Posted January 29, 200718 yr Interesting list............and order........... Florida Marlins 1. Gaby Hernandez - RHP - DOB: 05/21/86 - ETA: May 2008 9-7, 3.68 ERA, 120 H, 115/35 K/BB in 120 IP for Single-A Jupiter With nine of last year's top 11, including the top five, graduating to the majors, the Marlins lack a true No. 1 prospect entering 2007. I'm going with Hernandez first here, though he'll be found in the bottom half of the top 150 next month. Still, the system is deep in pitching, with six quality guys at the top and a long list of intriguing relief prospects. Hernandez, a 2004 third-round pick of the Mets, was the better of the two prospects picked up by Florida in the Paul Lo Duca trade a year ago. His moving low-90s fastball, curveball and changeup should all become solid major league pitches -- though he has further to go with the curve than with the changeup -- and since he possesses very good command for someone so young, he projects as a future No. 3 starter. The stress fracture in his foot that ended his season in late July doesn't figure to be a lingering concern entering 2007. He's due to spend the year in Double-A. 2. Aaron Thompson - LHP - DOB: 02/28/87 - ETA: 2009 8-8, 3.63 ERA, 139 H, 114/35 K/BB in 134 IP for low Single-A Greensboro A polished lefty drafted 22nd overall in 2005, Thompson should move faster than some of the club's other recent picks. The left-hander can get his fastball into the low-90s and has enough action on the pitch to induce more than his fair share of grounders. Both his breaking ball and his changeup are becoming above average pitches. A promotion to Double-A before the end of 2007 seems likely. If he continues to make steady progress, he'll turn into a No. 3 starter for the Marlins before the end of the decade. 3. Jose Garcia - RHP - DOB: 01/07/85 - ETA: May 2007 6-2, 1.87 ERA, 60 H, 69/16 K/BB in 77 IP for Single-A Jupiter 6-7, 3.40 ERA, 78 H, 87/25 K/BB in 84 2/3 IP for Double-A Carolina 0-1, 11.25 ERA, 5 H, 5/4 K/BB in 4 IP for Triple-A Albuquerque 0-0, 4.91 ERA, 10 H, 8/5 K/BB in 11 IP for Florida Because he's a 5-foot-11, 165-pound Dominican with a lively fastball, Garcia draws comparisons to Pedro Martinez. Of course, he's not that kind of talent. Still, he is pretty intriguing. Garcia throws in the low-90s as a starter and can reach the mid-90s as a reliever, which is how the Marlins used him at the end of last year. He also has a plus changeup and a slider that he's making progress with. The Marlins can afford to keep him in the pen with such a full rotation and may give him a chance to win a spot this spring. He's one of the possibilities to become their long-term closer. 4. Chris Volstad - RHP - DOB: 09/23/86 - ETA: 2010 11-8, 3.08 ERA, 161 H, 99/36 K/BB in 152 IP for low Single-A Greensboro With their first of five selections in the first 44 picks, the Marlins took Volstad 16th overall in the 2005 draft. At 6-foot-7 and 190 pounds, he still has some filling out to do. However, he doesn't need to add much velocity, as his low-90s sinking fastball is already a very effective pitch. It'd be nice if he had a strikeout pitch to go along with it, but his curveball shows potential. His changeup isn't very impressive yet. Since he'll have to keep working on the secondary pitches, he may need a year at every level before contributing in 2010. 5. Sean West - LHP - DOB: 06/15/86 - ETA: 2010 8-5, 3.74 ERA, 115 H, 102/40 K/BB in 120 1/3 IP for low Single-A Greensboro West was making a case to be recognized as the Marlins' top pitching prospect when he opened last year with a 1.26 ERA in his first nine starts. Too bad he had a 5.50 ERA the rest of the way. West went from notching four strikeouts for every walk to less than two and his batting-average against skyrocketed from .201 to .289. The 6-foot-8 West works in the low-90s and could add velocity. Neither his curveball nor his changeup is a plus pitch yet. He probably has about as much upside as any pitcher in the system, but he figures to be rather slow to progress. 