Mariners Discover Knack for Finding Young Talent

The Seattle Mariners have the two youngest players in the major leagues, and they’re not both named Ken Griffey Jr. -- although it sometimes seems like it.

The other 20-year-old Mariner is pitcher Brent Knackert, more or less stolen from the Chicago White Sox via the New York Mets.

Griffey, American League Player of the Month for April, is slightly younger. He’ll be 21 on Nov. 21, Knackert on Aug. 1.

“It’s still sinking in,” Knackert said. “I’ve pitched to great players like Dave Winfield and Don Mattingly.”

The Mariners claimed Knackert on waivers April 5 from the Mets, who selected him off the White Sox roster in the Major League Rule V draft on Dec. 4.

Since Knackert was on the White Sox Triple A roster when the Mets drafted him, major league rules say he must spend the season with the big-league Mariners or be offered back to the White Sox.

“The White Sox didn’t think anybody would take a 20-year-old kid because they would have to keep him in the major leagues,” he said. “They wanted to teach me a lesson. They were shocked when they lost me. They admitted it was a stupid thing not to protect me after my third year.”

Especially with the kid-happy Mariners out there. The White Sox played right into the Mariners’ hands.

“We think Brent has a great future,” Mariner General Manager Woody Woodward said. “It was our decision to stick with the youngster.

“We feel certain if we offer Brent back to the White Sox, they will take him.”

Knackert was a second-round pick of the White Sox in 1987. He spent his third pro season with Class A Sarasota last season.

This season, Knackert (1-0) has pitched 18 innings over 12 games and has a 3.50 earned-run average.

“If I only pitch 20 innings this year, it’s a great experience,” Knackert said. “I’ll take this any day. I’ll stay here. It’s very exciting.”

Knackert’s victory came in relief against California on May 3 in the Kingdome. That was special for him because he was born in Los Angeles and still lives in Huntington Beach.

He’s watching and learning while Griffey dazzles fans, opponents and teammates with his spectacular offense and defense.

“He’s just amazing,” Knackert said. “He’s a natural. It’s unbelievable the pitches he hits. It’s incredible the plays he makes. I’ve never seen anything like it.”