Florida Marlins 20 Prospects

2006

by David Regan, Senior Writer

 

An already pretty good system just became a top three system thanks to the Carlos Delgado and Beckett/Lowell deals that brought the Marlins four of their top six prospects. I really like what the cash-strapped Marlins were able to accomplish in those trades, but I certainly don?t like seeing the franchise have to go through a fire sale every year. I imagine the Yankees and Red Sox are already planning a big run at Miguel Cabrera in 2008 or 2009. Sad really. It?s a system loaded with pitching, primarily as a results of spending a total of FIVE first round picks on pitchers in the 2005 draft. All five made this list. There are elite prospects (Hermida) and incredible depth at most positions (other than catcher perhaps). Look for Sean West as a big-time sleeper. You can?t teach height (6?8?).

 

Possible 2008 lineup:

 

SS Hanley Ramirez

RF Jeremy Hermida

3B Miguel Cabrera

1B Mike Jacobs

LF Free Agent / Trade

C Free Agent / Trade

2B Robert Andino

CF Free Agent / Eric Reed

 

Rotation: Dontrelle Willis, Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson, Scott Olsen, Jason Vargas, Chris Volstad (one will have to be traded, just not sure who)

 

Closer: Free Agent / Anibal Sanchez

 

 

#1 Jeremy Hermida Pos: OF

Bio: DOB: 1/30/84; Drafted 2002 1st round - #11 overall

 

Right now, Hermida will likely rank as the #3 overall prospect in baseball behind Delmon Young and Brandon Wood. Jeremy is the most well-rounded and polished young player that is eligible for these lists. Even a couple years ago, scouts were calling him the best high school draftee hitter since Eric Chavez. Lots of pressure for a teenager (at the time), and he?s more than lived up to expectations. At this time last year, the only question regarding Hermida was when his power was going to develop. Even after just 16 bombs in his first three minor league seasons, scouts were saying it was only a matter of time, and they were right, as he belted 18 this year in just 386 at-bats in the pitching-friendly Southern League. Hermida possesses the keenest batting eye I?ve seen in a young player in quite a while, as well as some of the best instincts I?ve seen. Hermida made his big league debut in September and all he did was hit a grand slam in his first at-bat (off Al Reyes) while posting a 1.017 OPS with 4 HR in 41 at-bats. He?s a virtual lock to open as the Marlins? RF in April 2006. Should contend for ROY honors. Think of him as a young Brian Giles with more speed.

 

#2 Scott Olsen Pos: LHP

Bio: DOB: 1/12/84; Drafted 2002 6th round - #173 overall

 

Olsen has a nice set of pitches, including a fastball that runs up in the 92-94 range with good life, a plus slider, and a change. Stands a solid 6?4?, and at around 200 lbs, could stand to add a little more muscle which could improve his velocity and most importantly, his durability. Does tend to overthrow at times, as per his aggressive mentality, and that has led to command issues, and this year some elbow inflammation. Had a couple impressive 5 2/3 inning big league starts this year in which he struck out seven Devil Rays and eight Brewers. When he?s 100% and on his game, Olsen has #1 starter potential. In a rotation without Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett now, I could see him as a #3 behind Willis and a RH starter. Elbow injury is considered minor and he?ll work towards a 2006 rotation spot.

 

 

#3 Hanley Ramirez Pos: SS

Bio: DOB: 12/23/83; Signed 2002 Dominican Republic

 

Came over in the Beckett/Lowell deal from Boston and right now, he?s probably the front-runner to start at SS for the Marlins in 2006. I think he still needs another year in the minors though, so don?t be surprised to see a veteran brought in. Scouts love his toolsy ability and rave about his bat speed and running ability. Has a tendency though to struggle with his swing and can go into deep slumps. When he?s right, the ball explodes off his bat and he could be a 20 HR guy as he matures. Still, he regressed a bit this year after hitting .310/.360/.512 in 32 AA games last year. I do like that he showed some improvement in his walk and K rates this year. Has 30-40 SB potential, so if he can increase his walk rate again and make more consistent contact, he could post a .360 OBP which would be enough to be a leadoff guy. Defensively, he?s Gold Glove material with a great arm and very good range. Marlins did well to get this guy. Hopefully they?ll stick him in AAA for most of the year.

