The Tale of Marcus Madison

[STL10WC]

I have been inspired by Big Six and while this dynasty player report likely won't be anything close to what he came up with in Patrick O'Farrell or Tom Haley, but I'll give it a shot.

I'll give some back story on Marcus and his life growing up. Then, I'll tell the story through the eyes of beat writers, interviews, news stories and other media outlets like twitter. I will most likely bring other characters to follow in this story as well. In fact, off the top there is another pitcher that we will keep an eye on. These first few posts will be a little long to set the stage. Once we start simulating and his career begins, I'll shorten them up.

So, here we go...

Marcus Madison didn’t ever dream of becoming a star baseball player. He didn’t even think he was going to be able to play the game he loved so dearly after an accident when was but fifteen years old. Marcus was always a daring child, explorative – always looking into things that most of the time didn’t yield positive results or anything revealing. Marcus drove his car fast – another activity he wouldn’t be able to enjoy had he not received a stroke of luck, or somebody upstairs was looking out for him. His mother, Joanie tells him it was his guardian angel.

Marcus was walking home from school one Monday afternoon, something he did each and every day. He had to walk about a total of a half mile as the Madison’s lived in a modest one-story ranch on Greenblatt Street in Davenport, Iowa. He decided to take a different route home on this particular day and it took him into the woods near his house. He had done some exploring in these woods before but never went this route before. He noticed a particularly large tree and it’s many thick branches made it perfect for one of his favorite activities – climbing trees.

When Marcus was thirteen he didn’t agree with his mother’s decision to not allow him to play on a different baseball team with his friends, called the “Rebels”. The Madison’s didn’t have much money and couldn’t really afford the traveling that was associated with this higher level team. Marcus knew he was as good, if not better than most of his friends and was tired of playing on his current team. So, he went into the backyard in rebellion and climbed a tree in the backyard. He refused to come down until his mom changed her mind about the team. She refused and told him that he would perish in the tree before getting his way. This was one of the first times Marcus showed his stubborn intuition and stayed in the tree for a total of 13 hours before Joanie gave in and begged him to come down to eat something. He told her that if she was just saying that to get him out of the tree and didn’t sign him up for the Rebels that he would go back up in the tree – but one further away.

Marcus has strong convictions and lived them out. He was raised by his mother as his father left the family – which consisted of Marcus and his little brother Bobby. Bobby had a less aggressive form of cystic fibrosis and wasn’t able to do many of the things his older brother could do. This effected Marcus, even more so than Bobby. Bobby was his biggest fan from the very beginning. Marcus would do anything for Bobby – ANYTHING.

Back to the fateful day in the woods. He decided to climb this tree and when a branch unexpectedly gave way – Marcus fell to the ground – about a 25-foot fall. He hit a few branches on the way down and was knocked unconscious. Joanie Madison was a hard working woman who held a few different jobs and often took her away from the house. Marcus usually cooked for Bobby and himself when they got home. This day, Bobby became worried when Marcus didn’t make it back home by the usual time. When an hour passed – he called Joanie at her job working as a waitress at a local restaurant. Bobby was clearly worried and knew Marcus didn’t have any practices or after-school activities because they were planning to go to the local park to play around after school that day. Bobby loved watching his athletically gifted older brother do things that most kids couldn’t. He would fly across the monkey bars and they even created a makeshift obstacle course in Mattis Park, about a mile from the house. Marcus would challenge other kids to beat his time and of course, nobody came close. Bobby got such a kick out of it. Bobby didn’t need a wheelchair, but did have braces on his legs. He could get up to a job at times but nothing like a full-fledged run. Bobby was gifted in other ways. He was a smart kid and used a lot of his free time – when not hanging out with Marcus – to read. Bobby always told Marcus that he was going to make this family proud. Marcus would always come back with “no, you are going to make this family proud.”

