The trio bringing hope to Mariners fans everywhere

Talk all we want about reduced payrolls and lowered expectations -- and don't worry, we will eventually -- but there is still a trio of young arms bringing hope to Mariners fans everywhere. You can see them in the photo above, shot moments ago as the team warms up on the field ahead of today's workout. That's Taijuan Walker in front, Danny Hultzen in the middle and James Paxton in the back. The three young pitchers, all projected for the front or middle of the major league rotation at some point, are keeping hopes alive for Mariners fans that the squad will contend at some point in coming years. Paxton might be the closest of all three to the majors, given his considerable time in Class AA last season. Hultzen has yet to throw a pitch in affiliated pro ball while Walker rose to the high Class A ranks last season and could be the best of the three. But Paxton could be in the majors in coming months. He told me today he's been working on a changeup since late last seas...