It was a pretty good year for Marlins pitching prospects but the hitting prospects are few and far in between. We arent here to dissect the farm system as a whole, just the best from each position in 2006. With the amount of arms the Marlins have stockpiled, hitting prospects aren't a major concern because teams value pitching more than hitting anyway.

 

Without further adieu....

 

 

C - Brett Hayes - 2/13/1984 - U of Nevada - 6'1 - 200lbs - R/R

You know it's barren when Brett Hayes is your best catching prospect. Always known to be a better defensive catcher, he did nothing to make us think otherwise this season in Greensboro. In 278 at bats he hit 9 homeruns and had a line of .245/.321/.396. He needs to improve his 29bb-60k ratio if he wants to make it in the majors someday albeit as a backup. If he can show any improvement at the plate, you could see him make the team out of camp in 2007, although he is probably still a year away. His major competition in the system is Andy Jenkins and Brad Davis but neither of them are nearly as good behind the plate, and their offense isn't much better, if that.

 

 

1B - Gaby Sanchez - 9/2/1983 - U of Miami - 6'2 - 225lbs - R/R

Probably the only legit bat in the Marlins system right now, Sanchez was a beast all season long... when he wasn't battling injuries. He took the South Atlantic League by storm, hitting 14 homers and having a .317/.447/.603 in his first 189 at bats of the season. In a 10 game hitting streak earlier in the season, he hit .456 with 7 homeruns. After suffering a few injuries, he struggled in Jupiter going .182/.324/.327 in his final 55 at bats of the season. Looking like he is going to be a DH for an American League team someday, his bat was a real treat to watch for a few months in Greensboro.

 

 

2B - Edgar V. Gonzalez - 6/14/1978 - San Diego State U - 6'0 - 182lbs - R/R

No, that's not a misprint on his age. He is really 28 years old and I don't care. The older brother of Adrian Gonzalez absolutely abused minor league pitchers this year, hitting a combined .327/.401/.502 with Jupiter, Carolina and Albuquerque. He hit 13 homers with a 55bb/87k ratio. There is probably no real spot for him with the Marlins but you never know, right? Maybe he can make the team out of camp in the spring. He has real solid career numbers too, I wonder why he has never gotten a major league look before.

 

 

SS - Kevin Randel - 6/11/1981 - Long Beach State - 6'1 - 180lbs - L/R

Actually up against some stiff competition around the organization, Randel had his best season as a pro yet. He hit 12 homeruns with a .280/.376/.483 line in 325 at bats for the Carolina Mudcats this season. Not exactly a hitter's paradise, Randel put himself on the Marlins radar with a real solid campaign. Although he strikes out too much (87k), his walk rate is promising (47bb). Others to consider were Agustin Septimo: .263/.333/.384 and Jonathan Fulton: .262/.308/.429 in Jupiter as well as Robert Andino and his disappointing campaign up in Albuquerque (.255/.303/.363).

 

 

3B - Grant Psomas - 9/2/1982 - West Virginia - 6'3 - 210lbs - R/R

Hammerheads pitching was thankful for Grant all season long as he was the only player to put up halfway decent numbers up in Jupiter. While his .291/.341/.427 line is a bit of a disappointment, the fact is that he had no protection all season long. Brad McCann, JT Restko, Dante Brinkley all had terrible seasons and Grant was on an island by himself every night. All things considered, his numbers aren't that bad and I expect him to breakout in Carolina in 2007.

 

Next we take a look at the outfield and what a pathetic bunch this is. I went through our system and only came up with 5 names, and only 3 of them were even worthy. The two "just missing" the list are Kris Harvey and Jeff Van Houten.

 

 

OF - Jose Campusano - 12/19/1983 - Dominican Republic - 5'11 - 165lbs - S/R

Congrats Jose, you cracked the top 3 performances out of a Marlins prospect this season. Making his transition from infield to outfield might have taken an adjustment in the field, but he had a fine season at the plate. He hit .285/.330/.341. I know those numbers are as empty as they come (16XBH, 1HR) but seriously, it's the best we can do right now. He needs to work on his 15bb to 78k ratio if he wants to take his game to the next level.

 

 

OF - Eric Reed - 12/2/1980 - Texas A&M - 5'11 - 170lbs - L/L

Ah good old PJ himself. Yes, PJ stands for "Punch and Judy". And yes, we have a major league version of PJ in Alfredo Amezaga too. The more the merrier. It seems like Eric has been in our system the last 10 years doesn't it? Well he put up another fine season in Albuquerque this season and even hit a career high 5 homeruns! (Thats legit excitement about his power potential, I swear). His .303/.344/.438 is something to look forward to except for the fact that he looks completely lost at the plate in the majors. For someone who supposedly can power lift 405 pounds, I have no clue how he can hit the ball out of the infield, let alone out of the park. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a shot at CF in the upcoming spring but that would be a big mistake. I haven't lost faith in him but.... well... yea, I have lost faith. EAT SOMETHING!

