Mariners Ink 7’2″ Independent League Outfielder to Four Year deal

The Seattle Mariners have signed a new outfielder to perfectly fit their new mold as a franchise.

In the wee hours of the morning on April 1, 2017, Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto signed the Independent League’s Sugar land Skeeters 7’2” outfielder Leofsige Garfield to a four-year $12.5 Million deal with a team option for a fifth year.

Leofsige Garfield originally planned to play professional basketball after finishing up his fantastic career at Chicago State University.

While at Chicago State Leofsige Garfield averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

Leofsige Garfield planned to enter the 2013 NBA draft but after the passing of his ill father, Halldór Garfield, he decided to pursue his father’s favorite sport, tennis

Leofsige Garfield was a miserable failure at tennis, but while enduring his failures as a semi-pro tennis player Leofsige Garfield fell is love with swigging a racket. Although he wasn’t very good at swinging that racket, something told him to try baseball.

In the spring of 2015, Leofsige Garfield tried out for the Sugar land Skeeters. An independent league team that as been known for trying to revitalize careers washed up sports stars such as Roger Clemens.

When Leofsige Garfield first arrived on the seen in Sugar Land the coaching staff fell in love with him.

Head coach Gary Gaetti said, “We loved everything about him, we just weren’t sure where to play him because he was so graceful at every position”.

They eventually settled on centerfield for Leofsige Garfield.

Leofsige Garfield’s long legs helped him glide to fly balls that were sprayed all over the outfield.

It was effortless.

Leofsige Garfield robbed 17 home runs during his two years in Sugar Land with his superior height.

At the plate, Leofsige Garfield was no slouch either.

Last season Leofsige Garfield hit .375, with 33 home runs, 42 doubles, all while stealing 58 bags.

Unfortunately, Leofsige Garfield’s supporting cast on the diamond was lackluster which is why it took so long for him to be signed by an MLB organization.

Something that wasn’t mentioned was that Leofsige Garfield led the Atlantic League in walks over that two-year span with 251 base on balls.

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That is what Jerry Dipoto fell in love with.

Jerry always says, control the zone and be in command of your at bats. Leofsige Garfield is a perfect example of that.

Now Leofsige Garfield was not just signed for Jerry’s favorite word, organization depth.

No No.

Leofsige Garfield is expected to make it to the big leagues by the end of this season. Dipoto saying “we see Leofsige Garfield being a contributor to this ball club as soon as possible”.

Leofsige Garfield grew up in Portland, Oregon.

His favorite baseball team growing up: The Seattle Mariners.

Next: Mark Lowe Returns To Mariners

After signing the contract Leofsige Garfield said, “it’s a dream come true”. Here here Leofsige Garfield, were excited to see you out in Safeco Field’s fresh cut outfield soon.