Miami Marlins: Interview with Edgar Olmos

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

(67) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

What’s up, Maniac Fans? Today, Marlin Maniac got a chance to speak with Marlins prospect Edgar Olmos. Olmos, 23, is a tall lefty who was selected in the third round by the Marlins in the 2008 draft. He has been featured in the Marlins top prospects list two different times as scouts rave about his make up and potential. Through 8 seasons, Olmos owns an 8-32 record with a 4.83 ERA. While those numbers do not sound pretty, we talked to him to find out why he struggled early, and what he is doing now to return to the form that had scouts pounce on him five years ago.

Marlin Maniac: You were drafted in the third round out of high school. What was the feeling when the Marlins drafted you?

Edgar Olmos: Well, it was an awesome feeling when I saw my name pop up on the computer monitor. My family jumped with joy, and was more excited than I was at the time. I was just sitting there, shocked.

MM: If you hadn’t been drafted, what schools were you leaning toward with the college route?

EO: I had a full scholarship to the University of Arizona.

MM: Did the Marlins have any contact with you prior to the draft?

EO: Yes. I talked to my scout, Tim McDonnell, before the draft, and still talk to him today.

MM: You have played everywhere from Rookie Ball to AA. What has been your favorite part so far in pro ball? Least?

EO: I love pro ball because of the cities you see, the people you meet, and the friendships you make. Traveling always sucks, especially those 13-hour bus rides, but you have to pay your dues.  For me, the down side came early on. I pitched my first pro game in 2008 and came off the mound hurt. I spent the rest of that year in rehab, followed by surgery in 2009. In 2011 and half of the 2012 season I was playing in Jupiter when they moved me to the bullpen. I performed really well out of the pen… way better than as a starter. I started throwing a lot harder; harder than I’ve ever thrown before. Now I’m in AA, enjoying every moment of it.

MM: You have been a whole lot more effective out of the pen, rather than as a starter. What do you think has made the difference? Scouts say you are a tall lefty with great stuff; that you just need to put it all together to be a major league piece. What do you think you need to improve on the most?

EO: It’s just a different attitude out of the pen. Mostly, I just need to stay consistent and limit my walks, and just keep going out there and pitching the way I know I can.

MM: Last few questions: I’m sure you have heard a lot about the big fire sale last season. However, trading the big names got the farm system a number of great prospects, including Christian Yelich, Jose Fernandez, Marcell Ozuna, and Andrew Heaney. Which of the prospects have you played with, and who impressed you the most?

EO: Well, the trade just brought opportunity to all us younger guys in the system.  I have played with all those guys. They are all great, and should be in the show…they’re great guys to be teammates with.

MM: What are your personal goals for the next 3 years?

EO: I just need to continue working hard, doing what I need to do, controlling what I can control, and let the rest play itself out.