Post by fish on Aug 24, 2023 8:35:58 GMT -5
With the Marlins long since out of the postseason picture, we'll start taking a little closer look at some of the youngsters
that Miami fans hope will be part of the core coming out of this rebuild in a few years. At the start of the season we highlighted
SS Johnny Peralta, who had won the starting job out of spring training, and in his first full season in Miami, he's been nothing
short of spectacular. Despite his first slump as a Marlin here in the last month or so, he still was the Marlins only All Star representative,
in what looks to be his first of many appearances. We also took brief looks at Jesus Guzman and Delmon Young, who were
absolutely obliterating AAA pitching. Both have came up and held their own in the majors. Guzman probably doesn't project
as a starter, but could certainly be a good left handed hitter on the bench. The jury is still out on Young, with prospect niks
torn on whether he projects as an every day player or a 4th OF. Let's look at a few others that are close.
CF Jacoby Ellsbury -Ellsbury was the Marlins first pick in the 2005 draft, and the 20th player taken overall. After a meteoric
rise through the Marlins minor league system last year, he broke his foot right around All Star break time and missed the
rest of the season. This year he missed the first week of the season and it took him all of April and most of May to get back
in the groove. But as the weather's gotten hotter, so has he, and now he looks to have a legitimate chance to win the Marlins
CF job in spring training next year. The Marlins front office would like to get him an entire season in AAA, and they're also
probably being strategic, with the league's recent new rules regarding top player callups, but the bat looks to be awful close
to ready right now. Batting .334/.369/.882 with 15 homers and 41 SB's, Ellsbury looks like a true 5 tool player, as his CF
defense has been nearly as good as his bat. The Marlins see him as part of their core with Peralta and 1B Kevin Youkilis.
Look to see him right in the thick of the rookie of the year chase next year.
SP Jesse Chavez -Chavez was part of the big package coming to Miami in the Dodgers trade that sent Adam Eaton to LA.
When the trade was made their was some question if Chavez projected as a starter or a reliever. His performance in
the minors up until this year did little to alleviate concerns. But after a hot start in A ball, Chavez strained his rotator
cuff and missed 6 weeks. After returning, he picked up right where he left off, posting a 2.45 ERA in 55 innings, striking
out an incredible 105 batters while only walking 15, earning the callup to AA. In his first game he spun a gem, striking
out 14 of the 17 men he faced, giving up one run in the no decision. Marlins management will probably let him finish
the year in AA, but if he finishes as strong as he starts, look for Chavez to start next year in AAA with a very likely
callup in 07 unless the Marlins spend a lot in free agency to address their putrid pitching.
that Miami fans hope will be part of the core coming out of this rebuild in a few years. At the start of the season we highlighted
SS Johnny Peralta, who had won the starting job out of spring training, and in his first full season in Miami, he's been nothing
short of spectacular. Despite his first slump as a Marlin here in the last month or so, he still was the Marlins only All Star representative,
in what looks to be his first of many appearances. We also took brief looks at Jesus Guzman and Delmon Young, who were
absolutely obliterating AAA pitching. Both have came up and held their own in the majors. Guzman probably doesn't project
as a starter, but could certainly be a good left handed hitter on the bench. The jury is still out on Young, with prospect niks
torn on whether he projects as an every day player or a 4th OF. Let's look at a few others that are close.
CF Jacoby Ellsbury -Ellsbury was the Marlins first pick in the 2005 draft, and the 20th player taken overall. After a meteoric
rise through the Marlins minor league system last year, he broke his foot right around All Star break time and missed the
rest of the season. This year he missed the first week of the season and it took him all of April and most of May to get back
in the groove. But as the weather's gotten hotter, so has he, and now he looks to have a legitimate chance to win the Marlins
CF job in spring training next year. The Marlins front office would like to get him an entire season in AAA, and they're also
probably being strategic, with the league's recent new rules regarding top player callups, but the bat looks to be awful close
to ready right now. Batting .334/.369/.882 with 15 homers and 41 SB's, Ellsbury looks like a true 5 tool player, as his CF
defense has been nearly as good as his bat. The Marlins see him as part of their core with Peralta and 1B Kevin Youkilis.
Look to see him right in the thick of the rookie of the year chase next year.
SP Jesse Chavez -Chavez was part of the big package coming to Miami in the Dodgers trade that sent Adam Eaton to LA.
When the trade was made their was some question if Chavez projected as a starter or a reliever. His performance in
the minors up until this year did little to alleviate concerns. But after a hot start in A ball, Chavez strained his rotator
cuff and missed 6 weeks. After returning, he picked up right where he left off, posting a 2.45 ERA in 55 innings, striking
out an incredible 105 batters while only walking 15, earning the callup to AA. In his first game he spun a gem, striking
out 14 of the 17 men he faced, giving up one run in the no decision. Marlins management will probably let him finish
the year in AA, but if he finishes as strong as he starts, look for Chavez to start next year in AAA with a very likely
callup in 07 unless the Marlins spend a lot in free agency to address their putrid pitching.
