Mariners
Leone, Dobbs give M's options in M's farm system

By Bob Sherwin
Seattle Times staff reporter

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The Mariners haven't had this sort of problem for a while. Two of their best prospects, Justin Leone and Greg Dobbs, are both quality candidates to become their future starting third baseman.

A history lesson might be needed to determine which one of them will emerge.

In 1984, the organization promoted Jim Presley to designated hitter with the big club because Mariners management wanted more production. Presley had good pop. But also in the system was a player with not as much power but a consistent bat. That was Edgar Martinez, who turned out all right.

"It's definitely very similar," said Roger Jongewaard, the Mariners vice president/special assistant to the general manager. Jongewaard joined the Mariners in 1986 as a special-assignment scout and later became farm director. He was involved in that Presley-Martinez emergence and is watching the Leone-Dobbs competition.

"Presley also was a good fielder. Edgar had good hands, but had limited range and an average arm," said Jongewaard, making the same comparison to Leone and Dobbs. "Leone is an above-average fielder. He could even play short, although I'm not sure he's quick enough for that spot, and we might always be looking to upgrade. I'm not sure how well Dobbs could play up here."

Leone, who turns 27 next month, is to Presley as Dobbs is to Martinez. A 13th-round draft choice out of Saint Martin's College in Lacey, Leone didn't put up significant numbers for his first four minor-league seasons. Then last year when Dobbs tore his Achilles tendon in the second game for Class AA San Antonio, Leone moved from backup to starter.

He had a spectacular season, hitting .288 with 21 home runs, 92 runs batted in and was named the Texas League MVP. This season, for Class AAA Tacoma, he is hitting .246 but has 13 home runs and 27 RBI. He missed most of last week with a sore arm.

"He can hit for power. When he hits them, they really go. But I don't see him hitting for a high average," Jongewaard said of Leone. "I could see Dobbs hitting .300 in the big leagues. He gets the bat on the ball. He's always a tough out. He has the ability to use the whole field (like Martinez)."

Dobbs, who turns 26 next month, is completely recovered from his Achilles surgery but, after missing the entire season, has had to show he can still hit. He is hitting .315 for San Antonio with four home runs, 21 RBI and just 18 strikeouts in 143 at-bats. Leone has 47 strikeouts in 142 at-bats.

This season, Leone has far more home runs and a .609 slugging percentage. Dobbs has just a .497 slugging percentage but carries a .381 on-base percentage compared to Leone's .320.
 
"To tell you the truth, I think Dobbs is better," Jongewaard said. "They both have a chance. They are different types of players."

The Mariners have some options that could fit both on the roster. If first baseman John Olerud and Martinez retire after this season, Scott Spiezio could move to first, Leone could take over at third and Dobbs could be a DH candidate. But Dobbs, who also can play first, might be a little young for the DH role.

Rainiers shortstop Jose Lopez, 20, is a player with both a high average and power potential. He could leapfrog both Leone and Dobbs and claim the third-base spot next season.

"We're in pretty good shape for the future with those guys," Jongewaard said.

It has been awhile since he could say that.