M’s Zunino encouraged by spring performance

Time to check back with Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino regarding his spring goal to revamp his swing in hopes of boosting his overall productivity. His words prior to the start of camp: “I just need to totally commit to going to right-center,” Zunino said. “That’s been my strength for a while, and I keep my bat in the zone for a longer time. “I think it’s just a matter of getting that (swing) path to right-center and stay balanced, that’s going to be key to changing things.” And now: “I’m feeling better at the plate,” he said. “If my path and my direction can stay to the pitch, and (keep my) focus up the middle and trust my hands to hit where the ball is pitched, I think that’s going to be the key.” Early returns are encouraging. Zunino is batting .345 through 11 games, going 10for 29, with three homers and seven RBIs. (Yes, it’s a small sample size, and everyone acknowledges these are spring numbers – so hold the screeching – but his approach simply looks better.) “Obviously, in the big scheme of things,” manager Lloyd McClendon said, “spring doesn’t count. But it’s nice to have those positive results. It kind of solidifies his conviction into what he’s trying to do. It helps. “Positive results breed confidence.” Zunino’s power is not an issue. He set a club record for catchers last season with 22 homers. He also had 20 doubles and a solid .404 slugging percentage. “The one thing we’ve tried to stress to him,” McClendon said, “is when you can stretch the field from foul line to foul line, you become a better and more dangerous hitter.” Monday’s game Matt Shoemaker combined with three relievers on a two-hitter, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Mariners 5-0 in Tempe, Arizona. Shoemaker retired his first 13 batters before Zunino’s fifth-inning double. Logan Morrison singled him to third, but Zunino was stranded when Shoemaker retired Willie Bloomquist on a fly and Dustin Ackey on a popout. Mariners starter Erasmo Ramirez gave up four runs – two earned – and four hits in 12/3 innings.