Tracking Clement, Balentien

The struggles continued Saturday for the Mariners and young sluggers Jeff Clement and Wladimir Balentien.

I love that spelling by the way. It's pronounced Vladimir, but if your like me you can pronounce it, Wah-Lad! Signifying the sound the bat makes when he hits one of his towering shots. It's fun, I suggest trying it at home.

Anyway, the two young bucks suffered some more growing pains facing strikeout machine Javier Vazquez. They both struck out in there first two at-bats against Vazquez with Clement being the only one to get a third AB against him and fortunately drew a walk.

Balentien did manage a single in his third AB against the Pale Hose's pen but grounded into a DP in the ninth to conclude his night.

1-4 with 2 k's.

Clement followed up his walk with a fly out to center to conclude his plate trips. At least he hit the ball into the field the last time.

He went 0-3 with 2 k's and a walk.

Well, the K rates aren't pretty but at least it looks like they are going to have a long leash to succeed. The Mariners need to pick it up as a whole and that should help the young guys settle in and start making some more contact. We've still gotta love their futures.

Carry on.