Mariners Notebook: Ty France keeping it simple as he starts 2021 red hot

Spring training numbers don’t count, don’t get too excited about what you see in games in spring, yada yada yada. As a rule, yes. Don’t laser in too much on the numbers, numbers in all cases are just a part of the picture. But Ty “He Can Really Hit” France has gone 8 for 13 so far for the Mariners in spring games with five extra base hits, three of them homers.

Mariners Highlights: Ty France keeps really hitting as M’s beat Royals

Let’s throw in small sample and “it’s early” for good measure, but let’s also get back to the complete picture. France hit in college, hit in the minors – three full seasons and two partial – and hit last year in the majors. His skills at the plate have translated to the big leagues. The formula? Simple.

“For me, it’s two things really,” said Scott Servais. “He has a good swing. What he does with his swing, to keep the barrel of the bat on plane for an extended period of time allows him to hit so many different pitches and so many different velocities, he’s able to drive balls out. He stays through it.

“The other thing, that doesn’t get talked about as much, he’s got feel to hit. He’s got an idea of what the pitcher is going to do to him based on what he’s seen from a particular guy, how’s he pitching other right-handed guys in the lineup. So he walks up there with a definite plan. You combine those, a really good swing, you’re pretty sharp in the batter’s box, you’ve got good feel to hit, you should get results . He’s got what he needs to be successful in this league.”

For his part, France knows who he is at the plate. He trusts his swing. Attempts at transformations in the minors only reinforced that what we see today swing-wise, is his bread and butter. There may be adjustments and tweaks here and there, but mostly maintenance.

“I feel like my swing has been pretty similar my entire life,” France said. “It’s not something where I try and go out and change at this point in my career. I feel like my swing is my swing. I try and keep it in the zone as long as possible and it puts you in a good spot.”

As easy as that.

“I’d like to just put him in a jar right now and put the lid on it and take it to April 1,” said Servais. “He’s in a really good spot in the batter’s box.”

Lineup!

Mitch Haniger, RF
Sam Haggerty, 2B
Kyle Seager, 3B
José Marmolejos, 1B
Tom Murphy, C
Taylor Trammell, CF
J.P. Crawford, SS
Jake Fraley, DH
Julio Rodríguez, LF

Justus Sheffield, SP

The Mariners and Rangers are scheduled to play a 7-inning game today.

Mariners Notes

• Last week, the Mariners added top pitching prospects Emerson Hancock and Brandon Williamson to their spring roster. Wednesday, George Kirby was added to the list. The trio will work alongside the big leaguers but are not expected to see game action. Rather, the Mariners are using the open spring roster spots to get them going early and give them the experience of working with the big league team and staff.

• In his morning Zoom call with the media, Kyle Lewis said that Russell Wilson was one of the many unexpected names to reach out to him after he won Rookie of the Year.

• While the Mariners used J.P. Crawford almost exclusively in the leadoff spot last year, Servais said today that the shortstop is not necessarily locked into the top spot this season and that there would be times based on matchups or a hot bat that he could put Mitch Haniger or Dylan Moore there as well.

• With 26 games in 26 days Servais will look to break up the routine a bit with some situational events in the next few days including competitive batting practice and situational games.

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Taylor Trammell, standout of Mariners spring training, may steal LF job

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