Top pick Aumont draws early reviews

PEORIA, Ariz. – The youngest player in Seattle’s camp is also one of the most watched.

Phillippe Aumont, a 6-foot-7 right-handed pitcher, towers over every other player in camp and is just six weeks removed from his 19th birthday. But his size isn’t the only reason the Canadian is drawing attention.

Aumont was the Mariners’ first-round draft choice in 2007, and although he’s almost certain to play in the minors this season, Seattle manager John McLaren has liked what he’s seen so far.

“When I saw him the other day I was excited,” McLaren said Saturday. “He threw about seven pitches down in the ankle area, 90-something (mph) and the ball had movement. He’s got that natural movement, you can’t teach that.”

Aumont was the 11th player taken in the June draft and spent last year playing in the Arizona Instructional League.

Players trickle in

The Mariners won’t hold their first full squad workout until Wednesday and the position players don’t even have to be in camp until Tuesday, but a few have already made their way to Arizona.

Utility man Willie Bloomquist and outfielders Mike Morse, Wladimir Balentien and Jeremy Reed are among those who arrived early.

While none of the position players can work out with the rest of the team until Wednesday, the Mariners have them working out with assistant coaches Jeff Pentland and Juan Castro on one of the seven fields at the team’s complex.

Clearing the bases

The Mariners claimed RHP Anderson Garcia off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies and added him to the 40-man roster. … Pitchers are throwing every other day and started pitching breaking balls for the first time this spring.