Baseball America's Marlins Draft Report

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Analyzing Florida's 2008 draft class By John Manuel October 28, 2008 QUICK TAKE After two hitter-heavy drafts, the Marlins went after projectable pitchers this year. Yet the two top talents were up-the-middle prep hitters in Kyle Skipworth and Galloway, and their fortunes likely will determine the success of this draft class. POSITION PLAYERS Best Pure Hitter: The Marlins believe in Kyle Skipworth (1) as a catcher but were comforted that his lefthanded bat profiles even if he doesn't remain behind the plate. He showed the ability to make adjustments by adding a slight crouch to his swing that helped him get to low pitches. Best Power Hitter: Skipworth has a fast bat, a feel for the barrel and hand-eye coordination to produce excellent power. Fastest Runner: The Marlins were shocked to get five-tool OF Isaac Galloway (8) so low, despite his poor spring. He's a 7 runner on the 2-8 scale with baserunning instincts. Best Defensive Player: 3B Paul Gran (7) made only one error as a senior at Washington State at third base and has excellent range to go with good hands and an average arm. He's good enough to be a fill-in at shortstop or play third base well; add in his lefthanded bat and he fits the utility profile perfectly. PITCHERS Best Fastball: RHP Blake Brewer (11) reached 94 mph, sits in the low 90s and has projection to spare at 6-foot-5, 180 pounds. LHP Brad Hand (2) has heavy life down in the zone and reaches 93 mph. Best Secondary Pitch: Hand's hard curveball with down action. Brewer also has a good, hard curve, while LHP Edgar Olmos (3) has a plus changeup that he turns over, giving it screwball action. ODDS AND ENDS Best Pro Debut: After missing all but eight games with Mississippi State this spring due to hamstring problems, 2B Brandon Turner (12) hit .331/.372/.417 for short-season Jamestown. Hand showed enough polish in his Rookie-level Gulf Coast League stint to earn a promotion to Jamestown, going 2-2, 3.02 with 43 strikeouts in 42 innings. Athletic 2B Danny Pertusati (13) hit .295/.348/.392 while adjusting to playing infield after a prep career in the outfield and as a football quarterback. Best Athlete: Galloway is a cut above most baseball players with speed, strength and fast-twitch muscles. Most Intriguing Background: Brewer's older brother Brent was a second-round pick of the Brewers in 2006. RHP Drew Clothier (37) struck out 24 in 20 innings at Jamestown before the Army changed its policy on allowing West Point graduates to play professional sports, forcing Clothier to report for active duty. Closest To The Majors: LHP Dan Jennings (9) has a fastball up to 93 mph in shorter stints, and his slider plays above-average out of the bullpen as well. That's likely his future role, as his changeup is underdeveloped. Best Late-Round Pick: Brewer could be the best pitcher the Marlins drafted after Hand. The One Who Got Away: Georgia persuaded RHP Trevor Holder (10) to return for his senior season even though he went 8-4, 4.41 last spring.

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