Mariners Minor League Recap, Week 17: July 29 - August 5

Having braved past the trade deadline, the minor leagues have returned to normalcy and players are no longer at risk of being shipped across the country for major league contributors. The system lost some legitimate talent, but perhaps not as much as many people thought it might. Losing Hopkins and Smith obviously stings, but seeing so many of these guys stick in the organization is a welcome sight. First up: Tacoma.

Tacoma Rainiers

17-16, 4th in PCL West

Tacoma ended up splitting their series this week, however moved down a rung in the standings thanks to a competitive PCL West division that has four of its five teams above .500. A late season surge for a playoff spot is always possible, but…