Baseball Guru
01-18-2005, 09:59 AM
http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1963694
By Mike Berardino
Baseball America
En route to a World Series title and Baseball America's Organization of the Year award in 2003, the Marlins dipped liberally into their farm system for help. Both in lightning-bolt callups such as Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, and trade pieces such as Denny Bautista and former No. 1 overall draft pick Adrian Gonzalez, they found creative and essential uses for their prospects.
Opportunities weren't as plentiful in 2004 for those in the minors, and the falloff was such that the South Florida baseball writers chose not to name a Marlins rookie of the year at the big-league level. A number of six-year free agents were brought to the majors, including Josias Manzanillo, Aaron Small and Larry Sutton, but none of them made an impact.
Prospect Handbook
The 2005 Prospect Handbook is the definitive annual reference title on prospects. This book profiles the top 30 prospects in each organization -- 900 prospect reviews in all. The Prospect Handbook also ranks each organization's talent and provides in-depth analysis of every team's draft. Whether you want to win your fantasy league or just study your team's futures stars, the Baseball Prospect Handbook is your guide to success.
Click here to buy this book.
When a spate of doubleheaders and an injury to A.J. Burnett left Florida looking for a starter in the middle of September's wild-card push, the assignment fell by default to right-hander Logan Kensing, who was promoted from high Class A. Though he has a solid future, Kensing went 0-3, 12.65 in three fill-in starts with the season on the line.
On the positive side, the Marlins didn't have to raid their system as much as they had the year before. They did ship off slick-fielding shortstop Wilson Valdez to get setup man Billy Koch from the White Sox in June, a deal they might like to have back. At the July trading deadline, they put left-hander Bill Murphy, their only Futures Game representative, in a six-player blockbuster with the Dodgers that brought Guillermo Mota, Paul Lo Duca and Juan Encarnacion back east. They also parted with low Class A swingman Travis Chick to get Ismael Valdez from the Padres, and Chick promptly saw his velocity and effectiveness jump.
Florida's minor league teams finished a combined 63 games under .500, and only Double-A Carolina among the top-five affiliates finished with a winning record. That's evidence that the system isn't nearly as strong as it was when BA rated it among the game's 10 best entering each year from 1999-2003. But the Marlins would willingly pay that price again if it meant another championship.
They did restock their system via the 2004 draft. Second-year scouting director Stan Meek took college left-handers with his first two picks, and Taylor Tankersley and Jason Vargas immediately surged onto our Marlins Top 10 Prospects list. They could move quickly through the system.
Florida grabbed a pair of athletic high school outfielders in rounds three and four, and both Greg Burns and Jamar Walton showed considerable potential in Rookie ball. Fifth-rounder Brad Davis, who caught Vargas at Long Beach State, also showed fine all-around skills.
As the Marlins try to rejuvenate their system, they appointed Brian Chattin to oversee it. Chattin was promoted to farm director in December after serving as an assistant to his predecessor, Marc DelPiano. DelPiano now works with Fred Ferreira in the club's international operations department.
1. Jeremy Hermida, of
Age: 21. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 200. Bats: L. Throws: R.
Drafted: HS--Marietta, Ga., 2002 (1st round). Signed by: Joel Smith.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: As a high school senior, Hermida went from a decent prospect seemingly destined for Clemson to a possible top-three selection. Baseball America rated him the top pure hitter on the prep level and the fourth-best position player overall in the 2002 draft, and the Marlins were extremely pleased when he was still available for them with the No. 11 pick. The Marlins chose him over high school left-hander Scott Kazmir, then gave Hermida a $2.0125 million signing bonus. His father groomed his hitting ability, converting him from a right-handed hitter to a lefty at age 4, having him practice with wood bats starting when he was 13 and hiring former big leaguer Terry Harper as a private instructor. Though Hermida missed nearly five weeks early in 2004 with a pulled right hamstring, he still managed to set career highs in batting average, slugging percentage and homers. He ranks No. 1 on this list for the second straight year, the first Marlin to accomplish that feat since Josh Beckett (2001-02).
Strengths: Hermida has a polished hitting approach. He has a smooth, quick stroke, advanced plate discipline for his age, a strong work ethic and a good makeup. He's comfortable working deep in counts and projects to have power to all fields. For now, he's mainly content to line singles and doubles to the opposite field. Hermida has drawn comparisons to a slew of all-stars. Some scouts called him the best high school hitter since Eric Chavez, others likened him to Paul O'Neill and Andy Van Slyke, and Hermida saw himself more along the lines of Shawn Green. The Marlins would be happy if he resembles any of those hitters and believe he will. He has slightly above-average speed and even better instincts on the bases. He has 38 steals in 43 tries over the last two seasons and projects to swipe 20 bases a year in the majors. He has average arm strength.
