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Seattle Mariners

M’s, Zunino just biding their time

Young prospect catching eyes, calls for promotion at Triple-A Tacoma

First-round pick Mike Zunino has M’s attention in Tacoma. (Associated Press)
Larry Stone Seattle Times
First-round pick Mike Zunino has M’s attention in Tacoma. (Associated Press)

Catcher Mike Zunino has lived life on the fast track from the moment he signed with the Seattle Mariners last July. Never has there been a doubt where he’s headed; the only mystery has been when he’s going to get there.

With Zunino in Tacoma, one stop away from the majors, that question is becoming ever more prominent – particularly since he has started his Triple-A career with a vengeance: four home runs and 18 runs batted in during his first seven games.

Throw in the early-season struggles of players like Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak, and there’s already a clamor among some Mariners fans for Zunino.

Just about the only one who’s not buzzing about when Zunino will get the call is Zunino himself. But that should not be a surprise; just 22, Zunino has already displayed a wisdom beyond his years.