prospects, Dustin Ackley, the No. 2 selection in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft also made news on Friday. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said Ackleywill begin working out at second base in a move that could become permanent.
Ackley, 21, played outfield and first base with North Carolina, but was drafted as a center fielder. Zduriencik was careful to say that this would be an experiment, but Ackley is expected to rise in the system rather quickly, and with Franklin Gutierrez holding down center field quite nicely, second base could be a natural fit.
Ackley is batting .315/.412/.425 with one home run, five doubles, 12 RBI and 13 runs scored in 20 games for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League. He is scheduled to bat leadoff and play center field during Saturday’s AFL Championship Game against the Phoenix Desert Dogs.
It’s important to note that Ackley is at least one year away from the majors, but in a semi-related story, the Mariners may consider moving current second baseman Jose Lopez to first base, according to a FOXSports.com.