With spring training wrapping up, three veteran scouts who have seen the Marlins a lot this spring were asked for impressions on the young players. Here's some feedback, granted on condition they not be identified:

 

? Hanley Ramirez, expected to bat leadoff, is the position player who has most impressed them. ''He looks terrific,'' one AL scout said. ``He's got power and may be more of a fifth- or sixth-place hitter eventually. [At 6-3], he may outgrow shortstop eventually and end up in the outfield. If he plays like he did this spring, their left side of the infield [Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera] will be as good as anyone in baseball except the Mets.''

 

Two of the scouts see Ramirez becoming an All-Star eventually. ``He reminds me of Edgar Renteria -- good hands, very athletic, but more power.''

 

? Two scouts said there's no way the Marlins should count on Chris Aguila to be their left fielder: ``He's a fourth or fifth outfielder. He doesn't bring enough power to be a corner outfielder every day.''

 

? The scouts were encouraged by the growth of CF Reggie Abercrombie. ``Nobody has better tools. He can run, throw, field. But can he adjust to the pitchers? He shows you flashes, but then he'll strike out on the same [pitch].''

 

? One scout said defensively, Dan Uggla might be the worst starting second baseman in baseball. But all think he has upside offensively.

 

? Jeremy Hermida's slow spring start isn't a worry. ''I'd take him in a minute,'' one scout said. ``He's a 25-homer, 100-RBI guy eventually who will hit close to .300.''

 

? Josh Willingham and Mike Jacobs drew praise, but some concerns were voiced. Said one: ''I envisioned Willingham initially as a 25th guy on a team, but his bat has improved a lot. I'm not sold on him as a catcher.'' Scouts seem convinced Jacobs will hit for power, but his defense was an issue for one.

 

? Though all three scouts like the Marlins' young arms, one said none (other than Dontrelle Willis) looks like a No. 1 or No. 2 starter long-term. '' Scott Olsen could be a top-three starter -- there's deception in his delivery,'' that NL scout said. ``I don't see Jason Vargas having the stuff to rise from a bottom of the rotation starter.''

 

The scouts like Josh Johnson but noted his velocity is down from 2005. Two raved about Carlos Martinez: One called him the Marlins' best young pitcher this spring -- ''his stuff is electric.'' Another said, ``He's thrown the best of anyone I've seen anywhere this spring. He has closer potential.''

 

 

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/14211277.htm

 

 

The kid has impressed alot people that have seen him this spring and could be closing by the end of the year, though what I don't understand is why they have him in the pen. He's a guy who has got four-pitches he can throw for strikes.

Interesting stuff. Thanks alot, TS.

awesome stuff, thanks ed.