The Mariners' "step back" resulted in several prospects arriving in Peoria who breathed life into a low-ranked minor league system.
PEORIA, Ariz. — Over the past few springs, it had become a running joke among scouts and media as to just how weak the Mariners’ farm system had become.
In the early part of Cactus League play, when the players projected for the 25-man roster weren’t playing every day or playing just a handful of innings, there was no reason to watch the innings filled by other players.
“Why watch a bunch of veteran Quad-A guys on minor league deals that are roster fillers and a bunch ‘prospects’ that wouldn’t make our top 30?