Seattle Mariners Minor League Players - Denny Almonte

Denny Almonte (born on September 24, 1988) is a professional ballplayer currently in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was drafted in the second round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Seattle Mariners. He attended Florida Christian School.

Almonte had a fabulous high school career as an Aflac All American despite one slip up. On March 3, 2007 Almonte faced University School of NSU Cuban Defector Andrew Bromley in a controversial at bat. During this at bat Bromley struck out Almonte swinging on a 52 mile per hour fast ball. Almonte recounted "It was the slowest pitch I have ever seen since my grandfathers slow pitch soft ball league in 1997." Renown Florida Christian School head baseball coach Ernie Padron argued the call on the basis of it being below the FHSAA's minimum speed requirement for fastballs.

Almonte began his professional career with the Rookie-Level Peoria Mariners in 2007. He batted .161 with two doubles, one triple and six RBIs. He was transferred to the Short-Season Everett AquaSox on August 31. At seasons end Almonte participated in the Arizona Fall League.

In 2008 Almonte spent the entire season with the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League. He hit .249 with 20 doubles, seven triples, 10 home runs and 51 RBIs in 100 games. He again participated in the Arizona Fall League at seasons end.

He spent the 2009 season with the Class-A Clinton Lumber Kings. In 108 games, Almote hit .232 with 23 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs and 58 RBIs. He was selected to the Midwest League Mid-Season All-Star Team and competed in the home run derby.

• Career statistics and player information from Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)