On Danny Hultzen, Guaranteed Money and a German

The MLB Signing deadline was at midnight eastern time on Monday, and even though the deal wasn't officially announced until after the deadline, the Mariners signed their top pick, #2 pick Danny Hultzen, left-handed starting pitcher from the University of Virginia. The deal included an 8.5 million guaranteed Major League deal, the most guaranteed money of the entire draft class. Already developed, Hultzen features excellent command and a plus change up to go with his low 90's fastball. He should move fast, perhaps reaching the big leagues before Paxton or Walker. Pitching depth is something to be protected. We can see this clearly with Atlanta, who entered the year with 5 great starters, but has already spread around about 20 starts between Julio Teheran, Mike Minor and Randall Delgado. Ideally the Mariners will trade Vargas, Beaven, Walker or Paxton for a quality 3B or C, since we have neither in our system. Mariners fans will certainly drool over the prospect of a King Felix, Pineda, Hultzen, Walker, Paxton rotation, with Furbush and Beaven as flexible swing men. //The Mariners also brought two shortstops into the system, Brad Miller from Clemson and Gavin Cahoes from Germany. Both add depth and upside to one of the most difficult positions to develop talent.