6. Brett Sinkbeil - RHP - DOB: 12/26/84 - ETA: 2009 2-0, 1.23 ERA, 14 H, 22/8 K/BB in 22 IP for SS Single-A Jamestown 1-1, 4.99 ERA, 45 H, 32/14 K/BB in 39 2/3 IP for low Single-A Greensboro Sinkbeil, a 2006 first-round pick, had mixed results after signing in June and his showing in the South Atlantic League had to be considered a little disappointing considering that he was a college pitcher. Still, he might have been wearing down by that time. Sinkbeil throws 90-94 mph and has a slider for a strikeout pitch. The possibility exists that he'll be converted into a reliever, which would move up his timetable. 7. Gaby Sanchez - 1B - DOB: 09/02/83 - ETA: 2009 .333/.636/.500, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0/5 K/BB, 0 SB in 6 AB for Rookie GCL Marlins .317/.447/.603, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 20/39 K/BB, 6 SB in 189 AB for low Single-A Greensboro .182/.324/.327, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 12/12 K/BB, 1 SB in 55 AB for Single-A Jupiter .279/.379/.396, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 15/19 K/BB, 0 SB in 111 AB for Peoria (AFL) Sanchez was the New York-Penn League's MVP after being drafted in 2005 and made an even better impression after opening last season at Greensboro, but he had a broken hand interrupt his season in June and then a broken toe end it in August. Primarily a catcher at the University of Miami, Sanchez is focusing on first base now. He seems to be on his way to showing the 25-homer power he'll need to become a regular at the position. Since he is 23, it'd be nice to see him have success at Double-A before the end of the season. Mike Jacobs will be arbitration eligible for the first time after 2008, and Sanchez could potentially replace him in 2009. 8. Carlos Martinez - RHP - DOB: 05/26/82 - ETA: July 2007 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0 H, 0/1 K/BB in 2 IP for Single-A Jupiter 0-1, 1.74 ERA, 9 H, 11/6 K/BB in 10 1/3 IP for Florida Martinez spent almost all of 2005 at Single-A Jupiter, but he was able to win a spot on the Marlins out of spring training last year and got off to a nice start before hurting his elbow. He eventually underwent Tommy John surgery in July. The hope is that he'll be ready to rejoin the bullpen sometime around the All-Star break. Martinez throws in the mid-90s and has a plus slider. He's a candidate to become the Marlins' long-term closer. 9. Thomas Hickman - OF - DOB: 04/18/88 - ETA: 2011 .263/.377/.411, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 43/30 K/BB, 4 SB in 175 AB for Rookie GCL Marlins Hickman was looked at by some as a left-handed pitcher, but the Marlins committed to him as an outfielder after drafting him in the second round in 2006. Also a left-handed hitter, Hickman showed plenty of patience at the plate in his pro debut and he's likely to develop 20-homer power. Of course, he has a right fielder's arm. Strong minor league numbers probably won't come before 2008. 10. Matt Lindstrom - RHP - DOB: 02/11/80 - ETA: June 2007 1-0, 2 Sv, 2.50 ERA, 14 H, 16/7 K/BB in 18 IP for Single-A St. Lucie 2-4, 11 Sv, 3.76 ERA, 42 H, 54/14 K/BB in 40 2/3 IP for Double-A Binghamton In Lindstrom and Henry Owens, the Marlins picked up a couple of hard-throwing relievers from the Mets for lefties Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick in November. Owens is the better bet to help out this year, but Lindstrom has a better chance of sticking around for the long-term. He's hit triple-digits on the radar gun and his slider has a bit more break to it than Owens' does. Although he's turning 27 in February, he still has some room to grow. It might be for the best if he spends a couple of months in Triple-A to begin this year. Next five: RHP Ryan Tucker, RHP Henry Owens, 3B Chris Coghlan, RHP Ryan VandenHurk, 1B Jason Stokes Ineligible because of service time: Taylor Tankersley, Yusmeiro Petit, Renyel Pinto 2006 top 15: Jeremy Hermida, Yusmiero Petit, Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Scott Olsen, Gaby Hernandez, Josh Johnson, Josh Willingham, Ricky Nolasco, Jason Stokes, Mike Jacobs, Chris