[STL10WC]

Marcus was laying in the woods unconscious when Bobby began to worry and called his mother at work. She told him that he should just re-trace the way Marcus usually comes home from school to see if he runs into him and then go into the school to see if he had to stay after. It wasn’t like Marcus to get detention. While he had a good time at school, he was a good kid and didn’t act out and get in trouble. In fact, the only time he ever was suspended from school was when he heard another kid making fun of his brother. He beat him up so bad that the bully had to be taken away in an ambulance. He quickly showed the rest of the school and community members that Bobby was off limits and if anybody crossed him – he would deal with them.

Because Marcus took a different route to school that day, Bobby didn’t run into him and after checking around the school and asking for him he still hadn’t found him. Bobby became visibly upset and explained to one of the teachers at Roosevelt Middle School who was staying after asked him what was wrong? He told them what was going on and he told Bobby he would help him search for his brother. This teachers name was Mr. John Carter. He asked Bobby some questions about what else Marcus could be doing, things he likes doing or anything that would lead them to him. He told him about his love of climbing trees. That led them to the woods. The fact that Marcus went a different way home from school also would lead Bobby and Mr. Carter to the wrong part of the woods.

Time went on and with both of them yelling Marcus’ name to no avail – it was time to call the police to get them involved. Bobby was a mess. Now pushing eight o’clock, Mr. Carter stayed with Bobby who couldn’t really handle the situation anymore. He went into his room and got under his covers and tried to go to sleep. He just couldn’t bear the thought of his brother being in trouble. He couldn’t sleep. About that time, Joanie came home from work and began asking questions. Joanie was a tough woman. She went through two pregnancies and then dealt with an abusive husband who ended up abandoning the family. She loved Marcus and Bobby more than life itself – and even in this scary and trying time – she kept her composure and that was the best thing for Bobby. He would ask if she thought Marcus was in trouble – she responded with “you know your brother, right? I am sure he will be fine – but he will be in some real trouble when he comes walking back in this door.” Again, this was comforting for Bobby.

The police began a search of the woods and found Marcus lying down – but he wasn’t unconscious anymore. He re-gained consciousness but he suffered some damage to his throat and couldn’t yell for help. He also broke his leg and had injured ribs. It was about ten o’clock in the evening when the police called the house to inform Ms. Madison of the situation. She met the ambulance at the hospital to see her son battered pretty badly. He couldn’t talk but he grabbed his moms hand and had a look of sorrow on his face. He knew that he put them through a lot and so badly wanted to apologize and tell her that he would be alright. Being the great parent she was – she recognized this and told him that she isn’t mad at him and that she will see him soon. Right after an emergency surgery to repair his throat – and one to help re-set his broken fibula in his right leg.

The doctors explained that the worst case scenario would be that Marcus wouldn’t be able to speak fully again and that he may walk with a limp. Marcus tried to get up and walk on his leg and it did more damage to it. The best case scenario had a full recovery. Joanie knew her son well enough to know that the chances of a full recovery far outweighed the worst-case.

[STL10WC]

Marcus had a long winter that year with a lot of rehabilitation and the thought that he wouldn’t be able to play sports or try to beat his all-time best in the obstacle course – killed him inside. Bobby was so supportive during this time. For the first time in his life, Bobby could actually do more than his brother. They feared it would always be that way. But Bobby and Marcus wouldn’t let that happen. This event changed everything. Marcus promised that he would be back and that someday he would best his top time on that obstacle course.

It was a long road back and Marcus had to sit out his entire Junior season for all sports – including football, basketball and then the one that hurt the most – baseball. Marcus was making impressive progress and the doctors were amazed at his recovery time. He probably could’ve come back a little earlier but they weren’t taking that chance. They realized they had something special on their hands here.

Davenport, Iowa is the largest of the “Quad Cities” which is made up of East Moline and Rock Island, IL. It is also home to the Quad Cities River Bandits – a single-A team in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Marcus went to a few games a year and enjoyed seeing the future prospects play. Bobby was a super fan. He knew everybody and hoped someday that his brother would play professional baseball and maybe the St. Louis Cardinals would pick him. Of course, Bobby wouldn’t mind it if Marcus never made it past Single-A because he could watch all of his brother’s games.

