News
Marlins stocked with pitching in Minors
Higher levels full of relief prospects; starters still developing
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
08/30/09 1:02 PM ET
MIAMI -- A source of pride for the Marlins is finding and developing young pitching.Through the First-Year Player Draft, the organization has the reputation of stockpiling arms. The Marlins' track record speaks for itself, as over the past decade, they've drafted pitchers like Josh Beckett, Josh Johnson, Chris Volstad and Sean West.
On Saturday afternoon, the Marlins introduced this year's top pick, left-hander Chad James from Yukon High School in Oklahoma. James will be working out at the team's complex in Jupiter for a few weeks, and participate in the mid-September Minor League mini-camp.
While the Marlins have had success developing pitching from within, the organization currently is in the process of replenishing its stable of young arms.
"I think we're a little thin with starters in the upper levels in the Minor Leagues, but once you get into the Florida State League and down, I think we've got some real good pitching coming along," said Stan Meek, the team's director of scouting.
Currently at the upper levels, the Marlins' system is more stocked with potential relievers than starting pitchers. Brett Sinkbeil, for example, was a first-rounder in 2006. He has been switched from a starter to reliever at Triple-A New Orleans.
Ryan Tucker, a first-rounder in 2005, has dealt with injuries this season. The hard-throwing right-hander could be a starter or reliever.
When you look to the Class A Jupiter level and lower, the Marlins feel they have some high quality starters being developed.
Some names to keep an eye on are Brad Hand, Curtis Peterson and Graham Johnson. All three were drafted in 2008. Hand went in the second round, while Peterson was taken in the fourth and Johnson in the sixth round.
Hand and Johnson are at low Class A Greensboro, while Peterson was with short-season Jamestown.
At Class A Jupiter, Alejandro Sanabia was a 32nd round pick in 2006 who has shown potential.
"We've got a lot of pitching. But the starting pitching, we think is lower," Meek said. "The higher levels would be bullpen right now."
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
