Mariners

Daily coverage of the Mariners during the season and all year long.

This is always one of my favorite spring training drills. You get to watch the Mariners chase down pop-ups that look routine when you watch them on television, but can be pretty intimidating when witnessed from ground level.

Have a look.

The best catch I saw was by third baseman Alex Liddi just behind the bag in foul territory. Kendrys Morales also got some nice applause for a running, sort-of-acrobatic grab near the end. Acrobatic for him, in any event.

Kyle Seager also got some kudos from coach Robby Thompson for his racing grab in the infield.

One of the things that becomes obvious watching the video is just how loud and decisive the infielders have to be when calling one another off. We saw what can happen back in 2009 when that type of communication doesn’t take place. You’ll remember how Yuniesky Betancourt nearly ended the career of left fielder Endy Chavez when the two collided in shallow left field.

Chavez tore up his knee in several places and needed a year before he could come back.

So, this isn’t just major leaguers showing off for the coaches and cameras. This is what it’s like come game time down on the field. With thousands of people up in the stands making noise, there isn’t time to be meek out there when it comes to making yourself heard.