Marcus rebounded nicely and was given a choice by his doctors. “After an injury of this severity, it would be risky to put your body through three sports again right away. You must choose two.” Marcus didn’t like to hear this. He originally told them to “shove it” but Joanie reiterated that he needed to make a decision. He was a starting running back on the football team his Sophomore season but didn’t enjoy too much success. He was the starting two-guard on the basketball team and really always enjoyed it a little more. He decided to play basketball and then baseball to finish his high school career.

Marcus’ injury basically started him from scratch in terms of being a “prospect”. There was some initial hype about him after hitting .483 with three homers and a team-leading 34 RBI as a freshman on the baseball team. His sophomore season he hit .456 with five homers and 26 RBI. Teams were a little more cautious with him in his second season and he didn’t like to walk. So, he often times expanded the zone and got himself out. After missing his whole Junior season, Marcus was chomping at the bit to get back on the field.

Davenport Central had a history of a better basketball team than baseball. Marcus led the Blue Devils to a solid 20-win season but they were ousted in the sectional playoff match-up against JFK Catholic – a bigger school from the Ames, IA area. Marcus wasn’t too upset as he was ready for baseball. He didn’t have much time in between sports and he was quickly back on the field, taking in grounders and hitting in the cage. He spent a lot of time in the weight room during the basketball season and lifted a little more than the Coach Summers (the basketball coach) wanted. Deep down, everybody at Davenport Central High School knew that Marcus was a baseball player.


Davenport Central High School

Marcus enjoyed his Senior season with the Blue Devils baseball team – even though the team struggled. They finished the season playing .500 ball at 14-14 and lost their first district game, ending their season. Marcus started slow, as expected, but bounced back in the second half of the season and finished with decent numbers. A few scouts were out to watch during the season but they left without much impression on him. He did have a great game (4-4 with 2 HR) in a game against Davenport West High, who featured a starting pitcher who was getting many looks from major colleges and professional organizations. His name is Brent Colombo and he is expected to get selected in the first five rounds of the MLB Amatuer Draft.
Marcus knew that he needed to perform well in that game because there would be a lot of eyes on that game. That one game might be the reason he was put back on teams’ radar.

He received a few Junior College and Division-II scholarship offers and he was contacted by the University of Iowa and University of Illinois with an offer to walk-on. He didn’t really know what he was going to do immediately following the season.

[Nuff Said]

Nice story! I will be following.

[STL10WC]

Nuff Said - Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.


After a scouting camp at Modern Woodman Park in the Quad Cities – home of the River Bandits – Marcus was advised to hire a "family consultant". There weren’t any guarantees that he was even going to be drafted but this would definitely help in that regard. For fringe prospects many agents will take on clients and call on their behalf and get tryouts to see if they can get them signed. They often don’t even charge their clients until they are signed and they take a bit of higher percentage once they get a few contracts. Marcus was introduced to Sam Trufold – a young agent – fresh out of law school who is looking to land as many fringe prospects and hope somebody hits it big.

Sam sat down with Marcus and Joanie to go over his accomplishments and what he can do for them. He offered to work on his behalf free of charge and said that he would make some calls to see if he was on anybody’s radar. Sam worked in minor league baseball and then for a short time in the sales department of the Cleveland Indians before going to law school. He has some solid contacts and could at least find out if Marcus had a shot.


Modern Woodman Park in Quad Cities, IA on the banks of the Mississippi River – the place Marcus Madison grew up watching baseball.

[STL10WC]

Quad-City Times – June 1, 2010
Davenport Area Prospects Eye Draft
The Major League Baseball Amateur Draft takes place June 15th and the first round will be televised on MLB Network. Commissioner Bud Selig may be calling the name of an area prospect in that first round – Davenport West High pitcher Brent Colombo has been looked at all year as a potential first rounder. In his Senior season, Colombo racked up a 10-0 record with a shining 1.01 ERA. His fastball reaches the mid 90’s and can miss bats with regularity.