Weaknesses: He has come a long way defensively, but Hermida still needs to improve his jumps, routes and the accuracy of his throws in right field. It would help if he showed as much interest in his defense as his hitting. He projects as at least a 25-homer threat in the big leagues, but he has some adjustments to make first. He'll have to add lift to his swing, learn to pull inside pitches for power and put some more bulk on his frame. Durability is a minor concern, as injuries have bothered Hermida in each of his first three seasons. He dealt with an ankle problem in 2002 and a heel injury in 2003.
The Future: After a solid showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he was one of the youngest players, Hermida should start 2005 at Double-A Carolina. If he shows he can handle that level, he could reach the majors by the end of the year. The Marlins have Juan Encarnacion under contract at $4.4 million through 2005, but they hope Hermida will be ready to take over as their everyday right fielder in 2006.
2. Scott Olsen, lhp
Age: 21. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 170.
Drafted: HS--Crystal Lake, Ill., 2002 (6th round). Signed by: Scot Engler.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: Olsen was relatively unknown and had mechanical problems in high school, so the Marlins were able to take him in the sixth-round and sign him for $160,000. Jeff Schwarz, his pitching coach in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, smoothed him out in his pro debut, and now he's one of the game's top lefty prospects.
Strengths: Olsen continues to increase his velocity, as he now pitches at 91-93 mph and tops out at 96. His fastball has late life, and he has tightened his slider to give it more depth. He's learning to use his slider as an out pitch. He's confident and aggressive, with a bit of a mean streak.
Weaknesses: Olsen has a tendency to leave his fastball up in the zone and he needs to use his changeup much more than he's willing to now. His slight frame could use another 15-20 pounds of muscle. He needs to add maturity and learn to control his emotions better on the mound.
The Future: For the second straight year, Olsen finished strong. He went 3-0, 0.78 in his final six starts at high Class A Jupiter, showing he's ready for Double-A. He could land in the majors as soon as he shows he's ready.
3. Yorman Bazardo, rhp
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 170.
Signed: Venezuela, 2000. Signed by: Miguel Garcia.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: Signed for $85,000 out of Venezuela by former Marlins scout Miguel Garcia, Bazardo might have the best overall arm in the system. Part of a talented pitching staff at Jupiter in 2004, Bazardo distinguished himself in that company. The Marlins designated him one of four untouchables in their system at the July trade deadline.
Strengths: Bazardo's long limbs allow him to deliver a 92-94 mph fastball that has touched 98 as late as the eighth inning. He has good action on his sinker, and also throws a plus changeup and a developing slider. He junked his curveball early in the year to concentrate on his slider. He's aggressive, going right at hitters, and gets lots of quick outs. He has excellent makeup.
Weaknesses: Bazardo tired late in the season and was pitching closer to 90 mph, but the Marlins aren't concerned about that. His mechanics still go out of whack from time to time, and he sometimes tries to manipulate his changeup instead of letting it work naturally. He doesn't miss as many bats as he should with his stuff.
The Future: The Marlins will be careful not to rush Bazardo, but he isn't that far away from the majors. He'll open 2005 in Double-A.
4. Jason Stokes, 1b
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 225.
Drafted: HS--Coppell, Texas, 2000 (2nd round). Signed by: Bob Laurie.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: Stokes would have gone early in the first round as the top high school power hitter in the 2000 draft, but his commitment to the University of Texas dropped him to the first pick in the second round. After signing for $2.027 million, he eventually surpassed 2000's No. 1 overall pick, Adrian Gonzalez, in Florida's plans. That led to Gonzalez' inclusion in a 2003 trade for Ugueth Urbina.
Strengths: Stokes' greatest tool remains his powerful bat. He shows prodigious power to all fields. He runs well for a big man and has decent hands.
Weaknesses: His high strikeout totals have inspired some doubts, and Stokes never shortens his long swing, not even with two strikes. He has poor lateral movement, which means he'll never be more than average at best as a first baseman. His left wrist required a bone graft in 2002 and flared up again last season. He may require another operation. The Future: With incumbent first baseman Jeff Conine's contract up after 2005, Stokes is positioned to succeed him. However, he'll have to show he can stay healthy for a full season. He could return to Double-A to start 2005.
