Chris Snelling -- By Robert Sherry

As a 17-year-old, Snelling had a great season in his U.S. debut playing for Everett in the Northwest League. For the AquaSox, Snelling batted .306 in 265 at bats (10 HR, 50 RBI, 15 2B, 3 3B, 46 R, 33 BB, 24 SO and 8 steals in 9 attempts). What I find most impressive about Snelling is that this native of Australia would still be in high school in this country in 1999. Instead he put up these numbers while playing against players who were anywhere from a year to four years older (Kyle Snyder). At 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, this left-handed batter has surprising power. He has played centerfield so far, but I think he could be shifted to leftfield by the time he reaches Seattle. Snelling has a good chance to have a great season in 2000 and establish himself as a future star in Seattle. If you were to compile a list of the most underrated players or the ones who get the least amount of exposure, I can't think of anyone who would deserve the number one spot more than Snelling. I put him in the four spot on the Mariners list last season and this year I would place him behind only Ryan Anderson and Alex Fernandez in Seattle's system. He's one of those all-out types who will be a fan favorite in Seattle for years.