The opportunity that now awaits Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger is all that any young player wants. The chance to prove he deserves regular duty in the big leagues.
"I worked a long time and real hard for this," he said, "so I’ll try to take nothing for granted but I’m looking forward to spring training. For me, it’s all about competing and trying to win a job.
"I’m not looking too far ahead. I’m just hoping to get to Arizona early and to get after it."
The Mariners see Haniger, 26, as the answer to their need for a right-handed power bat in what has been a lefty-heavy lineup.