By Mike Berardino
Baseball America
En route to a World Series title and Baseball America's Organization of the Year award in 2003, the Marlins dipped liberally into their farm system for help. Both in lightning-bolt callups such as Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, and trade pieces such as Denny Bautista and former No. 1 overall draft pick Adrian Gonzalez, they found creative and essential uses for their prospects.
Opportunities weren't as plentiful in 2004 for those in the minors, and the falloff was such that the South Florida baseball writers chose not to name a Marlins rookie of the year at the big-league level. A number of six-year free agents were brought to the majors, including Josias Manzanillo, Aaron Small and Larry Sutton, but none of them made an impact.
Prospect Handbook
The 2005 Prospect Handbook is the definitive annual reference title on prospects. This book profiles the top 30 prospects in each organization -- 900 prospect reviews in all. The Prospect Handbook also ranks each organization's talent and provides in-depth analysis of every team's draft. Whether you want to win your fantasy league or just study your team's futures stars, the Baseball Prospect Handbook is your guide to success.
Click here to buy this book.
When a spate of doubleheaders and an injury to A.J. Burnett left Florida looking for a starter in the middle of September's wild-card push, the assignment fell by default to right-hander Logan Kensing, who was promoted from high Class A. Though he has a solid future, Kensing went 0-3, 12.65 in three fill-in starts with the season on the line.
On the positive side, the Marlins didn't have to raid their system as much as they had the year before. They did ship off slick-fielding shortstop Wilson Valdez to get setup man Billy Koch from the White Sox in June, a deal they might like to have back. At the July trading deadline, they put left-hander Bill Murphy, their only Futures Game representative, in a six-player blockbuster with the Dodgers that brought Guillermo Mota, Paul Lo Duca and Juan Encarnacion back east. They also parted with low Class A swingman Travis Chick to get Ismael Valdez from the Padres, and Chick promptly saw his velocity and effectiveness jump.
Florida's minor league teams finished a combined 63 games under .500, and only Double-A Carolina among the top-five affiliates finished with a winning record. That's evidence that the system isn't nearly as strong as it was when BA rated it among the game's 10 best entering each year from 1999-2003. But the Marlins would willingly pay that price again if it meant another championship.
They did restock their system via the 2004 draft. Second-year scouting director Stan Meek took college left-handers with his first two picks, and Taylor Tankersley and Jason Vargas immediately surged onto our Marlins Top 10 Prospects list. They could move quickly through the system.
Florida grabbed a pair of athletic high school outfielders in rounds three and four, and both Greg Burns and Jamar Walton showed considerable potential in Rookie ball. Fifth-rounder Brad Davis, who caught Vargas at Long Beach State, also showed fine all-around skills.
As the Marlins try to rejuvenate their system, they appointed Brian Chattin to oversee it. Chattin was promoted to farm director in December after serving as an assistant to his predecessor, Marc DelPiano. DelPiano now works with Fred Ferreira in the club's international operations department.
1. Jeremy Hermida, of
Age: 21. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 200. Bats: L. Throws: R.
Drafted: HS--Marietta, Ga., 2002 (1st round). Signed by: Joel Smith.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: As a high school senior, Hermida went from a decent prospect seemingly destined for Clemson to a possible top-three selection. Baseball America rated him the top pure hitter on the prep level and the fourth-best position player overall in the 2002 draft, and the Marlins were extremely pleased when he was still available for them with the No. 11 pick. The Marlins chose him over high school left-hander Scott Kazmir, then gave Hermida a $2.0125 million signing bonus. His father groomed his hitting ability, converting him from a right-handed hitter to a lefty at age 4, having him practice with wood bats starting when he was 13 and hiring former big leaguer Terry Harper as a private instructor. Though Hermida missed nearly five weeks early in 2004 with a pulled right hamstring, he still managed to set career highs in batting average, slugging percentage and homers. He ranks No. 1 on this list for the second straight year, the first Marlin to accomplish that feat since Josh Beckett (2001-02).
Strengths: Hermida has a polished hitting approach. He has a smooth, quick stroke, advanced plate discipline for his age, a strong work ethic and a good makeup. He's comfortable working deep in counts and projects to have power to all fields. For now, he's mainly content to line singles and doubles to the opposite field. Hermida has drawn comparisons to a slew of all-stars. Some scouts called him the best high school hitter since Eric Chavez, others likened him to Paul O'Neill and Andy Van Slyke, and Hermida saw himself more along the lines of Shawn Green. The Marlins would be happy if he resembles any of those hitters and believe he will. He has slightly above-average speed and even better instincts on the bases. He has 38 steals in 43 tries over the last two seasons and projects to swipe 20 bases a year in the majors. He has average arm strength.