 

#4 Anibal Sanchez Pos: C

Bio: DOB: 5/2/85; Drafted 2003 1st round - #36 overall

 

I really like Sanchez and think the Marlins did well getting him from Boston instead of the three years older Jon Papelbon. Dominated the Carolina League and held his own and more as a 21 year-old in AA. Sanchez has three or four solid offerings, including a 93-94 mph fastball, a change that?s already a plus pitch (good sign!) and a slider and curve. Struck out more than one hitter per inning and had a 4:1 K:BB ratio?very nice. Just needs to continue maintaining consistent mechanics and refining his secondary pitches, but he has #1 starter potential. Wore down a bit in the last month of the season according to scouts, so he?ll have to continue improving his conditioning and going deeper into games.

 

#5 Yusmeiro Petit Pos: RHP

Bio: DOB: 11/22/84; Signed 2001 - Venezuela

 

Doesn?t seem to get the respect that he deserves from scouts. After blowing through the two A levels last year as a 19 year-old, the talk was ?well, wait until AA hitters see his average stuff, then we?ll see how he does.? Well, he did fine, holding those hitters to a .209 average while striking out 9.9 / 9 IP and maintaining an unworldly 7:1 BB:K ratio. Was touched up a bit in AAA in three starts, but lots of pitchers need time to adjust to the next level. Petit himself allowed 6 runs (4.50 ERA) in 2 AA starts last year before performing well this year. His stuff is solid, but not spectacular: low 90s fastball, solid slider, and average change. His fastball plays better than his velocity due to its late life in the zone. Delivery is deceptive and his command is impeccable. Has the guts to throw a changeup at any count. Should make his big league debut in 2006 and could conceivably open the year in the Marlins? rotation. Plenty of opportunity there.

 

#6 Mike Jacobs Pos: C/1B

Bio: DOB: 10/30/80; Drafted 1999 38th round - #1156 overall

 

Came over with Petit in the Carlos Delgado deal. Jacobs was the Mets? minor league player of the year in 2003 after hitting .329/.376/.548 in AA. Would have been in line for a big league stint in 2004, if not for a torn labrum that sidelined him for the majority of the year. Came back strong this year and won the Eastern League MVP with his performance, and also earned a big league promotion where he excelled with a 1.085 OPS in 100 at-bats including an amazing 11 homeruns. Didn?t play much against lefties in NY, but his minor league track record suggests that he can handle them. His plate discipline skills were below average throughout the minors, but I?ve seen worse. Defensively, he?s probably more of a 1B than a catcher and if LoDuca stays in Florida, he?ll be the 1B next year. Nice, underrated player.

 

 

#7 Josh Johnson Pos: RHP

Bio: DOB: 1/31/84; Drafted 2002 4th round - #113 overall

 

Johnson at 6?7?, 240 is a big big boy. Seems to get better every year and is finally gaining recognition as a top prospect (top 100 now?). Has a fastball that runs up as high as 95 and sits in the 92-93 range. Has a sharp slider and developing change that are both getting better and better each year. He can be an intimidating presence on the mound, resulting in his fastball jumping in on hitters quickly. He?s a good kid with strong makeup and is a true presence on the mound. In most other organizations, he?s a top 3 prospect and he was in Florida before the recent trades. One caveat: struggled with shoulder problems in the past, including 2005, but seems healthy now. After a brief big league trial in 2005, he?ll compete for one of the many open rotation slots in spring training. Has top of the rotation potential.

 

 

#8 Ricky Nolasco Pos: RHP

Bio:DOB: 12/13/82; Drafted 2001 4th round - #108 overall

 

Came over in the deal for Juan Pierre. All Nolasco did this year was win Southern League pitcher of the year in a league filled with top-shelf hitting talent (Delmon Young, Andy LaRoche, Jeremy Hermida, etc.). He led the league in wins, strikeouts, and put up a sub-3.00 ERA. The Cubs stayed away from promoting him to AAA, as in 2004 he was lit up there to the tune of a 9.30 ERA in 40 2/3 IP. He gained confidence this year and learned to mix the change up in with increased accuracy. Has a low 90s fastball, above average curve, and a nice change. Commands all three pitches well. Lots of openings in the Marlins? rotation this year, but he needs to show he can master AAA hitters first. Sound see time in Florida this year at some point.

 

 

#9 Chris Volstad Pos: RHP

Bio: DOB: 9/23/86; Drafted 2005 1st round - #16 overall

 

As tall as Johnson but about 50 lbs. lighter as you would expect from a teenager. Can already hit 93-94 on the gun while sitting in the low 90s regularly, and that is expected to only increase as he adds muscle to his lanky frame. Already has a solid curve and change, leading scouts to consider him advanced beyond his years. Overthrows at times and he can stand to improve the consistency of his command. Marlins had FIVE pitchers picked in the first round (and supplemental 1st) and Volstad stands out as the best. May not needs more than 2 more years in the minors and could conceivably reach the majors by September 2007, as the Marlins are aggressive with their promotions.

