Discussing the Mariners Arizona Fall League Representatives

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; A general view of stadium seats before a spring training baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners are not likely to playing baseball this fall. However, there is a select group of prospects who will be representing the M’s in the Arizona Fall League. Considered the best collection of young talent in the game, the Arizona Fall League showcases tomorrow’s stars every fall in the desert.

The M’s will combine with the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds to form the Peoria Javelins. The league consists of six teams, and they play at spring training complexes around the Phoenix area. Games begin on October 13, and the regular season concludes on November 19. A championship game is scheduled for November 21, where the winner of the West division will square off against the East division champ.

The Mariners are taking an interesting approach in selecting players this year. James Paxton and David Rollins will represent Seattle despite spending much of the 2015 season with the M’s. This is uncommon, and both players are the only big leaguers currently on the Javelins’ roster. D.J. Peterson and Tony Zych both finished the season in Tacoma, and they both will head south this fall. Tyler Smith has done a nice job in Jackson this season, and he earned a spot in the AFL. Paul Fry and Tyler O’Neill spent 2015 in Bakersfield, and they will represent the M’s this fall.

MLB insiders are not overly impressed with the Mariners’ minor league system right now, but there are a few intriguing players headed to Phoenix in October. Today, we will take an in-depth look at each individual. We will start by discussing James Paxton and his 2015 season.

Next: Pax-Man