In a system loaded with starting pitching prospects, most of who are close to big-league ready, the Mariners have no shortage of names to consider as the best arm in the system. But perhaps the best arm is the one nobody is talking about.
Taken in the second round the same year the team selected Evan White, RHP Sam Carlson from Minnesota was the more celebrated selection of the year. Viewed as a first-round talent, Seattle worked hard to ensure they could select Carlson in the second and get him to sign.
But disaster struck early for the 18-year-old and his professional career hit its first snag before it began.