Mariners outfield hopeful makes splash in Triple A

Michael Saunders is making this Triple-A thing look easy.

After being promoted to the Tacoma Rainiers, he delivered a run-scoring double in his debut Wednesday.

Then on Thursday, Saunders went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer in Tacoma's 8-1 victory over the 51s at Cashman Field. He also scored three runs and showed his speed by bunting for a single.

What's next, a grand slam in tonight's series finale?

"He's got a good chance to be a really good player for us, not only here but hopefully in the big leagues at some point," Tacoma manager Daren Brown said. "He showed a little bit tonight what he can do. He's a guy who can run, has speed, has power. He does a lot of things to help win a ballgame."

After beginning the season with Double-A West Tennessee, Saunders simply wanted to make it to Triple A this season. The outfielder earned the promotion after batting .290 with eight home runs, 30 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.

"I didn't know what to expect when I came up here," Saunders said. "I was nervous just playing with the talent that we have in this clubhouse right here.

"These guys have been in the big leagues before. I know a few of them, and to be able to play with them is an honor. Playing for Tacoma is pretty special for me. It's close to home, and I kind of grew up knowing the Rainiers a little bit."

Saunders is from Victoria, British Columbia, not far from the Washington state line. His favorite teams growing up were the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, and now he is one step from making the parent Mariners.

It probably won't be a shock if that time isn't far away, whether by a September call-up when major league rosters expand or next season. Saunders already was far from a secret; Baseball America ranks him as the Mariners' No. 6 prospect.

"He's still young," Brown said. "He's only 21 years old. He just needs to go out and play, get his at-bats.

"No doubt he'll get better."

Saunders, the Mariners' 11th-round pick in the 2004 draft after playing a season for Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College, already has received two major honors.

He was on the World Team in the MLB Futures Game last year, and in November he played for Canada in the International Baseball Federation World Cup in Taiwan.

"It was a feeling that you can't describe when you wear your country's name across your chest," Saunders said. "It was pretty special."

• NOTES -- 51s reliever Ramon Troncoso will be called up today by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander is 4-0 with a 4.99 ERA in 22 appearances for the 51s this season. ... Las Vegas third baseman Terry Tiffee continued his hot hitting, going 4-for-5 to raise his Pacific Coast League-leading average to .412.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.