Volstad, Travis Bowyer, Aaron Thompson, Eric Reed 2005 top 10: Jeremy Hermida, Jason Stokes, Scott Olsen, Josh Willingham, Yorman Bazardo, Taylor Tankersley, Jason Vargas, Chris Resop, Luke Hagerty, Eric Reed 2004 top 10: Jason Stokes, Jeff Allison, Jeremy Hermida, Josh Willingham, Scott Olsen, Justin Wayne, Eric Reed, Trevor Hutchinson, Cole Seifreg, Yorman Bazardo 2003 top 10: Jason Stokes, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Dontrelle Willis, Justin Wayne, Rob Henkel, Don Levinski, Jeremy Hermida, Jesus Medrano, Chip Ambres Nice list....I'm very high on Thomas Hickman as well. I think he is already our best OF prospect (which isn't saying much). More love for Aaron Thompson and Jose Garcia. Carlos Martinez and Matt Lindstrom are the 2 disagreements I had. Henry Owens should be higher than Lindstrom. Vanden Hurk is moving up people's lists and fast!
January 29, 200718 yr not really sure how they can have someone who just had TJ surgery on this list anyway, yucky list
January 29, 200718 yr Its Rick Vanden Hurk, not Ryan...Owens is ready to contribute now I believe Lindstrom is as well. Not so high on Jose Garcia... and where is Harvey?
January 29, 200718 yr Author Its Rick Vanden Hurk, not Ryan...Owens is ready to contribute now I believe Lindstrom is as well. Not so high on Jose Garcia... and where is Harvey? Mark my words....Kris Harvey is very overrated. He won't make it to the majors- quote me on that. not really sure how they can have someone who just had TJ surgery on this list anyway, yucky list Why is it a yucky list? Because Ramp doesn't agree with it? It's basically the same as everyone else's- just a different order. No one knows how prospects will turn out- it's a crap shoot.
January 29, 200718 yr Its Rick Vanden Hurk, not Ryan...Owens is ready to contribute now I believe Lindstrom is as well. Not so high on Jose Garcia... and where is Harvey? Mark my words....Kris Harvey is very overrated. He won't make it to the majors- quote me on that. not really sure how they can have someone who just had TJ surgery on this list anyway, yucky list Why is it a yucky list? Because Ramp doesn't agree with it? It's basically the same as everyone else's- just a different order. No one knows how prospects will turn out- it's a crap shoot. I meant Harvey Garcia
January 29, 200718 yr Its Rick Vanden Hurk, not Ryan...Owens is ready to contribute now I believe Lindstrom is as well. Not so high on Jose Garcia... and where is Harvey? Mark my words....Kris Harvey is very overrated. He won't make it to the majors- quote me on that. not really sure how they can have someone who just had TJ surgery on this list anyway, yucky list Why is it a yucky list? Because Ramp doesn't agree with it? It's basically the same as everyone else's- just a different order. No one knows how prospects will turn out- it's a crap shoot. Wow, someone has anger problems. I dont like the the general order of the list. I can say I love the list or I think it sucks. Its my opinion, deal with it. That and I dont like Matt Lindstrom
January 29, 200718 yr This is probably the worse list I've seen yet. Gaby and Thompson as # 1 and 2? :nugget :headscratch
January 30, 200718 yr Its Rick Vanden Hurk, not Ryan...Owens is ready to contribute now I believe Lindstrom is as well. Not so high on Jose Garcia... and where is Harvey? Mark my words....Kris Harvey is very overrated. He won't make it to the majors- quote me on that. not really sure how they can have someone who just had TJ surgery on this list anyway, yucky list Why is it a yucky list? Because Ramp doesn't agree with it? It's basically the same as everyone else's- just a different order. No one knows how prospects will turn out- it's a crap shoot. Wow, someone has anger problems. I dont like the the general order of the list. I can say I love the list or I think it sucks. Its my opinion, deal with it. That and I dont like Matt Lindstrom You have written that several times...why don't you like Lindstrom
