Prieto promoted to coach for Major League staff

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Chris Prieto, who had been slated to manage the Class-A Clinton club in the Mariners Minor League system, instead was promoted to the Major League staff on Friday as a quality control coach.

Manager Lloyd McClendon said Prieto, 41, will serve as the go-between for the Mariners' advance scouting department and the Major League coaching staff.

"He'll coordinate with the statistical analysis people and be the liaison between that department and our coaching staff, making sure our scouting reports are right-on and have the things we want and need, and eliminate the things we don't need," McClendon said.

"He'll be in charge of defense and how we position, a little more in-depth scouting on how we position players as we move forward during the season."

Prieto is in his second year in the organization. He managed the Rookie League Pulaski club to a league-best 41-27 record last year after previously coaching in the Padres' farm system. Prieto was an outfielder for 13 years in pro ball and played two games with the Angels in 2005.

He'll travel with the team and throw batting practice and take part in pregame drills, but won't be in uniform during games due to the limit of coaches allowed in the dugout.

McClendon said the position is one that he and general manager Jack Zduriencik have been talking about for some time.

"As we move forward, I think it's a good idea, and something most clubs are moving toward, to give us that eye in the sky, so to speak," McClendon said. "He'll give a little different perspective, not only the ability to scout other teams, but also scout ourselves. If there's something we need to do different or a weakness we can shore up, that's something we need to look into and I think he'll be a big help for us."