New Faces

Before the deadline for Rule 5 Draft protection last night, the Mariners made a flurry of roster additions. Ten players were called up onto the 40-man roster, including a few big names:

From Triple-A Tacoma:
-RHP Michael Pineda
-RHP Josh Lueke
-LHP Mauricio Robles

From Double-A Jackson:
-LHP Cesar Jimenez
-3B Alex Liddi
-OF Carlos Peguero

From Single-A-Advanced High Desert:
-RHP Maikel Cleto
-OF Johermyn Chavez

From Single-A Clinton:
-RHP Tom Wilhelmsen
-RHP Yoervis Medina

Pineda is the biggest name, as the club has said he'll have a chance to win a starting rotation spot out of Spring Training. Lueke is another guy who could very well make the Opening Day roster, while lefties Robles and even Jimenez could fill important roles in the bullpen. Another thing to point out is that the Mariners roster now has 39 players, creating very little wiggle room for trades and free agent signings. There's a decent chance that several of these young prospects could be included in potential trades in the coming months.