Hultzen among seven in Arizona Fall League

SEATTLE -- For many ballplayers the end of August heralds the arrival of another offseason, which is spent working out, watching the postseason and figuring out how best to ensure that their team isn't left out of the next season's autumn festivities.

But for those players still trying to prove they belong on the big league stage, the changing colors of the leaves represents a proving grounds far from the eye of the casual spectator. Seven members of the Mariners' organization will play in the 2013 Arizona Fall League, joining representatives from the Phillies, Astros, Padres and Royals on the Peoria Javelinas. They will play among prospects from all 30 Major League teams in the last pit stop, for some players, on the road to the Majors.

Representing the Mariners will be pitchers Danny Hultzen, Dominic Leone, Brandon Maurer and Carson Smith, joining outfielder Stefen Romero and infielders Patrick Kivlehan and Chris Taylor.

"I think it's a step for guys to either make up time or to take the next step against really good competition, and I think it's just part of development," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "So the guys that we've asked to go there are excited about going, I think they'll relish it and I think they'll all benefit from it."

Maurer began the year in the Mariners' starting rotation, but he struggled. He was sent down to Triple-A Tacoma in late May, and then returned to Seattle on July 27 as a long reliever.

Hultzen -- the No. 25 overall prospect according to MLB.com -- has made just five Triple-A starts this season because of irritation in his left shoulder. He will be able to make up for lost time this fall.

"In terms of the Fall League, he's getting some time to continue to do what he's doing, he'll continue his whole program," Zduriencik said. "I think he'll go there for the six weeks that the Fall League is running ... you want him to make up some of the innings he's missed in the course of the year."

The Mariners have demonstrated that if a prospect plays well in the AFL, they are willing to give him a shot at making the big league squad. Second baseman Nick Franklin played for Peoria last year, as did part-time reliever Bobby LaFromboise and catcher Mike Zunino.

The rosters include 33 prospects who have been first-round selections in First-Year Player Drafts, as well as international players from eight countries.

"We are excited to welcome the class of 2013," AFL director Steve Cobb said. "We are proud of the role we serve in MLB's player-development process. It is our history that over 60 percent of these players will reach the Major Leagues. We want fans to know the top young talent in the game still will be playing baseball in October and November in Arizona."