Other area prospects who have a chance to be drafted:
OF Ken Blackburn, Winterset, IA – Ole Miss
C Danny Keister, West Des Moines, IA – Valley HS
2B John Pike, East Moline, IA – Roosevelt HS
INF Marcus Madison, Davenport, IA - Davenport Central HS

----------------------------

Marcus decided to take Sam up on his offer and a few days later Sam called to let Marcus know that his contact at the Indians had him on their radar. They viewed him as a “late round flyer” – but that was better than nothing! Sam said he would try to find out if other teams are looking at him and see if he can get a better idea of when (and if) he would be drafted.

Here is a quick look at Marcus’ profile prior to the draft:

[STL10WC]

A little about how I am going to run this thing. I have created Marcus as a lower end prospect for the draft (to ensure he will be drafted later) and then I will adjust his overall ratings to make him a good prospect but VERY raw. He will suffer some growing pains and there will still be a lot that can happen and he may never make the Big Leagues. I am going to make his potential to be an everyday player but not a star. I will, however, make his work ethic top of the line and knowledge as well. He will run well and play good defense to help get him on the field. The rest is up to Marcus!

June 14th, 2010 – The eve of the Draft
Marcus received a call from Sam who told him not to get his hopes up of being drafted on the first two days of the draft. He said that many teams are aware of him but they are all thinking about a late-round pick with potential.

Marcus told Bobby this news and he was just happy that Major League teams knew of him. He said he didn’t even care if he got drafted – but if he was going to – get on with the Cardinals! This actually prompted Marcus to call Sam and ask if he knew if the Cardinals had their eye on him. Sam didn’t answer – and didn’t call back until the next day. Marcus knew he wasn’t a top priority – but he thought at least he would be able to get back to him a little sooner.

When Sam called he said that the Cardinals did know of him but he couldn’t get a gauge on where he actually stood. Marcus’ mind was made up that if he gets drafted he would go try to make it as a baseball player. He didn’t really want to go to college yet, however, he would if this route didn’t work out. Since they weren’t paying Sam anything – he was merely a “family adviser” at this point – he could go play college ball afterwards.

DRAFT DAY
After the biggest names were gone in the first round and Bryce Harper begins his career with the Washington Nationals as the top overall pick, the Arizona Diamondbacks called Brent Colombo’s name with the 37th overall pick in the 2nd round of the draft. Marcus was happy for him. They always got along. They played on some traveling summer teams together and Brent was a nice enough guy. Marcus always did have his number though, including their Senior year when Marcus went deep twice off of him. Marcus didn’t mind hard throwers. He struggled with the off-speed stuff mainly and has a long way to go to master that art.

Marcus couldn’t help but be mildly jealous when he found out that Ken Blackburn, the outfielder from nearby Des Moines, who played at Ole Miss was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2nd round also, with the 55th overall pick. Blackburn is 21 years old and will likely be playing for Quad Cities at some point. He hit .311 with just 2 homers but 56 RBI for the Rebels in his Junior season in Oxford. Marcus remembers the hype surrounding him in high school. He was four years older than Marcus but he still remembers him.

DRAFT DAY 2
Marcus was starting to get a little anxious. Sam told him not to get his hopes up until today. He may go at some point. He waited and watched the live draft tracker at MLB.com – with his cell phone at his hip. He wasn’t surrounded by family or friends. If this was going to happen he would take it and not have any fan fare. He also feared that it wouldn’t happen at all and what kind of party would that be?

The second day flew by and nothing happened. He called Sam but he didn’t answer. Sam texted back saying, “Don’t worry. Tomorrow is your day buddy.”
He appreciated that. He knew he was probably busy with his other clients. Sam told Marcus that he has five prospects in the minor leagues right now and has about ten more he is hoping to get drafted this year, including Marcus.

DRAFT DAY THREE
The final day of the draft includes rounds 15 and on. Marcus was hoping that he would be called in the first part of it. About an hour in, Marcus couldn’t keep watching the draft tracker in front of the computer. He asked Bobby if he wanted to go to the park to watch him do the course. Bobby loved the idea.

