Doing my own list so I can keep a realistic running tab in head.

 

A+

1. Fernandez SP - Potential legit # 2 RHP, lacks true 3rd out pitch to be considered a potential ace like Matt Moore/Dylan Bundy, but two super plus offerings will get you along way too. Top 10-15 overall prospect baseball. Absolutely dominating much older competition. Overpowering fastball and plus curveball, needs to work on slider and change up deception as progresses levels. All signs look good though and even an average 3rd pitch would compliment tremendous fastball and curveball. Could become monster monster with 3rd above average pitch. Marlins # 1 pick 2011. ETA 2014

2. Yelich LF, maybe CF - Potential way above average 20/20 LF, top 15-20 overall prospect baseball. Lefty, should hit for average, and play good or better defense in LF. Marlins working him CF in 2012 a lot, would be enormous bonus. Scouts concerned arm strength and routes to balls in CF, and even worse considering Marlins Park dimensions. Marlins # 1 pick 2010. Making them count. ETA July 2013

 

A

3. Turner SP - Likely a good future 3, has lost some fastball speed as he has progressed through minors throwing more innings, but still throws really hard so that lowers his earlier # 2 projections to 3, which is fine. Throws same combo as Fernandez, great curveball, needs to work on changeup. Top 30-40 overall prospect baseball. Received Anibal/Infante. ETA Now

 

B+

4. Heaney SP - Potential finesse # 3/4 lefty and Buerhle replacement, likely top 75-100 overall prospect in baseball. Should move fast in system. Average fastball, but controls it and deceptive change up well and pounds zone. Also throws average curveball and cutters giving him 4 legit pitches, but not one that is truly above average and an out. If he keeps control, should be able to handle himself. This is a high floor pick which is appreciated compared to Marlins boom/bust history. Marlins # 1 pick 2012. ETA July 2015

 

B

(Eovaldi, SP/RP, if counted) - Potential # 4 starting pitcher / premium David Hernandez setup guy. Throws really really hard in relief upper 90s, and lower when starting. Is a fastball/slider pitcher, doesn't throw many change ups which prevents him from being more than a backend starter or plus reliever. But nonetheless, a great arm and absolutely going to be pitching in bigs for awhile. Received for Hanley. ETA Now

5. Brantly C - Potential strong side starting/platoon catcher. Should hit RHP at minimum. Top 100-150 overall prospect, Received with Turner for Anibal/Infante. ETA July 2013

6. Conley SP/RP - Potential 3/4 starting pitcher / serious power lefty out of pen, top 100-150 overall prospect. Deceptive delivery lefty, has a plus fastball, average silder and changeup. Early results in minors are fantastic and he is being fast tracked along with Fernandez, but nowhere near same prospect level. And feasting on guys with control and plus pitches. In AA/AAA decision will be made if he becomes a fastball/slider reliever, or continues to develop change up to start longterm. Marlins second rounder 2011. ETA July 2014 starting, earlier if moved to pen

 

B-

(Hand SP if counted) - Potential 4/5 lefty starter, or lefty swingman. Throws a low 90s fastball, curveball is his out pitch. Will need to develop changeup to survive longterm in rotation. Marlins 2nd rounder in 2008. ETA Now, but wouldn't hurt to keep in AAA.

 

C+

7. Cox 3B - Rushed by cardinals a little, acquired for Mujica. Considered one of top hitters in his draft class, but hasn't developed top end power expected from 3B. Could turn into a moderate 3B starter or platoon 3B type if improves at plate a little. Fringe Top 150 prospect. ETA Late 2013./2014.

8. Realmuto C - High upside young catcher who changed positions in minors, hit well 2011, took small step back in 2012 but nothing to notable to be concerned as still learning to catch. Will probably repeat high A or may be aggressive and push him to AA. Could be a very nice right hand compliment to Brantly in few years. Third round pick 2010. ETA 2015

9. C. James SP - 2009 first rounder major disappointment this year. Potential future lefty # 4, but could go the way of Aaron Thompson. Throws a fastball, changeup, slider, and curve, but should probably stop throwing curves by all accounts and work on perfecting changeup. Hopefully, that is why his stats are down as he is just developing his change up to compliment fastball/slider combo. Fastball velocity has dipped a little to low 90s, so there is some concern. This will be his last year his first round pedigree keeps him high on lists. Needs a big 2013 not to be surpassed by the 2011-2012 pitchers below. ETA 2015.