January 30, 200718 yr Its Rick Vanden Hurk, not Ryan...Owens is ready to contribute now I believe Lindstrom is as well. Not so high on Jose Garcia... and where is Harvey? Mark my words....Kris Harvey is very overrated. He won't make it to the majors- quote me on that. not really sure how they can have someone who just had TJ surgery on this list anyway, yucky list Why is it a yucky list? Because Ramp doesn't agree with it? It's basically the same as everyone else's- just a different order. No one knows how prospects will turn out- it's a crap shoot. Wow, someone has anger problems. I dont like the the general order of the list. I can say I love the list or I think it sucks. Its my opinion, deal with it. That and I dont like Matt Lindstrom You have written that several times...why don't you like Lindstrom As of right now he is has one + pitch and that is his fastball which is as straight as an arrow. His secondary pitch seems to be a slider but he doesnt always have control of it. He hasnt been pitching for very long(due to a Mormon mission), and I guess I should cut him some slack. I guess we'll see if he can get by with just 2 pitches.
January 30, 200718 yr You only really need 2 pitches as a short reliever and this guy seems to think Lindstrom's slider/FB combo is more advanced than that of Owens at this point. No idea where he's getting his information though.
January 30, 200718 yr Author You only really need 2 pitches as a short reliever and this guy seems to think Lindstrom's slider/FB combo is more advanced than that of Owens at this point. No idea where he's getting his information though. I dunno where Ramp gets his info...some guys in the minors he knows well. Others seem like a far off guess.
January 30, 200718 yr Carlos Martinez as the Marlins no. 8 prospect? And Lindstrom cracks the top 10? This list is a joke.
January 30, 200718 yr 2003 top 10: Jason Stokes, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Dontrelle Willis, Justin Wayne, Rob Henkel, Don Levinski, Jeremy Hermida, Jesus Medrano, Chip Ambres Doh! At this point I've seen - Bowyer, Nolasco, Tank, J. Garcia, Sinkbeil, Lindstrom, Owens, C. Martinez, and Tucker all mentioned as closer of the future on rotoworld at one point or another. I find that amusing.
February 2, 200718 yr 2006 top 15: Jeremy Hermida, Yusmiero Petit, Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Scott Olsen, Gaby Hernandez, Josh Johnson, Josh Willingham, Ricky Nolasco, Jason Stokes, Mike Jacobs, Chris Volstad, Travis Bowyer, Aaron Thompson, Eric Reed Wow, it boggles the mind that over half that group had significant time in the bigs last season.
February 2, 200718 yr Carlos Martinez as the Marlins no. 8 prospect? And Lindstrom cracks the top 10? This list is a joke. 2003 top 10: Jason Stokes, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Dontrelle Willis, Justin Wayne, Rob Henkel, Don Levinski, Jeremy Hermida, Jesus Medrano, Chip Ambres Doh! At this point I've seen - Bowyer, Nolasco, Tank, J. Garcia, Sinkbeil, Lindstrom, Owens, C. Martinez, and Tucker all mentioned as closer of the future on rotoworld at one point or another. I find that amusing. The Marlins have never really ever been a priority on his radar screen and I doubt a whole of effort went into this. As a fan it's frustrating but not unexpected, Roto is a great clipping service, invaluable really, but beyond that - I'm trying to think of a better word than "amateurish" - less credible than similar sites.
February 2, 200718 yr 2003 top 10: Jason Stokes, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Dontrelle Willis, Justin Wayne, Rob Henkel, Don Levinski, Jeremy Hermida, Jesus Medrano, Chip Ambres Doh! You really have to remember how big of a talent Stokes was at that point. The only prospect in the game that was ranked high than Stokes then was Mark Texiera, and look at him now. Stokes, unfortunately, is made of glass. I just wish we had stuck with Adrian Gonzalez instead and sent Jason to Texas... And I actually agree with Carlos Martinez on that top 10 list. He IS our best relief prospect, and when he was healthy he showed stuff on par with nearly any relief pitcher in the game.