They got to the park and Marcus told Bobby to hold his phone, “if it rings, go ahead and answer it”. Marcus lost his shirt and began the obstacle course. He must have had a lot of pent up energy and frustration, because he was flying through the course. Bobby was timing it and Marcus was almost sure that he came through on his promise to break his own record. When Marcus got back, sweating profusely, and completely out of breath, he looked down at Bobby, who was propped up on a park bench and asked, “well, how did I do?”

“I didn’t get your time.”
“What happened.”
“It was interrupted by a phone call. Do you know where Pulaski is?”
“Pulaski? No, where. Wait, what are you talking about?”
“Some guy from the Seattle Mariners called and said they were drafting you in the 18th round,” Bobby’s voice was becoming increasing excited and high pitched, “they want you to report to Pulaski, Virginia, you did it!”

Marcus picked Bobby up and swung him around. He was elated. He knew that given this opportunity that he would make the most of it. And if for nobody else, he would do it for Bobby – who couldn’t even muster the strength to swing a bat.

Bobby interrupted saying, “Sam texted saying to call him as soon as you could.”

That conversation was a great one. Sam said congrats and that he would talk to Mariners about a possible small signing bonus and a plane ticket to wherever they want him to go. It was Pulaski, Virginia – home of the Mariners of the Appalachian League Rookie ball.

Marucs went home to tell his Mom. She knew. They all spent the rest of the evening together. Pulaski’s season starts in seven days and the team needs to get him a physical and in camp. The Mariners offered a $1,000 signing bonus and a plane ticket. That was it. There was no hesitation, Marcus accepted, cashed the check for some pocket money and was off to begin his baseball career.

[STL10WC]

Marcus didn't have big party. He got a couple of calls from teammates, his high school coach and Mr. Carter, who basically saved his life. Mr. Carter keeps in touch with the Madison's and has helped out around the house, being that there is no man to help run things.

Another reason that Marcus didn't have a big celebration or didn't receive hundreds of text messages is that he simply has trust issues. He doesn't give his phone number out to many people. Just his close friends and family. This most likely stems from his father leaving the family when he was just three years old. That will likely feed as another motivation for Marcus to make it. He wants his father - if he is even still around - to see him playing in the big leagues.

Marcus got on a flight to Pulaski, VA to begin his career. Upon arrival at "historic" Calfee Park, he was first met by a clubhouse guy named Ricky. He showed him to his locker and he was greeted by a few teammates. His locker was next to a guy named Gilles Cenghialta. He was drafted two rounds later than Marcus in the past draft and he is out of a high school in New York. They expect the two of them to split time and somebody will earn the right to stay on.



Other teammates that were drafted in this past draft include:
3B Randy Buehler - 10th round out of Los Angeles, CA
CF Jeff Bean - 14th round out of Riverside CC

Here is a look at Marcus in his new uniform of the Pulaski Mariners:

[STL10WC]

Marcus knew he only had a short period of time to show what he could do and win a starting spot. They took a few rounds on infield and had a few batting practice sessions. Marcus shows his speed in a round of base-running drills and Pulaski manager Rob Mummau took notice.

Each player was handed a rookie handbook from the Mariners. The organization has an overall philosophy on how to play the game. They also have similar signs at each level (until the big leagues) to help with cohesion between the levels. Marcus took a look at it and took it very seriously.

The Mariners first series was at Calfee Park against the Bluefield Orioles. Mummau didn't give much of hint to what his starting lineup would look like. There were some nervous players waiting for that lineup card to be posted. Marcus knew the only way he would be noticed (other than putting up big numbers) is to make sure he outworked everybody. He hit after workouts and showed up early to the park. He isn't much of a socialite, so he spends most of his time working to master his craft.

The scout who signed Marcus is a guy named Tom Swanger. Tom has been a bird scout in the midwest for a long time. He made sure to reach out to Marcus to let him know why he thought he had great potential. He told him to really focus on his defense. His speed is going to translate into a lot of stolen bases and being a threat on the base paths is valuable enough in and of itself. He said that what is going to separate him and keep him in lineups is playing flawless defense. He said to lean on the coaching staff - they are paid to be here for him and he needs to utilize them. Take extra grounders and make sure to play shortstop any time his teammates are taking B.P. Tom said that he believes in Marcus and wants him to succeed.

