The #1 pick from 2007 is the top part of the article:
The Mariners took a bit of a pitching hit when they sent three Minor League pitchers to the Orioles for left-hander Erik Bedard in the recent blockbuster trade.But the cupboard is far from empty.
Thanks the plethora of arms selected in the past three First-Year Player Drafts, the Mariners are stocked with good, young arms -- none better than right-hander Phillippe Aumont, selected in the first round (11th overall) last June.
But it took so long to get his name on a contract, the Mariners' farm system didn't reap the benefits of having one of the top pitchers beginning his pro career with one of their farm teams. Aumont, instead, pitched in the World Cup for Team Canada -- and won MVP honors.
This early work helps, right?
"He's going to be around big league players and see how they handle themselves," said Greg Hunter, the director of player personnel. "It also allows our Major League staff to become familiar with him, or at least have some familiarity when they are looking at reports and statistics throughout the season."
Here is a look at ex-Rattler Bryan LaHair ('04):
LaHair made a strong impression last spring, batting .387 (12-for-31) with five RBIs in 12 games and doing a good job at Triple-A Tacoma, batting .275 with 12 home runs and 81 RBIs.
"He needs to keep producing, have patience and realize that as long as he keeps putting up the numbers and doing what he needs to do, he will get his opportunity," Hunter said.
And a look at a two other '07 draft picks:
Third baseman Matt Mangini, a compensation sandwich selection for pitcher Gil Meche, spent most of his '07 season at Everett where he batted .291 in 22 games and could move up to Class-A Wisconsin this season.
"He's a left-handed power guy and I'm really looking forward to seeing him this spring," said Hunter, who also singled out Daniel Carroll, an outfielder from Valley View High School in Moreno, Calif. He batted .323 in 53 games with the Peoria Mariners.
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