A prospect more famous for his MySpace pictures and public urination than his talent (go Google it yourself, lazy reader), Dan Cortes is a young and strong righthander who's already with his third organization. Originally a 7th round selection by the Chicago White Sox in 2005, he has been until recently a one-pitch power arm. His previously-serviceable curve took a leap forward last year, when he used it effectively for the first time.

His mechanics look a bit dangerous to some scouts, but since no scout in history has ever been able to accurately predict arm troubles anyway, he has to remain high on the Mariner list of valued prospects. If his curve continues to be as effective as it looked late last season, and if he avoids injury, he projects as a mid-rotation starter in a couple of years, though there are are at least five (count 'em) hotter starting prospects in the system ahead of him. If he struggles with either his control or his elbow, he'll likely move more slowly and make any eventual debut as a reliever.