There are nearly 600 minor league free agents this offseason.  Most of them can be categorized as roster filler, but there are always a few diamonds in the rough.  Here is a small list of players that could help Seattle in 2009.  Obviously there are tons of players that could contribute later on down the road, but my eyes can only take so many stat pages.

R.J. Swindle, LHRP – Seattle will probably have several men competing for the role of left-handed specialist come spring time, much like they did heading into the 2008 season.  Swindle could become a frontrunner if signed.

The 25 year old pitched 53 innings between AA and AAA in the Phillies organization this past season, allowing just 9 eared runs in his 38 appearances.  He was absolutely dominant, striking out 67 versus just 8 walks.  He was especially tough against the 76 lefties he faced, striking out over half of them and limiting them to a .135 batting average.

If signed and brought to camp Swindle would have a very good chance of winning a bullpen spot, and if anything would be a motivator for Justin Thomas or any other lefties vying for a job in the ‘pen.  (UPDATE – As Rob mentioned in the comments, Swindle as signed a major league deal with the Brewers.  Ed. Note – Beyond the Boxscore brought up some interesting data on Swindle’s repertoire.  Looking at the raw numbers, I would assume that Swindle is a hard thrower, but he is quite the opposite, sporting a fastball in the low-mid 80s and breaking pitches that fail to crack 60 MPH.  Amazing.)

Scott Thorman, 1B – We all know that Seattle would be smart to improve their first base depth, and new GM Jack Zduriencik has started by adding Ian Bladergroen.  Thorman, 27 years old in January, is another option the team could consider.  Prospect Insider’s Jason Churchill has already endorsed Thorman, saying that his raw power from the left side of the plate is worth taking a chance on despite his disappointing 2008 campaign.  I would prefer the team go after someone with a little bit better plate discipline.

Peter Ciofrone, 1B/OF - The 25 year old Ciofrone did very well for himself after being promoted to AAA Portland.  He put up a very impressive .314/.389/.519 line in 97 games with the Beavers, smacking 18 homers and showing slightly above average plate discipline from the left side of the plate.  The power is a new addition to Ciofrone’s game, but if he can keep it up he could be a nice bargain for Seattle.

Josh Kroeger, OF/1B – The former Diamondbacks, Phillies and Cubs prospect’s groundball rate is probably too high for him to become a consistant power hitter, but he still managed 38 doubles and 15 homers in 123 games at the AAA level in 2008, contributing to a final line of .307/.373/.514.  Kroeger’s only 25 years old, hits from the left side of the plate and sports above average walk rates, making him someone Seattle may want to take a shot on.

Ryan Roberts, UT – Most recently with the Rangers, Roberts played the first few years of his career as a second baseman in the Blue Jays organization.  Over the past two seasons he’s gotten significant playing time at 3B, SS, 1B and LF as well, making him a very versatile bench player.  He’s got a little bit of gap power, has hit for a fair average throughout his minor league career, can steal a few bases and knows how to draw his share of walks.

A member of the all-tattoo team (as Dave Simms would say), Roberts may be as good a candidate as any to fill the vacancy left by Willie Bloomquist on Seattle’s bench, and at league minimum to boot.  Another utility option could be Callix Crabbe.

Brian Myrow, 1B – I tried to stay as young as possible for most of this list, but I am a Brian Myrow fan.  I’ve had a chance to see him play a lot down in Portland and the guy always makes good at bats.

The left handed hitting 31 year old makes good contact and has some gap power, but he is one of the absolute best players in the minor leagues at drawing the walk.  This past season Myrow ranked 17th in the entire minor leagues in walks with 81, walking in nearly 20% of his at bats.

Myrow never got much of a chance in San Diego, despite a career .304/.418/.502 line in the minors.  Myrow only has 61 MLB plate appearances, all but 15 of them as a pinch hitter.  If anything, Myrow could bring some much needed OBP to the Mariner lineup and set a good example for the young free swingers on the roster.

I searched and searched for some possible shortstop gold, but there just wasn’t anything there.  Ivan Ochoa?  Jesus Merchan?  Eh, not so much.  There are also many right handed relievers worth taking a look at, but we all already know that they’re a dime a dozen.

If I come across anyone else later on I will update this post.  Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comment section, or add your thoughts on the players listed.

A list of minor league free agents can be found at Baseball America.