 

 

OF - Chris Aguila - 2/23/1979 - Redwood City, CA - 5'11 - 180lbs - R/R

Another guy that has been in this system for about 45 years. It looks like Chris is destined to become the definition for a AAAA player. That's 4A's for those counting at home. He had a fantastic season for the Topes this year, tallying up 11hr and a .318/.369/.497 line in 302 at bats. For some unknown reason (well, we know the reason is because he cant hit the breaking pitch), he cant do squat in the majors when he gets the chance. Then again, we have never given him more than 5 games in a row to prove himself, so maybe thats the problem. Nah, that's not it.

 

On to the creme de la creme, the arms!

 

 

SP - Chris Volstad - 9/23/1986 - Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 6'7 - 190lbs - R/R

The former first round pick had a solid, albeit not spectacular season for the Grasshoppers. I guess that says alot about our expectations for Chris when his 11-8 record and 3.08era is just a solid season. In 152 innings pitched, he struck out 99 while walking 36. Opposing batters hit .275 off him in the SALLY league. He has alot of stiff competition around him, and hopefully that will continue to push him in the upcoming years.

 

 

SP - Jose Garcia - 1/7/1985 - Dominican Republic - 5'11 - 165lbs - R/R

"Mini Pedro" really introduced himself to the baseball world in 2006. He went 6-2 with a 1.87era in his stint with Jupiter and then was called up to Carolina where he would go 6-7 with a 3.40era. His combined numbers he went 12-10 with a 2.88era in 165.2ip with a fantastic 45/161 bb to k ratio. Opposing batters hit just .229 off him this season. He should have a chance to make the Marlins out of camp next spring.

 

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SP - Adam Bostick - 3/17/1983 - Jeannette, PA - 6'1 - 220lbs - L/L

Well he didn't have quite the breakout season as we anticipated but he still had a real nice 2006 campaign. He went 8-7 with a 3.52era for the Mudcats this year. Even more promising was the .235baa and the nearly 1 strikeout per inning. Adam got a late callup to Albuquerque where he was a bit overmatched/tired but that did nothing to take away from his fine season. He too should get the chance to make the team out of camp next year.

 

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RP - Todd Doolittle - 11/01/1982 - Mississippi State - 5'10 - 175lbs - R/R

Yea, still no pictures anywhere of this guy, he is still that much under the radar. Just in his second year out of Miss State, Doolittle put himself on the reliever map absolutely dominating hitters in 2 leagues. He went 4-1 with a 1.70era in 59 innings up in Greensboro. He had an amazing .175baa to go with a 21:79 walk:strikeout ratio. The Marlins decided it was time to test him as he got promoted to Jupiter. In his remaining 21.1ip he went 3-1 with a 0.84era with opposing Florida State League batters hitting .160. That gives him a combined 1.23era and .171baa in 80.1ip. Yea, he's kinda good.

 

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RP - Harvey Garcia - 03/16/1984 - Caracas, Venezuela - 6'2 - 170lbs - R/R

Another one of the arms the Marlins acquired in last season's Josh Beckett deal, Harvey Garcia had himself quite the year. Ignore his 0-7 for a moment and look at the raw numbers. In 64.2ip he struck out 83 while walking 32 and recording a 2.92era. Opposing batters hit just .221 off him so I'm willing to say that Garcia was just a tough luck loser all 7 times. Gotta be that defense behind him! He should start off 2007 in Carolina, but with the stuff he has, he could force himself onto the Marlins roster at some point too.

 

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RP - Jesus Delgado - 04/19/1984 - Maracay, Venezuela - 6'1 - 200lbs - R/R

And yet another arm from the Boston system invades our list. Delgado and Garcia made a formidible 1-2 punch for the Hammerheads at the end of games this year up in Jupiter. In 38.1ip he struck out 40, and had a 2.58era to go with his 2-4 record. He did not allow a homerun an opposing teams hit just .231 off of him. He will join his buddy Harvey up in Carolina next season.

Nice write up.

 

Really puts into perspective how awful our position prospects are.

Haven't seen Doolittles stats before...wow.

 

Also, we need to draft some better position players...BADLY.

Is it me, or is Jose's nickname a little ironic?

Is it me, or is Jose's nickname a little ironic?

 

why's that?

okay, I think we've got enough damn pitching now..let's try and get some outfielders.

 

one guy I'd liike to get it John Jay of UM.

one guy I'd liike to get it John Jay of UM.

 

he was taken in the 2nd round by the Cardinals

id take de Aza over Campusano

Thanks Ramp.

 

Mini Pedro- I like :drool . Too bad we couldnt see him in action tomorrow.

 

Do you think Doolittle has a shot to make the team out of ST?

