Florence native and Gamecocks reliever John Taylor is ready to begin his professional baseball career. Taylor, a 22nd round draft pick by the Seattle Mariners, signed with the club on Monday in Phoenix, Arizona. After undergoing a physical, Taylor is set to join the Mariners rookie league club in Pulaski, Virginia in the Appalachian League. Taylor is expected to join the team on Thursday.
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Taylor was 8-1 with a 1.14 ERA in his two year Gamecocks career winning a pair of national championships. His sidearm pitching style made him an invaluable member of the USC bullpen. Taylor recorded two wins in the 2011 College World Series.