[STL10WC]

Pulaski Southwest Times - June 23, 2010
Mariners Begin with W

The Pulaski Mariners are at it again at Calfee Park and they began the 2010 campaign with a 4-3 win over the Bluefield Orioles. 27-year old catcher Luis Oliveros broke the tie in the bottom of the 8th with a solo blast. Dustin Birosak closed the door, stranding two men on in the top of the ninth to hold on for the win.

...

A few players made their professional debuts last night, including new lead-off man Marcus Madison, a 17-year old from Davenport, IA and the Mariners 18th round draft pick just a short week ago. Madison was actually the DH in this game as manager Rob Mummau felt more comfortable with another recent draftee Gilles Cenghialta at shortstop. Madison must have been anxious to get his first plate appearance out of the way. He swung at the first pitch he saw and flew out to left field. He finished 1-for-4 with a run scored in his debut.

[STL10WC]

Pulaski Southwest Times - June 24, 2010
M's Drop Opening Series

After sneaking out a win in their first game, the Mariners lost the next two to the Bluefield Orioles, including last night's 7-1 loss.

...

One of the early bright spots was young Marcus Madison, who in game two of the season, went 3-for-5 with his first professional home run and added a double, has been shipped out to Everett to join the Aqua Sox.

...

It's not out of the question that we see Madison again. Being so young, right now the organization wants to find him at-bats and also plug him in where he is needed. His ability to play both middle infield positions and third base means he might be packing up and moving quite a bit early in his career.

[STL10WC]

So, Marcus' stay at Pulaski was short-lived. The promotion may be more of a sign that he is needed elsewhere. The good news is that he has been written in the lineup his first three games with Everett, collecting two hits in each of his first two games, before an 0-for-4 game in his third game. He is also getting to play shortstop at Everett, where he wants to be. He doesn't mind second base - but he does still prefer to play shortstop.

He called home to tell Bobby about his first professional home run and then the next day to tell him he was promoted to Everett. He was moving farther away as Everett, Washington is quite the haul away. Bobby was pumped.

Marcus would now be playing in Everett Memorial Stadium - a step up from Calfee Park back in Virginia. The coaching staff warned Marcus that he may be moving around quite a bit.

[STL10WC]

Everett Herald - July 1, 2010
Offense Rules as Aqua Sox Beat Volcanoes

The Everett Aqua Sox are off to a solid start to the 2010 campaign. Tonight, it was the offense leading the way in a 10-6 win to move the team to 10-5 on the season.

...

Shortstop Marcus Madison chipped in with four hits, including a double, a run scored and his second stolen base of the season. Madison raised his early season batting average from .250 to .324 with the four hits.

...

[STL10WC]

Post on Everett Aqua Sox Facebook page (July 18, 2010):

Some moves coming down from Seattle today. OF Angel Zapata and SS Marcus Madison have been sent down to Pulaski. OF Matthew Cerione and C Jonathan Arias have been brought up to the Sox.

---------------------------------

So, Marcus has been sent back to Virginia and rookie ball. After somewhat of a hot start to his time with the Aqua Sox, he started to fizzle a little. He had a modest 8-game hitting streak and then the lowest of the low came on July 15th when he went 0-for-5 with 4 strikeouts. At Everett he struck out 19 times and only drew two walks. He just appeared a little over-matched the past week as his average dipped to .224 at Short-Season A ball.

He wasn't upset and sort of figured that it was coming. The Aqua Sox replaced Marcus with Pedro Okuda, a Brazilian-born player who the M's had their eye on for a while and signed him as an amateur free agent a year ago. He was sent down from the Clinton Lumberkings (Lo-A) after a rough start (.171 batting average).

Marcus went 3-for-4 in his first game back with the Pulaski M's, leading off and playing second base.

[jdyi87]

Good luck to Markus. I'm your fan.