 

 

#10 Aaron Thompson Pos: LHP

Bio: DOB: 2/28/87; Drafted 2005 1st round - #22 overall

 

Another high-ceiling teenager starter that you may not know about. Thompson, like Volstad, has a fastball that sits in the low 90s and he also shows an advanced command and feel for his slider and change. Mature and poised on the mound, Thompson profiles as a future #3 or better. Does a good job keeping the ball down in the zone from his high arm slot (and he stands 6?3?). Not surprisingly, the Marlins will work on him adding strength which should allow him to average more than the 4 IP per game he averaged in 2005, although Florida was just being careful with him. Was hit around a bit, but showed an impressive will to get out of jams. I expect big things from him at Low A this year. Should move right through the system along with Volstad.

 

 

#11 Gaby Hernandez Pos: RHP

Bio: DOB: 5/2/86; Drafted 2004 3rd round - #74 overall

 

The young Hernandez offers up a low 90s fastball with good movement down the zone. Compliments that pitch with an average curve and a solid change. It?s pretty impressive that he was able to dominate Low A hitters at the tender age of 18/19, and though he struggled in the Florida State League, he?s still got nice upside. I think he can be a #2 starter if he fills out and adds a little velocity. Curve also needs work and his command wavered a bit at times this year, especially in the FSL where he hit 13 batters in 42 1/3 IP. Threw a no-hitter this year as well. Should spend at least half the year in High A before the Marlins even consider moving him to AA. He?s at least two and probably three years from a big league rotation spot. #2 starter upside.

 

 

#12 Renyel Pinto Pos: LHP

Bio: DOB: 7/8/82; Signed 1999 out of Venezuela

 

After leading the Southern League in strikeouts and ERA back in 2004 and despite getting hit hard in two AAA starts late that year, Pinto began 2005 back in AAA and the results weren?t pretty. Sent back to AA to regain his form, Pinto responded. He?s got good enough stuff to be a #2 starter, with a fastball that runs anywhere from 91-95, a hard mid 80s slider, and a decent change. Command is his big issue, and that was magnified at the AAA level when he averaged more than one walk per inning. The fact that he?s left-handed alone likely gets him to the majors at some point this year.

 

 

#13 Josh Willingham Pos: C/1B

Bio: DOB: 2/17/79; Drafted 2000 17th round - #491 overall

 

I wonder if LoDuca gets traded and Willingham finally gets a well-deserved major league job? He certainly has the bat for it. Josh is known for having a very quick bat, a great eye at the plate, and very good power. A .676 SLG% is good, even for the PCL. It?s not a fluke either, considering he slugged .565 in the pitcher-friendly Southern League last year. On the down side, most scouts question his ability to remain behind the plate as a pro and suspect that he?ll be an AL 1B/DH type. With Delgado being traded, the 1B job probably falls to Mike Jacobs, but they could potentially use him behind the plate and Willingham at 1B. Who knows? Time for them to figure out what to do with this guy.

 

 

#14 Robert Andino Pos: SS

Bio: DOB: 4/25/84; Drafted 2002 2nd round - #52 overall

 

Prior to the Arizona Fall League and the acquisition of Hanley Ramirez, Andino was thought to be the #1 option to take over SS for the Marlins in 2006. However, his .612 OPS and seeming lack of hustle and interest squashed those plans and then the higher-ceiling Ramirez came over from the Red Sox. Suddenly his place in the organization?s future is much in doubt. The Marlins could opt to deal Luis Castillo and make Andino their 2B I suppose, but I doubt it. On the plus side, he?s still very young and very raw. Has great bat speed and has an ability to drive the ball into the gaps. Can run well and has a plus arm. From what I saw in his brief time in the majors, he looked a bit overmatched, hitting .159 in 44 at-bats. Should start 2006 in AAA and will have to show an improved focus and attitude to have a future in Florida.