February 3, 200718 yr I would like to see Stokes get a legitimate shot at the majors. I don't care how he does in the minors, its obvious that this guy can hit and having him waste away in the minors in a vain effort to prove that he can stay healthy just so we can trade him or something is kind of a waste.
February 3, 200718 yr 2005 top 10: Jeremy Hermida, Jason Stokes, Scott Olsen, Josh Willingham, Yorman Bazardo, Taylor Tankersley, Jason Vargas, Chris Resop, Luke Hagerty, Eric Reed Mariners designated RHP Yorman Bazardo for assignment. Not a good idea. Bazardo has a better arm than half the pitchers on the Mariners' 40-man roster and just managed a 3.64 ERA as a 21-year-old in Double-A (he turned 22 in July). Bill Bavasi obviously didn't anticipate the roster crush when he added both Michael Garciaparra and potential lefty specialist Ryan Rowland-Smith to the 40-man prior to the Rule 5 draft. Both are less valuable properties than Bazardo, as is Sean White, the right-hander Seattle took from the Braves in the Rule 5 draft. We can't imagine Bazardo making it through waivers. I will be extremely dissapointed if we don't put a claim on Bazardo(who has options remaining if I am correct). While he is not the prospect he once was with us, he is only 22 and can one day become a solid major league set-up man or reliver(he has been used the last three years in the Venezuelan league as a reliver and has had very good results).
February 3, 200718 yr 2005 top 10: Jeremy Hermida, Jason Stokes, Scott Olsen, Josh Willingham, Yorman Bazardo, Taylor Tankersley, Jason Vargas, Chris Resop, Luke Hagerty, Eric Reed Mariners designated RHP Yorman Bazardo for assignment. Not a good idea. Bazardo has a better arm than half the pitchers on the Mariners' 40-man roster and just managed a 3.64 ERA as a 21-year-old in Double-A (he turned 22 in July). Bill Bavasi obviously didn't anticipate the roster crush when he added both Michael Garciaparra and potential lefty specialist Ryan Rowland-Smith to the 40-man prior to the Rule 5 draft. Both are less valuable properties than Bazardo, as is Sean White, the right-hander Seattle took from the Braves in the Rule 5 draft. We can't imagine Bazardo making it through waivers. I will be extremely dissapointed if we don't put a claim on Bazardo(who has options remaining if I am correct). While he is not the prospect he once was with us, he is only 22 and can one day become a solid major league set-up man or reliver(he has been used the last three years in the Venezuelan league as a reliver and has had very good results).He whiffed 5 in 3 innings in the winter world series today. It's amazing a pitching starved organization will just cut loose on him. Bill Bavasi wants there to be no argument as to who is the worst general manager in baseball. That's the only explanation.
February 3, 200718 yr 2003 top 10: Jason Stokes, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Dontrelle Willis, Justin Wayne, Rob Henkel, Don Levinski, Jeremy Hermida, Jesus Medrano, Chip Ambres Doh! You really have to remember how big of a talent Stokes was at that point. The only prospect in the game that was ranked high than Stokes then was Mark Texiera, and look at him now. Stokes, unfortunately, is made of glass. I just wish we had stuck with Adrian Gonzalez instead and sent Jason to Texas... And I actually agree with Carlos Martinez on that top 10 list. He IS our best relief prospect, and when he was healthy he showed stuff on par with nearly any relief pitcher in the game. keyword is was
February 4, 200718 yr You only really need 2 pitches as a short reliever and this guy seems to think Lindstrom's slider/FB combo is more advanced than that of Owens at this point. No idea where he's getting his information though. How many pitches did Goose Gossage have in his day? He had a pretty decent career if I do recall
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