Weaknesses: He has come a long way defensively, but Hermida still needs to improve his jumps, routes and the accuracy of his throws in right field. It would help if he showed as much interest in his defense as his hitting. He projects as at least a 25-homer threat in the big leagues, but he has some adjustments to make first. He'll have to add lift to his swing, learn to pull inside pitches for power and put some more bulk on his frame. Durability is a minor concern, as injuries have bothered Hermida in each of his first three seasons. He dealt with an ankle problem in 2002 and a heel injury in 2003.
The Future: After a solid showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he was one of the youngest players, Hermida should start 2005 at Double-A Carolina. If he shows he can handle that level, he could reach the majors by the end of the year. The Marlins have Juan Encarnacion under contract at $4.4 million through 2005, but they hope Hermida will be ready to take over as their everyday right fielder in 2006.
2. Scott Olsen, lhp
Age: 21. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 170.
Drafted: HS--Crystal Lake, Ill., 2002 (6th round). Signed by: Scot Engler.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: Olsen was relatively unknown and had mechanical problems in high school, so the Marlins were able to take him in the sixth-round and sign him for $160,000. Jeff Schwarz, his pitching coach in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, smoothed him out in his pro debut, and now he's one of the game's top lefty prospects.
Strengths: Olsen continues to increase his velocity, as he now pitches at 91-93 mph and tops out at 96. His fastball has late life, and he has tightened his slider to give it more depth. He's learning to use his slider as an out pitch. He's confident and aggressive, with a bit of a mean streak.
Weaknesses: Olsen has a tendency to leave his fastball up in the zone and he needs to use his changeup much more than he's willing to now. His slight frame could use another 15-20 pounds of muscle. He needs to add maturity and learn to control his emotions better on the mound.
The Future: For the second straight year, Olsen finished strong. He went 3-0, 0.78 in his final six starts at high Class A Jupiter, showing he's ready for Double-A. He could land in the majors as soon as he shows he's ready.
3. Yorman Bazardo, rhp
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 170.
Signed: Venezuela, 2000. Signed by: Miguel Garcia.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: Signed for $85,000 out of Venezuela by former Marlins scout Miguel Garcia, Bazardo might have the best overall arm in the system. Part of a talented pitching staff at Jupiter in 2004, Bazardo distinguished himself in that company. The Marlins designated him one of four untouchables in their system at the July trade deadline.
Strengths: Bazardo's long limbs allow him to deliver a 92-94 mph fastball that has touched 98 as late as the eighth inning. He has good action on his sinker, and also throws a plus changeup and a developing slider. He junked his curveball early in the year to concentrate on his slider. He's aggressive, going right at hitters, and gets lots of quick outs. He has excellent makeup.
Weaknesses: Bazardo tired late in the season and was pitching closer to 90 mph, but the Marlins aren't concerned about that. His mechanics still go out of whack from time to time, and he sometimes tries to manipulate his changeup instead of letting it work naturally. He doesn't miss as many bats as he should with his stuff.
The Future: The Marlins will be careful not to rush Bazardo, but he isn't that far away from the majors. He'll open 2005 in Double-A.
4. Jason Stokes, 1b
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 225.
Drafted: HS--Coppell, Texas, 2000 (2nd round). Signed by: Bob Laurie.
2004 statistics: Baseball America Player Finder.
Background: Stokes would have gone early in the first round as the top high school power hitter in the 2000 draft, but his commitment to the University of Texas dropped him to the first pick in the second round. After signing for $2.027 million, he eventually surpassed 2000's No. 1 overall pick, Adrian Gonzalez, in Florida's plans. That led to Gonzalez' inclusion in a 2003 trade for Ugueth Urbina.
Strengths: Stokes' greatest tool remains his powerful bat. He shows prodigious power to all fields. He runs well for a big man and has decent hands.
Weaknesses: His high strikeout totals have inspired some doubts, and Stokes never shortens his long swing, not even with two strikes. He has poor lateral movement, which means he'll never be more than average at best as a first baseman. His left wrist required a bone graft in 2002 and flared up again last season. He may require another operation. The Future: With incumbent first baseman Jeff Conine's contract up after 2005, Stokes is positioned to succeed him. However, he'll have to show he can stay healthy for a full season. He could return to Double-A to start 2005.