Through Thursday, Delucchi had reached base in every game since he joined the
squad, going 7-26 with four walks and two stolen bases. He brings speed to
the lineup, and can play all three outfield positions, giving Mobile Manager
Gary Jones more options in the outfield.
Delucchi also brings experience, this will be his sixth season as a pro.
After going undrafted he played three years in the Independent Leagues before
his contract was purchased by the Mariners prior to the 2003 season. In
2003 he split time between the Lo and Hi-A affiliates, and in 2004 was a starter
for the Mariners Triple-A affiliate. He played in 23
games this season with the Tacoma Rangers of the Pacific Coast league before being
released.
"Delucchi has played everywhere in the outfield, but his lack of projectable
tools and his age, he's 27, make him a fringe prospect at best. But he's gritty
and a guy who can help at the Triple-A level, no doubt," says Joe Kaiser, who
covered Delucchi for InsidethePark.com.
Delucchi has consistently surprised coaches and scouts who have wondered about
his tools. In his six pro seasons Delucchi is hitting .303 and has stolen
114 bases in 143 attempts.
Kaiser thinks the Mariners farm system will miss Delucchi, even if the
Mariners themselves might not. "Delucchi had been a solid but unspectacular
contributor to the Mariners system, prior to his release earlier in the week. I
overheard a pitcher at spring training calling him the most underrated player
he's played with. He said, 'It just seems like he's always on base, and he
always comes up with hits when we need them most.'"
In Mobile Delucchi's job will be setting the table. He's hit first or
second in the order in six of his seven games, and with his speed figures to
stay there. If he can continue to get on base consistently he'll be a
welcome addition, especially for the run producers in the Mobile lineup, like
Greg Sain, Tagg Bozied, and Paul McAnulty.