[STL10WC]

jdyi87 - thanks! Hopefully Marcus can make it and keep the story going...

[STL10WC]

Minor League M's Blog by Tim Reichert
The Minor League M's Blog is dedicated to tracking all movement within the Mariners system and report on prospects as they develop.

Marcus Madison On The Move (again)
Marcus is going to have to deal with some jet lag as the M's have moved him back up to the Aqua Sox in Everett, just three days after being sent FROM Everett back to Pulaski where he started his career. The 18th round draft pick from Iowa is just 17 years old and is quickly finding the grind of a minor league life. Madison went 2-for-5 with his 3rd homer at the Rookie-League level in Pulaski before the M's decided to bring him back to Everett, where he struggled in a short stint their from June 25 to July 17 - hitting just .224 during that stint. Known primarily as a shortstop, it is likely that he plays some second base with the Aqua Sox with GM Jack Zduriencik's love child Pedro Okuda manning shortstop.

[STL10WC]

Post on Pulaski Mariners Facebook Page - August 12, 2010

...
Pulaski now stands at 16-33 on the season as we begin a 3-game set with the Princeton Rays, the only team below us in the Appalachian League East division. The team hopes to get a shot in the arm as SS/2B Marcus Madison will re-join the M's for the third time this season. He has been up with Everett for some of the season, but when with Pulaski, he has hit .425 with 3 homers, 12 RBI and 5 stolen bases.

-----------------------------
So, Marcus has been sent back down to Pulaski after he just hasn't quite shown the ability to make solid and consistent contact with Everett. He is now hitting .221 there with 1 HR, 12 RBI, 8 steals and 6 caught stealings. The most glaring stat is his 43 whiffs to just 5 walks drawn. He is very very green and raw at this point so the fact that he is getting consistent AB's at any level is still encouraging at just 17 years old. Defensively, he has made two errors all season at both levels (both at shortstop) in 172 total chances. His work on his defensive game is already paying dividends and keeping him in the lineup.

[STL10WC]

Pulaski Southwest Times - August 31, 2010
Pulaski Mariners Season In Review

It wasn't a great season for the Pulaski Mariners, finishing just 25-43, but the future of the Seattle Mariners is bright and we got a look at some future stars. We just don't really know which ones they are quite yet.

The biggest name who spent time with Pulaski this year is the most recent first round draft pick SP Chris Sale, the 17th overall pick from Lakeland, Florida. After signing a $2.9 Million signing bonus on August 10th, Sale - a 6-6, 180 lb beanpole - reported to Pulaski to being his professional baseball career. After pitching at Florida Gulf Coast University, he made four starts compiling a 2-0 record with 2.51 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and an impressive 41 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings pitched. It is unclear whether the Mariners brass will send Sale to a higher level this year or to avoid much overuse, to call it a season for him.

While the team could only muster a .214 team batting average, the most consistent performer, when with the team was SS/2B Marcus Madison. Madison, the teams 18th round draft pick, hit .375 with 4 homers, 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 80 at-bats. He spent half of the season with the Everett Aqua Sox where he hasn't enjoyed as much success - hitting .218 in 174 at-bats to date. Madison will continue to get at-bats at Everett until their season ends September 5th. It is possible we will see Madison again next year as he is just 17 years old.

The most power displayed for the Mariners this season was 19-year old RF Efrain Nunez. Nunez hit nine homers and drove in 27 runs despite hitting just .205 in his 151 at-bats.

...

The Pulaski Mariners will be back at it in 2011, hopefully with more success on the field.

[STL10WC]

@Mariners (9/6/10): The M's lead in the AL West grows to 6.5 games over the Rangers, now stand at 82-55 on the season with just 25 games remaining.

The @Mariners is the official twitter account of the Seattle Mariners. Eventually, as Marcus (hopefully) moves up the ranks, we will introduce other twitter characters, including super fans, beat writers and bloggers. I will use the twitter function when I want to get a quick story in without writing too much about it. Obviously, the big league Mariners are enjoying a fine season in 2010 which is somewhat surprising.