http://www.miamiherald.com/1262/story/467084.html

 

With the season eight days away, what are people inside baseball saying about the Marlins? Here's some feedback from three talent evaluators -- two longtime scouts who watched the Marlins this spring, and former Mets general manager Steve Phillips of ESPN:

 

? Pitching prospect Chris Volstad ''is the one there's a buzz about with scouts,'' the National League scout said. ''He's extremely impressive, and it's very tempting to keep him on the big-league team. He's got the whole package -- quality stuff, poise, and could be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter eventually.'' The scout for an American League team said, ``I like Volstad the best of their young guys.''

 

? Although starter Mark Hendrickson has had a mediocre career, the NL scout said this spring he was ``as good as I've ever seen him throw. Best curveball I've ever seen from him.''

 

? The scouts see Andrew Miller as a top-of-the-rotation-type talent, but his control raised concerns.

 

''Andrew Miller has great stuff,'' Phillips said. ``The big question is that delivery. He steps toward the first-base dugout and throws across his body to home plate. When you're that far across your body, it's harder to repeat your delivery and throw consistent strikes. . . . If he can, he has a chance to be dynamic.''

 

? All three love center fielder Cameron Maybin's skills but say he would be better served opening in the minors to work on hitting breaking balls. ''I'll be sorely disappointed if he's not a superstar,'' the AL scout said. ``He'll hit 20 homers initially, 30 eventually.''

 

Phillips said Maybin could be a ''perennial All-Star'' but he ``got to the major leagues probably too quickly. He swings and misses too much, doesn't have the kind of plate discipline . . . to hit for a high average.''

 

? If Maybin goes to the minors, the Marlins will use Cody Ross or Alejandro De Aza in center. ''You don't have to throw De Aza a lot of strikes,'' the NL scout said. ``He'll get himself out.''

 

? The AL scout said former Tigers prospect Burke Badenhop ''has been the surprise of camp'' -- his sinker has fooled hitters -- but projects him as a long reliever or end-of-the-rotation starter eventually.

 

? The NL scout said third baseman Jorge Cantu -- who has hit above .400 this spring -- ''has swung the bat like he did three years ago in Tampa. That's the best shape I've seen him.'' But the AL scout cautioned Cantu is ``well below average defensively.''

 

? The NL scout spoke of how much better the Marlins will be defensively at catcher with Mike Rabelo and incumbent Matt Treanor instead of heavy doses of Miguel Olivo, now with Kansas City: ``The Marlins are saying they've got catchers who take pride in calling a game. They are very studious and know how to attack hitters.''

 

? The NL scout said the Marlins ``could win 70 to 75 games. But you better take them seriously. There's a lot of talent.''

When I saw Steve Phillips' name, I was ready to consider this a comedy piece, but it was somewhat informative, though its stuff that shouldn't be overly surprising if you've been on these message boards throughout spring training

Regardless of many of the deficiencies of Steve Phillips, the one thing I like about him is that hes one of the few people in the baseball media that actually speaks positively about the marlins and seems to know more than just the fact that we have low attendance even though we've won two world serieses.

good read...thanks....

 

 

 

 

steve phillips still sucks...but i wish he was still GM of the muts!

I think the team is best served right now by platooning De Aza and Ross. Maybin needs some more experience working on his ability to work the count and hit breaking balls.

Part of it depends on Mr. Hermida and when he'll be back. Unless you want to see Alfredo Amezaga platooning in either center or right with great frequency (as I would guess although it's early in the year you might not want Gonzalez out there every game), assuming the general consensus is correct and Maybin goes to Carolina, and how quickly Ross comes back the options are probably limited to Eric Reed and Brett Carroll.

anybody but Eric Reed. I don't think I've ever seen that guy get a hit except for a bunt single.

I doubt we see Eric Reed again, atleast anytime soon, since I believe the 40 man roster is full and he's not on it...and I doubt they try to pass any of the guys on waivers through it...and AFAIK we have no one on the 15 disabled list to move to the 60.

I mentioned his name (Eric Reed) to make the point that if Ross and/or Hermida are unable to open the season our options are somewhat limited, certainly not suggesting he's our Opening Day centerfielder.

Regardless of many of the deficiencies of Steve Phillips, the one thing I like about him is that hes one of the few people in the baseball media that actually speaks positively about the marlins and seems to know more than just the fact that we have low attendance even though we've won two world serieses.

 

Deffinately does. Harold Reynolds was the same way. Baseball Tonight just isn't the same anymore lol

I think the team is best served right now by platooning De Aza and Ross. Maybin needs some more experience working on his ability to work the count and hit breaking balls.

 

Totally agreed it.

 

 

There is no comment on Jake, I doubt about him seriously.

He had the injuries every two regular season after he was traded to Marlins.

Also, He was not showing himself who took over .700 sluggin' at 2005 Mets.

 

I think this year could be the last chance to him.

We already have INF McPherson & Cantu.

 

What do you think about it?

I think the team is best served right now by platooning De Aza and Ross. Maybin needs some more experience working on his ability to work the count and hit breaking balls.

 

Totally agreed it.

 

 

There is no comment on Jake, I doubt about him seriously.

He had the injuries every two regular season after he was traded to Marlins.

Also, He was not showing himself who took over .700 sluggin' at 2005 Mets.

 

I think this year could be the last chance to him.

We already have INF McPherson & Cantu.

 

What do you think about it?

 

I think Jacobs is a good hitter that needs to be healthy to bring his numbers up. His OBP is going to come up with batting average, he is not gonna pull 60BB anytime soon. His injuries were both fractures, and as such are not 'injury prone' type problems, considering him done at 27 is just stupid. The lack of respect for Jacobs reminds me a little bit of the disdain for Derrek Lee that was rampant on the Marlins newsgroup about 7-8 years ago.

I honestly think Maybin is going to be great this season starting in center. He is going to be an average cf for the first half, and go nuts the second.

...and AFAIK we have no one on the 15 disabled list to move to the 60.

 

And something I forgot is that basically the injury list is reset, so we actually have a ton of room on our 40 man.