10. Ozuna LF/RF - Could turn into a starting corner outfielder. Tons of power, big arm, but questions if he can hit MLB pitching as he strikes out a lot and doesn't walk much. Although he is young and improving. Was in international signing in 2008, will be added to 40 man this winter. Might be a big trade chip if develops with future corners likely Stanton/Yelich. ETA late 2014/2015

11. A. Romero 2B - 2012 3rd rounder, offensive minded likely 2B that scouts love his bat. Was considered a tough sign and Marlins made it happen. Marlins also trying at SS and 3B, probably ends up at 2B. ETA 2017.

 

C

12. Keys CF - Breakout player Marlins system, hitting crap out of the ball. If he can handle CF and repeats success in Jupiter, could jump up list fast. Or completely fall off like Perio. 17th round pick in 2009. ETA Late 2015/2016

13. Urena RP - Best pure power arm in system among non massive SP prospects above. Fireballing RHP reliever upper 90s type that hopefully grows into a few more mph and control. Needs to develop a secondary pitch and could be a big RP prospect. Will be added to 40 man this winter. International signing. ETA Late 2015/2016

14. Solorzano OF - Super toolsy outfielder, scouts in love with defense and projectability in bat, production hasn't caught up to athletic ability but very young and no rush. International signing. ETA 2016/2017.

15. Hope SP - Project as raw but could be future 3/4 starter if secondary pitches (curveball, changeup) develop into out pitches. Could be a fast riser or faller in a year or two. Starting in Jamestown so way off. 2010 5th rounder. ETA 2017

16. Lowell SP - Throwing well in A ball, but he should as a college guy. Seeing how he handles AA in a year or two will be telling, but a power arm to follow. Working as starter now to get innings and see what is there in 2 years. Could develop anywhere 3-5 SP, or reliever. Is a fastball/slider guy, will need the changeup to be a starter. Tough to project these type of arms, but he can throw. 6th rounder 2010. ETA 2016

17. Brice SP - Another recent power arm draftee with lots of potential nasty stuff if he can control it. Fastball and curve projects as plus, as with all fringy SP prospects here, needs a third out pick to not be moved into pen. Great strikeout numbers, as with Lowell, so far. Part of the good crop of projectable arms in 2010 draft. 2010 9th rounder. ETA 2016

(Jennings/Hatcher RP) - Potential 5-6-7 relievers in bullpen. Big arms and good stuff. Great story with hatcher as a converted catcher, and amazing facial hair. Hatcher 2006 5th rounder, Jennings a 9th rounder in 2009. ETA Now.

18. S. Rosario RP - Big arm, has control and lately injury issues. Could be a good 3-4 RHP out of pen. International signing. ETA Summer 2013.

19. Ramos RP - fastball/slider. Doesn't have top end fastball, but producing results and could use slider enough to be in pen. Late pick in 2009 draft. Will likely be added to 40 man. ETA Summer 2014

20. Caminero RP - Really old for his level, every scout thinks he has a crazy fastball though. If he ever finds control could be a really positive reliever arm,, but most volatile guy in top 20. Was an international signing. ETA 2014

21. Reed RP - Another power bullpen arm and could be a 3-5 RHP out of a solid bullpen. Will be in mix for final pen spot in 2013. Acquired from Texas for Cantu. ETA Now

22. Skipworth C - Still has a ton of raw power, lefty, and plays catcher. Will be added to 40 man and Marlins will keep developing hoping he can hit .240 against RHP in the future. He was clubs # 1 pick in 2008 (6th overall) and considered a major disappointment so far. Which is an understatement. ETA 2015.

23. Copeland OF - 2012 draftee 3rd round. Toolsy OF with high upside if learns to BB/hit power. ETA 2017.

(Cousins CF if he counted) - Potential strong side platoon/4th OF if he ever hits a little. Fantastic defense and power, just needs to hit the ball. Disappointing 2012 thus far. 2006 draftee of Marlins. ETA Now

 

C-

24. Barnes 2B - Having insane offensive year in greensboro, but a lot of college guys do. Seeing how he handles Jupiter will be telling if he is future bench/starter material. Is a converted catcher playing 2B. 90% playing at 2B but catching a few games, so that's interesting if they move him forward as a catcher. 9th round 2011 draft. ETA 2015

25. Nola 2B/SS - Utility Infielder potential, Marlins started him in Greensboro so will move quick. 5th round 2012. ETA 2015

