There’s little argument that 2011 was a train wreck for the Mariners. After a solid 2009 campaign and some nifty offseason moves, the Mariners tanked out of the gate and there’s little to indicate that it won’t be more of the same next year. Still, the Mariners have some pieces moving up the pipeline and Kevin Goldstein put out his top Mariners Top Eleven Prospects list today.
It’s nice to see a couple of five star prospects at the top of the list. Coming in at number one is Michael Pineda. This pitcher is getting really close and the only thing that’s probably stopped him from a big league appearance is that injury that cost him in 2009. Still, he’s just about ready and Goldstein thinks he’ll be pitching for the Mariners some time this year.
Number two is the Mariners first round pick in 2009, Dustin Ackley. The second baseman has also had some time at Triple A and while he could start the season there, it’s pretty likely we’ll see him in a Mariners uniform as well. Shortstop Nick Franklin is third with four stars and he’s still at least two years away. Outfielder Guilermo Pimental and Taijuan Walker round out the top five.
In short, the Mariners have both some guys who are ready now and some guys who are a year or two away. If these guys are nurtured right, we could a contending Mariners team in the next few years.
