Mariners select in-state lefty Olson from Gonzaga

The Mariners stayed in state with their seventh-round pick, taking left-handed pitcher Tyler Olson out of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. Olson, the 207th overall pick, attended University High School in Spokane.

"[He's] a lefty with real good command, a good breaking ball," Mariners scouting director Tom McNamara said. "He's tough on left-handed hitters. He was the [No. 2] guy there and sometimes he was the Friday night guy, they flip-flopped them."

Olson, a fifth-year senior, has loose and easy mechanics that allow his fastball -- which usually sits in the 84-89-mph range -- to sneak up on hitters, largely thanks to his pinpoint location. He challenges hitters at a steady pace, using a lethal curveball and a strong changeup as his predominant offspeed weapons. He's a fairly stoic competitor who doesn't show much emotion -- good or bad -- and goes about his business striking out hitters.

Olson returned to college after being selected in the 17th round of the 2012 Draft by the Athletics. In his senior season, he was named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year after going 9-4 with a 2.38 ERA. He also had a 19-inning scoreless streak in April.