Two years ago to the day, Kyle Lewis stood alone as the Mariners’ lone prospect worthy of high-level recognition by those who measure such things, specifically Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in baseball. Seattle’s farm system was so threadbare on talent and depth that it was considered the worst of the 30 teams in baseball by Baseball America and other outlets.
The ignominy of that situation led both general manager Jerry Dipoto and Mariners director of player development Andy McKay to downplay the importance, value and validity of it all.
“I do respect Baseball America a lot,” McKay said at the time.