26. Koehler SP/RP - Bullpen longman. Low ceiling with no true out pitch, but throws hard enough and has command and could have a productive MLB career in back of pens eating innings and as a 6th SP. 2008 late round draft pick. ETA Now

(Petersen CF if he counted) - Potential bench outfielder, can play all 3 spots. Low power but could hit a little to make a nice guy to have around. 4th rounder in 2007. ETA Now

27. Smolinski LF/RF - Bench outfielder potential, nice BB/K, low power so won't be a starter. Received in the Willingham/Olsen deal that also netted Bonifacio. Probably protected on 40 man next year. ETA July 2013

28. Perio 2B - Utility infielder, could slap hit way to a low-end starter. Biggest faller in system after productive 2011. Was considered top 8-15 range before season. Was a very late pick in 2009 draft. ETA 2015

29. Canha 1B - Bench backup 1B. Hit 25 HR in 2011, and is in low single digits 2012 in Jupiter. But average and OBP are up. Could still turn into a viable bat, but the power upside is limited for position to turn into a starter 2010 7th rounder.. ETA 2015

30. Gorkys Hernandez/Kevin Mattison CF - Bench 5th OF. Fast, plays defense, won't hit much. Gorkys acquired for Gaby Sanchez, Mattison a 28th round pick for Marlins in 2008. ETA Now

In a realistic perfect world, I'd like to pencil in

 

2015 Team

 

C - Brantly

1B - Morrison

2B - ___

SS - Reyes

3B - ___

LF - Yelich

CF - ___

RF - Stanton

B - Realmuto, Cox, Cousins/Ruggiano/Petersen, ___, ____

 

SP - _____, Buerhle, Fernandez, Turner, Hand/C. James

RP - Cishek, Eovaldi, Conley, Dunn, ___, ___, ___

 

That would cost around $65 million in payroll in 2015, and the team would need a legitimate top of the rotation starter, a legitimate star level CF, starters at 2B, 3B, and some guys to round out bench and bullpen. There would be some low end internal replacements, but it would just make more sense to go out and SPEND on the organizational holes.

 

Notables in the upper minors would be Heaney in AAA as the 6th SP this year and penciled in to replace Buerhle in 2016, Ozuna as a hopefully legitimate trade chip to grab a 2B/3B or another good reliever, and anyone ranked 11 or lower on the list who decides they want to be good. I like to think at least 3-4 of those guys develop into viable relievers or good bench bats minimum.

 

The big changes would be Eovaldi/Conley turning into legitimate SP, or Yelich being able to handle CF. Those are the "ifs."

MLB.com lists them (not sure of their criteria) as follows:

1. Turner 2.Yelich 3. Fernandez 4. Cox 5. James 6, Ozuna 7, Realmuto 8. Conley 9.Perio 10 Solorazano

11. Mattison 12. Brice 13. Brantly 14. Urena 15. Ceda 16. Skipworth 17. Jensen 18, Flynn 19, Canha 20. Alvarez

Their list has changed some since the trades and obviously doesn't include Heaney and I'm not sure why it would imclude Ceda but not Hand. At one point this summer Grant Dayton was on it also.

That list is pretty terrible and has to be based on where they landed on preseason lists. Fernandez has jumped everyone which tells you that right there this is crappy. Let alone the Perio and Mattison placements and Ceda having major arm surgery.

It's easy to make the Livan Hernandez early career comparison for Fernandez.

 

I personally would slot Turner in the B+ prospect spot right now because of the little bit of inconsistency he's shown the last year. And Heaney I'd keep as a B right now, just because we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'm sure he'll be a B+ really soon. He's the kind of pitcher that could probably be with the major league squad by 2014.

 

Oh, and Realmuto has had a down year, but he seems to be swinging the bat much better the last week or so. There's a lot of positive when it comes to this kid.

 

I think Skipworth is still worthy of being in the top 15 spots. The K's will never go away, but his power is gradually getting better.

 

Kolby Copeland might be an interesting guy to keep an eye on. Could move up this board quicker than expected.

In a realistic perfect world, I'd like to pencil in

 

2015 Team

 

C - Brantly

1B - Morrison

2B - ___

SS - Reyes

3B - ___

LF - Yelich

CF - ___

RF - Stanton

B - Realmuto, Cox, Cousins/Ruggiano/Petersen, ___, ____

 

SP - _____, Buerhle, Fernandez, Turner, Hand/C. James

RP - Cishek, Eovaldi, Conley, Dunn, ___, ___, ___

 

That would cost around $65 million in payroll in 2015, and the team would need a legitimate top of the rotation starter, a legitimate star level CF, starters at 2B, 3B, and some guys to round out bench and bullpen. There would be some low end internal replacements, but it would just make more sense to go out and SPEND on the organizational holes.