Is it me, or is Jose's nickname a little ironic?

 

why's that?

Isn't he taller than Pedro?

Is it me, or is Jose's nickname a little ironic?

 

why's that?

Isn't he taller than Pedro?

 

I am pretty sure they are the same height. At any rate, I will be interested to see if he can live up to the label of "Mini Pedro", taller or no, once he gets his shot. He probably should get at least one start before the season is over with JJ out and Olsen running out of gas.

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

I am really high on Adam Bostic, but that dolittle guy that I never heard of until now seems to be a perfect piece for our depleted bullpen.

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

 

Sinkbeil, Hickman and Cousins will be names you will be hearing for years to come. Sinkbeil looks like an awesome pitching prospect. Hickman and Cousin are top notch outfielders who can hit and play defense , One will be making a claim to become a Marlin centerfielder very soon

For power numbers in the outfield I would have put Van Houton and Harvey on the prospects list over Reed or Aguila. Of course their batting averages kill them. I would watch for JT Restko to rebound next year too.

I am really high on Adam Bostic, but that dolittle guy that I never heard of until now seems to be a perfect piece for our depleted bullpen.

 

 

 

I believe Beinfest is high on Scott Nestor as another strong arm for the pen...this despite the rumor that Girardi would like to see Nestor in the outfield.

 

:whistle

For power numbers in the outfield I would have put Van Houton and Harvey on the prospects list over Reed or Aguila. Of course their batting averages kill them. I would watch for JT Restko to rebound next year too.

 

but this isnt a real "prospect" team

 

this is who put up the best numbers this season

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

 

Sinkbeil, Hickman and Cousins will be names you will be hearing for years to come. Sinkbeil looks like an awesome pitching prospect. Hickman and Cousin are top notch outfielders who can hit and play defense , One will be making a claim to become a Marlin centerfielder very soon

 

If the Kotsay comparissons are accurate, Cousins is still one of my favorites.

 

I also think Langley will be one who will be heard about for a long while out of this past years draft.

Neither will be vying for CF 'very soon', but their upside is there for sure.

nice work Ramp

 

Thank you

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

 

Sinkbeil, Hickman and Cousins will be names you will be hearing for years to come. Sinkbeil looks like an awesome pitching prospect. Hickman and Cousin are top notch outfielders who can hit and play defense , One will be making a claim to become a Marlin centerfielder very soon

 

John Raynor is a guy in the outfield that is being over looked by some here. He had an OPS of just under .800 in the NYP this year, plus 21 SB out of 23 tries.

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

 

Sinkbeil, Hickman and Cousins will be names you will be hearing for years to come. Sinkbeil looks like an awesome pitching prospect. Hickman and Cousin are top notch outfielders who can hit and play defense , One will be making a claim to become a Marlin centerfielder very soon

 

John Raynor is a guy in the outfield that is being over looked by some here. He had an OPS of just under .800 in the NYP this year, plus 21 SB out of 23 tries.

I'm no expert, but is just under .800 really that good?

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

 

Sinkbeil, Hickman and Cousins will be names you will be hearing for years to come. Sinkbeil looks like an awesome pitching prospect. Hickman and Cousin are top notch outfielders who can hit and play defense , One will be making a claim to become a Marlin centerfielder very soon

 

John Raynor is a guy in the outfield that is being over looked by some here. He had an OPS of just under .800 in the NYP this year, plus 21 SB out of 23 tries.

I'm no expert, but is just under .800 really that good?

 

 

Alot better than most of our minor league OFers. Scott Cousins, who seems to be getting more hype by Marlins fans put up a .508 OPS. He really struggled.

 

Campusano had a .671 and Eric Reed a .782. This just shows the pathetic state of our minor league OF more than anything. Its why we really need guys like Cousins,Hickman and Raynor to develop. Hopefully one of those three guys can stay in CF. All have slightly above average speed.

Good stuff. I haven't paid any attention to the Marlins' minor leaguers or drafts, since my Marlins draw was sent over by the Cubs last December, so pardon my idiocy... Do we have any young guys to be excited about, i.e. guys at Low A or Rookie ball? Position players are lacking it seems.

 

Sinkbeil, Hickman and Cousins will be names you will be hearing for years to come. Sinkbeil looks like an awesome pitching prospect. Hickman and Cousin are top notch outfielders who can hit and play defense , One will be making a claim to become a Marlin centerfielder very soon

 

John Raynor is a guy in the outfield that is being over looked by some here. He had an OPS of just under .800 in the NYP this year, plus 21 SB out of 23 tries.

I'm no expert, but is just under .800 really that good?

nope. especially for an OFer. Doesnt mean much really though until we see these guys in full-season baseball.

God, our position prospects are dreadful. Why hasn't this need been addressed by the FO? Show me some Latin signings or some draft picks, kthx.