Garciaparra added to Mariners roster

Michael Garciaparra, that is. The younger brother of Nomar, Michael used to play for the 66ers back when they were a Mariners affiliate.

Former first round draft choice Michael Garciaparra and three other minor league players were added to Seattle’s 40-man roster Monday.

Garciaparra, who was the club’s top pick in the 2001 draft, had a slow start to his career, prompting speculation the Mariners had overestimated him.

But the younger brother of Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Nomar Garciaparra went from suspect to prospect this year. The infielder hit .311 overall in a season split between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Tacoma.

Now being on the 40-man doesn’t mean he’ll be in the bigs automatically, but he’s continuing to work his way up the ladder. Having seen Michael play locally, it’s one of the things I’m looking forward to next year — being able to go to 66ers games and see potential Dodger stars.

And amidst all the other Garciaparra headlines this week comes the news (via this LA Times story on the potential Juan Pierre signing) —

“I was hoping to be back and wanted to be back,” [Nomar] said. “I didn’t entertain other offers. My intention first and foremost was to work out a deal here.”

Garciaparra’s wife, former soccer star Mia Hamm, is pregnant with twins. Knowing he will remain in L.A. the next two years — his contract has limited no-trade provisions — is comforting to his entire family.

“I believe in the organization and I really enjoy putting on that uniform,” he said. “The Dodgers are the team my family cheers for. This is a thrill.”

So apparently, Michael will be an uncle soon. ;D Congrats to Nomar and Mia! I anticipate the twins to be ruling the world soccer scene in 2026.