Five Mariners prospects ranked in MLB.com's top-100

While the Mariners have continued to struggle at the big-league level, there is little doubt they have talent waiting in the wings. That was further illustrated by MLB.com top 100 prospects list, which had five Mariners prospects in its top 100. Pitcher Taijuan Walker was ranked No. 5 on that list, and was joined by pitcher Danny Hultzen (18th), catcher Mike Zunino (23rd), shortstop Nick Franklin (47th) and pitcher James Paxton (61st).

Using a formula that assigns 100 points for the No. 1 prospect (Texas shortstop Jurickson Profar), 99 for the No. 2 prospect, and so on, Seattle had the most "prospect points" with 351.

I asked Franklin at last weekend's Fan Fest if he thinks about the young group of players he is a part of, and he said, "I think about that all the time, actually. Even last year with the Jackson team it was like, 'Wow, we've got a good group of guys.' And we still have a good group coming up. There are prospects everywhere, and the big league team is starting to come around. So I'm really looking forward to it."