 

Notables in the upper minors would be Heaney in AAA as the 6th SP this year and penciled in to replace Buerhle in 2016, Ozuna as a hopefully legitimate trade chip to grab a 2B/3B or another good reliever, and anyone ranked 11 or lower on the list who decides they want to be good. I like to think at least 3-4 of those guys develop into viable relievers or good bench bats minimum.

 

The big changes would be Eovaldi/Conley turning into legitimate SP, or Yelich being able to handle CF. Those are the "ifs."

 

 

I know JJ's a free agent, but I don't see him as a guy that will be impossible to re-sign. Also, I think the front office traded for Cox with the intention of him being the starting 3rd baseman by the 2015 season (probably 2014). There's no long term 3B guys in free agency this offseason, so unless an Eric Chavez kind of guy puts up a Jorge Cantu kind of season, I'm assuming the Marlins would like to see Cox assume that starting role at some point in the next two years.

it's actually not a terrible system suddenly, and at the start of the year it looked pretty barren. Course you would expect that after trading away a bunch of MLers.

 

It's not top third in baseball probably, but a lot of the very young guys are showing promise, and then you add the recent trade pieces back and suddenly there's reason for hope.

22. Skipworth C - Still has a ton of raw power, lefty, and plays catcher. Will be added to 40 man and Marlins will keep developing hoping he can hit .240 against RHP in the future. He was clubs # 1 pick in 2008 (6th overall) and considered a major disappointment so far. Which is an understatement. ETA 2015.

 

 

we've been banging our heads for a while now trying to understand why they skipped Jupiter entirely with him after a mediocre season in Greensboro. I know he played parts of 2 seasons at Greensboro so maybe they figured 650 at-bast was plenty of A ball... but I mean its hardly surprising that he flopped in Jax. Any thoughts there?

Probably wanted to jumpstart his bat outside of Jupiter as that isn't the kindest place. Who knew the record strikeouts would continue.

 

But he is hitting .243/.302/.470 vs RHP so far in 2012 with 12 HR. He needs to be added to 40 man, but the Marlins can keep him going for 3 more years. If he can ever stop striking out, the power is there. He is on pace to raise OPS over 100 points in Jax this year. It's something.

 

I like how the Marlins catchers are set up. Brantly in AAA, Skipworth AA, and Realmuto in A+. Ideally they each finish out the year at their level, and then repeat the levels again in 2013 until at least the summer. Then I could see a Brantly promotion and everyone moves up one. It's not going to hurt any of them for extended time at various levels. They could all use the work.

Skipworth has been hot his last 75 PAs. Small sample size, but maybe he figured it out.

 

If not, he could still be Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Platoon him with someone like Kelly Shoppach.

i think skipworth is still gonna be a quality major leaguer. at the very least hell be john buck. his only problem is he is terrible againt lefties. give him another year in AA next year to keep hitting getting ab's against lefties and hopefully improving his numbers other than power against righties.

 

 

he is still very young so i think he is still a prospect, mostly because he is a catcher. he can still be a nice platoon catcher with someone like brantly.

Well Brantly and Skip are both lefties, so that would not be an ideal platoon combination. But Skip is really flashing power lately which is fantastic. Catchers are always late bloomers. Hopefully he or Brantly works out, and the team can set up catcher longterm with Realmuto/Right handed bench veteran. Would be fantastic

It's easy to make the Livan Hernandez early career comparison for Fernandez.

 

I personally would slot Turner in the B+ prospect spot right now because of the little bit of inconsistency he's shown the last year. And Heaney I'd keep as a B right now, just because we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'm sure he'll be a B+ really soon. He's the kind of pitcher that could probably be with the major league squad by 2014.

 

Oh, and Realmuto has had a down year, but he seems to be swinging the bat much better the last week or so. There's a lot of positive when it comes to this kid.

 

I think Skipworth is still worthy of being in the top 15 spots. The K's will never go away, but his power is gradually getting better.

 

Kolby Copeland might be an interesting guy to keep an eye on. Could move up this board quicker than expected.

 

 

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