Miami Marlins Morning Catch: Tyler Kolek making strides

Good morning, Marlin Maniac readers and welcome to Morning Catch, the daily morning news and notes column from MarlinManiac.com about your Miami Marlins.

Tyler Kolek is the center of discussion for many Marlins fans when pondering the club’s future. People portray him as ‘the only guy’ in Miami’s system who holds potential.

But Kolek struggled this season in the minors. The Marlins’ number one prospect posted a 4.56 ERA in Single-A Greensboro with a 1.56 WHIP.

This reasonably brought complaints. Why is our top prospect struggling in Single-A?

Well, here’s some reassurance. Tyler Kolek is 19. Yes, he’d be a sophomore in college right now. Bryce Harper struggled as a 19-year-old, and look where he is now. Plus, the youngster is making strides in the instructional league.

From MLB.com:

"“Kolek has had an impressive stint in instructional league thus far,” said Marlins farm director Brian Chattin. “He is repeating his delivery more consistently and showing improved depth and power to his slider.”"

So give him a year, or two, or four for that matter. Kolek is young enough where no hurry is needed. He will improve, albeit seemingly gradually, but patience is needed for this long-term project.

ICYMI: The case for a radical rebuild and Revisiting the Jarred Cosart trade

From Around the Web:

Conley, Moore set to square off in series opener — Bill Chastain, MLB.com

A pair of left-handers will square off on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field, when the Rays and Marlins begin a three-game series. Matt Moore and Adam Conley will start for Tampa Bay and Miami, respectively, and both are pitching well.

Moore experienced a rough road upon returning from Tommy John surgery in July. That journey saw him make six starts for the Rays, going 1-3 with an 8.78 ERA, before getting sent to Triple-A Durham to work things out.

The left-hander now appears headed in the right direction, after posting quality starts against the Orioles and Red Sox — allowing just two runs over 13 2/3 innings.

Conley has been phenomenal in September, allowing just five earned runs over 22 1/3 innings in his four starts. The rookie has also recorded 25 strikeouts over that time, including a career-high eight strikeouts in his last outing vs. the Phillies on Wednesday (Read More Here)

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