They followed that by loading up on more pitching -- primarily from the college ranks -- as well as a trio of well-regarded catchers and an assortment of athletic position players. In their 40 rounds, Seattle selected 23 pitchers, including 13 of their first 17 selections.
Thirty-two of the players are from the college ranks and, most importantly, Hunter said he expects about 35 of the 40 selections to sign relatively quickly. The club will have a mini-camp at its Peoria, Ariz., facility from Sunday through Wednesday and he expects nine of the top 10 picks to be signed and in camp, with Carlson the lone exception as he's still pitching in his high school season.