What does the Seattle Mariners’ trade of starter Michael Pineda mean for the immediate future of Danny Hultzen, the team’s 2011 first round pick? The 22-year-old lefthander, selected second overall in the draft, was one of the most polished pitchers to enter the draft this past year. Some scouts believe he can compete for a starting spot in Seattle’s rotation right now. Hultzen threw 19 1/3 innings in the Arizona Fall League, posting a 1.40 ERA and striking out 18 batters. It seems likely Hultzen will open the 2012 season in the minors, but don’t be surprised if he earns a trip to the big leagues by mid-summer.

The Colorado Rockies acquired infielder Marco Scutaro from the Boston Red Sox for righthander Clayton Mortensen. The 36-year-old Scutaro is expected to be Colorado’s

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