Former M's toiling in upstart league

Trevor Gott, James Paxton, Kendall Graveman, Paul Sewald, and Jarred Kelenic (too soon?) are just a handful of the former Mariners scattered across the Major League Baseball landscape. However, even more players once donned the teal uniform, toiling their wares in Baseball United, an upstart league based in the Middle East.

The four-team league completed a ten-round snake draft a few months ago with Alex Liddi, Didi Gregorius, Dylan Unsworth, Dillion Thomas, Gabriel Guerrero, Reggie McClain, Robinson Cano, and Shed Long all hearing their name called.Guerrero, McClain, and Unsworth were Mariners' farmhands who lost their prospect shine as they rose the organizational ladder. However, it's great to see them getting to live out their dream, albeit thousands of miles away from the MLB. As for the rest of the bunch, Liddi made history in the league's East vs West showcase, launching the first homer in Baseball United history.

The three-game showcase allowed the players to compete and show their skills, which for some are still at a high level. Robinson Cano flashed his signature sweet swing in the event (.286, 2 2B), and the rest of the former Mariners had varying results, ranging from outfielder Dillon Thomas leading the circuit in hitting (.571) to Liddi's lone hit being a long ball. Reggie McClain was the former Mariner pitcher to make an appearance in the showcase, throwing 1 2/3 innings of scoreless ball.

The league might be a flash in the pan or take-off. Either way, it's great to see former Mariners grow the game globally while continuing their professional careers.