Mariners have high hopes for former Pioneer Travis Witherspoon

Mariners Find Needed Athleticism In Witherspoon

October 28, 2013 by Ryan Divish (Courtesy of Baseball America)

SEATTLE—When the Mariners claimed Travis Witherspoon off waivers from the Angels, they weren't just picking up a jettisoned player for organizational depth. They were adding some athleticism to a 40-man roster in desperate need of it.

"That was our main focus," Mariners director of professional scouting Tom Allison said. "We needed to get some athleticism and speed and he's a righthanded-hitting outfielder. We have quite a few lefthanded-hitting outfielders on our roster."

Witherspoon, 24, was selected by the Angels in the 12th round of the 2009 draft out of Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.) JC. He was rated as the best athlete and best defensive outfielder in the Angels organization after the 2012 season.

"He's got some pop and a tremendous body," Allison said of the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Witherspoon. "He can play center field and steal a base."

Witherspoon spent the 2013 season with Double-A Arkansas. He played in 129 games, hitting .214/.299/.342 with 18 doubles, 11 homers and 38 RBIs, but struck out 118 times. He did steal 30 bases in 40 attempts.

"He brings some tools," Allison said. "Obviously, you've seen the numbers and he's still putting his swing together. But he did put up some good numbers in high (Class) A the year before."

The Mariners hope Witherspoon can make a leap in progress similar to the jump outfielder Abraham Almonte made this season.

Almonte was acquired from the Yankees in a trade for reliever Shawn Kelley before the 2013 season. After hitting .276 (88-for-319) with 17 doubles, four homers and 25 RBI in 2012 with Double-A Trenton, Almonte hit .300 with 23 doubles, 15 homers, 68 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in 123 combined games between Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Tacoma. It earned him a September callup.

"It's the same kind of philosophy with Witherspoon," Allison said. "We're hoping a change of scenery will help. He has a tremendous work ethic. He wants to get better."