 

 

#15 Jeff Allison Pos: RHP

Bio: DOB: 11/7/84; Drafted 2003 1st round - #16 overall

 

Look at these numbers for his senior year in H.S.: 9-0, a ZERO ERA, 64 IP, 13 Hits, 9 BB, and 142 K?s. Just sick. Had a plus fastball and curve, solid slider, and a developing change that really he hasn?t needed. Then along came the drugs: primarily OxyContin, but also marijuana and more seriously, heroin, on which he overdosed and nearly died. Missed all of 2004 with his problems, but returned to the mound this year with somewhat mixed results. On the positive side: he is alive and pitching. He performed pretty well considering what he?s gone through. Is still working on getting his velocity back, which is still down about 4 mph from its peak. Negatively, he just hasn?t thrown a lot of innings and there?s always the possibility of a relapse. The Marlins are optimistic and keep in mind that he just turned 21 and will start in High A Jupiter this year, so he is on track.

 

 

#16 Kris Harvey Pos: 3B/OF

Bio: DOB: 1/5/84; Drafted 2005 2nd round - #64 overall

 

Son of former All-Star closer Bryan Harvey (Angles and Marlins primarily). Was a pitcher who hit 97 on the gun, but the Marlins liked his bat even better. Harvey shows good raw power, with the ball seeming to jump off his bat when he makes contact. Like many sons of ex-bigleaguers, he has a real feel for the game and a good makeup. That hopefully will allow him to work on his biggest flaw right now, which is pitch selection. A walk rate of 3.3% simply won?t cut it in the big leagues. Has good speed for a 3B. Needs to more muscle on his 6?3? frame. Showed good skills at 3B and the Marlins are optimistic that he could either move Miguel Cabrera back to the OF or occupy a corner OF slot in a year or two.

 

#17 Brad McCann Pos: 3B

Bio: DOB: 12/9/82; Drafted 2004 6th round - #188 overall

 

Brother of Braves? catcher Brian McCann. This McCann though is 15 months older and four levels behind his brother. Good bloodlines, as his father is an ex-college baseball coach. McCann shows an advanced approach and feel for the game. Arm is average at best, but should be good enough to stay at 3B. Speed is below average, but McCann is a power guy first and foremost anyway. For some reason he was named as the organization?s hitter of the year. Guess they forgot about Hermida. Hit .176 for the month of April but finished up very strong, giving me optimism about him in 2006. Could conceivably jump to AA to start the year, but likely ticketed for High A Jupiter for awhile at least. Has starter type upside if he can improve his plate discipline and maintain his OPS at the higher levels. Will never be a Gold Glover, but has the mentality to improve on defense.

 

#18 Sean West Pos: LHP

Bio: DOB: 6/15/86; Drafted 2005 1st round - #44 overall

 

Stands an intimidating 6?8?, but weighs less than 200 lbs. Got some room to grow and add some muscle, but he?s still a teenager, so there?s time. Comes at hitters from a ? angle?does that sound like another tall lefty that you know? West?s fastball sits around 92 right now, but with his height and delivery, it seems faster. Could be really intimidating if he develops and adds velocity. Also has a slider that the Marlins like as a second potential plus pitch. Also has a curve and change that he uses less often. Someone this tall often has issues with mechanics and control, but West walked just 2.2 per 9 IP and struck out more than a hitter per inning. I like what I see in this kid and he could start in Low A this year.

 

 

#19 Ryan Tucker Pos: RHP

Bio: DOB: 12/6/86; Drafted 2005 1st round - #34 overall

 

Yet another 2005 1st rounder on this list. One way to restock a farm system is to have five first round picks due to free agent defections. Tucker gets by with a fastball that runs anywhere between 92 and 97 mph with late life and action in the zone. His breaking ball is still a work in progress, and the Marlins are trying to get him to work on a slider that looks like it has potential. He?s very competitive and a bulldog on the mound, qualities that make scouts think he could be a future closer if the starter role doesn?t work out. May get sent back to Jamestown to work on his secondary offerings, as he didn?t exactly blow hitters away there in 2005.

 

 

#20 Brett Hayes Pos: C

Bio: DOB: 9/23/86; Drafted 2005 2nd round - #79 overall

 

Athleticism and solid makeup are his primary attributes right now. He shows a solid approach at the plate and the ability to lay off the pitches that he doesn?t like. He?s also very versatile, having played 7 different positions for Team USA in 2004. Rather small for catcher at 6?1?, he makes up for it with his athleticism, showing the ability to get the ball quickly from his glove to second base. Smart, with a catcher?s mentality. Has enough power potential to project 15 or so homeruns in the future. Should start at Low A but could move quickly in a catching-thin organization.

 

 

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Pitching prospects are best of the best.

 

no 1 stater potentials are more than any team.

 

:thumbup

works for me

Pretty awesome list.

 

Our bullpen might not be as bad as many people think...

incredible list. almost inconceivable lol.

