Outfielder Wladimir Balentien brought up from Tacoma 

Wednesday August 6, 2008 – The youth movement of the Tacoma (ahemm) Seattle Mariners continued today as the team optioned DH Jose Vidro for assignment, and recalled outfielder Wladimir Balentien back to the big leagues.

Seattle Mariner fans will be sad to lose their biggest whipping boy in Vidro as he has had a poor 2008 season.   Jose batted .234 with seven homers and 45 RBIs in 85 games this season for Seattle.  The M’s have 10 days to release, trade, option, or assign Vidro outright to the Minors.

Wlad got the call up in Vidro’s place to begin his second stint with the Mariners this season.  Balentien hit .196 with four home-runs and 9 RBI’s in 32 games earlier in the season.  Many including myself thought they should have let him ride his struggles out, but the team returned him to Tacoma.  Balentien struggled a little when sent down, but has gotten hot batting .270 with 12 home-runs and 35 RBIs in 44 games.

The Mariners lineup is now loaded with Rainiers as Jeff Clement, Bryan LaHair, and Balentien are all up with the big team.  Not to mention half of their pitching staff was down there at some point.  Its good to see the Mariners getting these guys up earlier before the rosters expand so they can see them against better competition before September.

Mariners Blog