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	TODAY: Monday, May 15
	Mariners minor-league report By John Sickels Special to ESPN.com
	System overview 1999 was a good year for young pitchers in Seattle, as Freddy Garcia, John Halama and Gil Meche established themselves as major league talents. Garcia in particular looked excellent, and combined with Halama to make the Randy Johnson trade a worthwhile swap of talent for the Mariners. Another component of that trade, infielder Carlos Guillen, should get another shot at a major league role in 2000, after losing 1999 to a knee injury. Unfortunately, there isn't much talent beyond the group that debuted last year. Lefty Ryan Anderson looks like a future star, but there are more questions than answers beyond him, at least at the upper levels. The Mariners have an erratic track record with drafting, but are more willing than many teams to go after international talent. There are some interesting players lower in the system, but it will be awhile before any position players with impact potential are ready to help. The 1999 draft class looks promising, a good sign for the long-term future. 1999 Minor League W-L Percentage: .482 (ranked 22nd) 1999 amateur draft The Mariners went after a good mixture of college and high school talent, making their draft class one of the better efforts of 1999. First-rounder Ryan Christiansen, a catcher from high school in Riverside, California, is excellent defensively, and hit better than expected in his pro debut. He is a good risk as high school catchers go. Supplemental first-rounder Jeff Heaverlo, from the University of Washington, is an experienced and polished college pitcher who should move through the system quickly. Third-rounder Willie Bloomquist, from Arizona State, is a hard-nosed player adept at second base and the outfield. His tools are good, and he gives maximum effort every time out. Fourth-rounder Vaughn Schill, from Duke, had a disappointing college season, but played well in the pros. Like Bloomquist, Schill is a talented middle infielder with good offensive potential. J.J. Putz, from the University of Michigan, throws very hard, but slipped to the sixth round due to concerns about his control. His ceiling is high if he throws strikes. The same can also be said for 11th-round pick Hawkeye Wayne, a very raw right-hander from Columbia University. Watch eighth-rounder Termel Sledge, a fast outfielder from Long Beach State with a track record of success. Top prospects 1) Ryan Anderson, LHP: The Randy Johnson clone is getting close to fulfilling his potential. His control is coming around, and a good season at Triple-A would put him in the majors by September. 2) Cha Sueng Baek, RHP: Limited to 27 innings by elbow soreness, but the South Korean with the 93-mph fastball and sharp curve looks good when healthy. 3) Alex Fernandez, OF: Hit .282 with 14 homers and 21 steals in the California League, excellent numbers from an 18-year old. Needs to draw more walks, but very young. 4) Chris Snelling, OF: 18-year old Australian hit .306 with good strike zone judgment in the Northwest League. A major sleeper. 5) Carlos Guillen, 2B-3B: Injured all year, but expected back healthy by spring training. Played second last year, but may move to third in 2000. Won't have the bat for the position, but can field anywhere. Others of note Ruben Castillo, SS: Athletic Dominican shortstop with a slick glove and some offensive potential. Jermaine Clark, 2B: Hit .315 with 33 steals and 58 walks in the California League. Good glove, could see the majors soon if he does well in Double-A. Joel Piniero, RHP: Curveballer with mediocre Double-A numbers, but good command. Has a chance as a fifth starter. Other names to know: Craig Anderson, LHP; Brian Fuentes, LHP; Harvey Hargrove, OF; Damaso Marte, LHP; Chris Mears, RHP; Brandon Parker, RHP; Bo Robinson, 1B; Denny Stark, RHP; Emmanuel Ulloa, RHP; Jake Weber, OF; Peanut Williams, 1B. John Sickels is the author of the 2000 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can email your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com.		ALSO SEE Hot Stove Heaters: Mariners ESPN.com's Hot Stove Heaters