Modesto Nuts are Cal League champions!

We’ve written about the embarrassment of riches on this roster as SEVEN of the Mariners’ Top 30 prospects suited up for Modesto. Well, the Modesto Nuts rode that deep lineup to the California League Championship last night, sweeping the series with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. This collection of teens and young 20-somethings was instrumental to the Nuts' ridiculous second-half run.

Aidan Smith, Colt Emerson, Jonny Farmelo, Lazaro Montes, Luis Suisbel, Michael Arroyo, and Tai Peete played vital roles in the playoff push. Montes provided an epic blast and threw out a run to effectively win a game. Arroyo had a five-hit game that propelled the Nuts to the championship series. Brock Rodden was a multi-hit lock for most of the season. Farmelo flashed plus speed that ultimately helped the Nuts clinch a playoff spot.  

However, Emerson, the Mariners' fourth-rated prospect, was on another level since joining the Nuts in late July. The 18-year-old shortstop authored a stellar .302/.436/.880 slash line for Modesto, including going 11 for 20 with 8 RBIs in the four-game playoff run. 

The position player talent in the farm’s lower levels is spectacular, but don’t take my word for it. MLB Insider Jeff Passan joined Seattle Sports’ morning show, Brock and Salk, offering this assessment.

"The Mariners' draft this year was so good. Colt Emerson might be a star, I think he's already the best prospect in the organization. That is saying something because I think Cole Young is good, Harry Ford is good, Tai Peete is good, Jonny Farmelo is good. This shows what they are building. "

Jeff Passan on Mariner farm system

There is a good chance the post-game scene in the Modesto Nuts clubhouse is a sign of things to come as these young stars ascend through the Mariners’ farm system over the next coming years.

It is safe to say these kids (from Modesto) are alright. Go Nuts!