WOW, great farm system, hope they all pan out, would be deadly.

Where's the Tank?

Don't think HanRam is ready for the majors to start the season. Ideally he'd have a half season or so at AAA before coming up full time

I didn't know we had Bryan Harvey's son. Wow, hit 97 on the gun and isn't even a pitching prospect? Must be a sick hitter.

I didn't know we had Bryan Harvey's son. Wow, hit 97 on the gun and isn't even a pitching prospect? Must be a sick hitter.

 

Yus sir. We drafted him last year. Plays OF

I dont agree with the rotation projection or moving Cabrera back to the OF for Harvey, when Harvey has shown he can play there, has the top rated OF arm in our system, and Cabrera has shown gold glove potential at 3B.

 

But yes, the system is stocked.

Ya by 2008 having this lineup and rotation will be just....sickness:

 

CF

SS Hanley Ramirez

RF Jeremy Hermida

3B Miguel Cabrera

1B Mike Jacobs

C Josh Willingham

LF Kris Harvey

2B Pokey Reese/pickup/prospect

 

SP-D Train

SP-Olsen

SP-Sanchez

SP-Nolasco/Petit

SP-Vargas

lol... Pokey

Ya by 2008 having this lineup and rotation will be just....sickness:

 

CF

SS Hanley Ramirez

RF Jeremy Hermida

3B Miguel Cabrera

1B Mike Jacobs

C Josh Willingham

LF Kris Harvey

2B Pokey Reese/pickup/prospect

 

SP-D Train

SP-Olsen

SP-Sanchez

SP-Nolasco/Petit

SP-Vargas

 

 

so what we are gonna have young players everywhere but 2nd?

Ya by 2008 having this lineup and rotation will be just....sickness:

 

CF

SS Hanley Ramirez

RF Jeremy Hermida

3B Miguel Cabrera

1B Mike Jacobs

C Josh Willingham

LF Kris Harvey

2B Pokey Reese/pickup/prospect

 

SP-D Train

SP-Olsen

SP-Sanchez

SP-Nolasco/Petit

SP-Vargas

 

 

so what we are gonna have young players everywhere but 2nd?

Pokey Reese/pickup/prospect. I can't predict the future perfectly.

Ya by 2008 having this lineup and rotation will be just....sickness:

 

CF

SS Hanley Ramirez

RF Jeremy Hermida

3B Miguel Cabrera

1B Mike Jacobs

C Josh Willingham

LF Kris Harvey

2B Pokey Reese/pickup/prospect

 

SP-D Train

SP-Olsen

SP-Sanchez

SP-Nolasco/Petit

SP-Vargas

 

 

remove pokey for sure by then. But I could see a few different options there in the future.

For the rotation I see Johnson in there over Vargas. Volstadt too somewhere perhaps. We have so much dang pitching lol

I think Volstadt will be ready by like 2009, or mid 2008

Baseball America List

 

1) Jeremy Hermida

2) Hanley Ramirez

3) Anibal Sanchez

4) Scott Olsen

5) Yusmeiro Petit

6) Josh Johnson

7) Chris Voldstad

8) Ricky Nolasco

9) Gaby Hernandez

10) Aaron Thompson

11) Josh Williangham

12) Mike Jacobs

13) Renyel Pinto

14) Taylor Tankersley

15) Kris Harvey

16) Ryan Tucker

17) Robert Andino

18) Eric Reed

19) Jason Stokes

20) Sean West

21) J.T Restko

22) Brad McCann

23) Chris Resop

24) Jesus Delgado

25) Jose Garcia

26) Jacob Marceux

27) Travis Bowyer

28) Harvey Garcia

29) Dan Uggla

30) Jeff Allison

Baseball America List

 

1) Jeremy Hermida

2) Hanley Ramirez

3) Anibal Sanchez

4) Scott Olsen

5) Yusmeiro Petit

6) Josh Johnson

7) Chris Voldstad

8) Ricky Nolasco

9) Gaby Hernandez

10) Aaron Thompson

11) Josh Williangham

12) Mike Jacobs

13) Renyel Pinto

14) Taylor Tankersley

15) Kris Harvey

16) Ryan Tucker

17) Robert Andino

18) Eric Reed

19) Jason Stokes

20) Sean West

21) J.T Restko

22) Brad McCann

23) Chris Resop

24) Jesus Delgado

25) Jose Garcia

26) Jacob Marceux

27) Travis Bowyer

28) Harvey Garcia

29) Dan Uggla

30) Jeff Allison

 

 

 

Any link or anything with more details? Please.