March 28, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Justin Nicolino (34) delivers to the St. Louis Cardinals during the spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins have one of the top farm systems in all of baseball and it is a shame that we at Marlin Maniac have not been covering it more extensively. For this reason, I have decided to start a daily minor league report for MM viewers to update them on how the Marlins prospects fare on a game-to-game basis. This will be in the same format as the Miami Marlins Daily Minor League Report on Fishstripes.

Triple-A:

New Orleans Zephyrs (18-19) vs. Tacoma Rainiers (24-16)

Loss 4-2

Box Score

Gorkys Hernandez, CF: 2-for-3, BB, CS

Jordan Brown, DH: 2-for-4, 2B, R

Duane Below, SP: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

David Aardsma, RP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Duane Below delivered a strong start for New Orleans in a close loss. He was locked in a pitchers duel with Blake Beavan. Bevean got the better of Below, as he pitched one more inning and his team picked up more run support for him in a victory. Below has pitched well enough thus far to earn a potential call-up if a spot open in either the Marlins rotation or bullpen.

Gorkys was in competition for starting center fielder for the Marlins before Justin Ruggiano ran away with it. He has not hit too well in AAA in 2013, as his slash line sits at .245/.307/.295. The Marlins decision to not call up Hernandez when Giancarlo Stanton went down is telling about his future with the organization.

Double-A:

Jacksonville Suns (20-15) @ Mobile Bay Bears (19-19)

Loss 4-3

Box Score

Jake Marisnick, LF: 2-f0r-4, HR (2), RBI, R

Kyle Jensen, RF: 2-for-4, 2B, R, SO

Matt Neil, SP: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO

Edgar Olmos: 1.2 IP, BS, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO

Jake Marisnick hit his second home run of the season in the top of the eight inning to give the Suns a 3-2 lead, but Edgar Olmos could not hold that lead, as he allowed a run in the bottom of the eight inning to allow the Bears to tie it at 3 a piece. Olmos also gave up the walk-off hit for the Bears victory in the ninth inning with two outs.

Marisnick continues to find his hitting stroke as he makes his way back from his broken hand sustained during spring training.  Yelich went hitless, but was still able to draw a walk in four plate appearances

High Class A:

Jupiter Hammerheads (18-19) @ Tampa Yankees (15-21)

Win 7-2

Box Score

Josh Adams, 3B: 3-for-4, 2B, 3 R, HR (1), 4 RBI

Austin Barnes, DH: 0-for-2, 1 RBI, 3 BB

Justin Nicolino, SP: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB,  5 K

Jordan Conley, RP: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Adams was the Marlins 13th round pick in the 2011 MLB draft out of the University of Florida. While Adams has never been an impressive prospect, he was one of my favorite Gators to watch and has a chance to be a utility player in the future. Adams had a huge game as he drove in four runs and collected two extra base hits.

Nicolino enjoyed his best start as a Marlins prospect, as he pitched six shutout innings and was able to strike out a season high five hitters. Nicolino still has some work to do, as he has now just collected 20 strikeouts in 40 innings of work in 2013.

Low Class A:

Greensboro Grasshoppers (16-21) vs. Hagerstown Suns (21-14)

Win 8-7

Box Score

Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 3-for-5, HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 R

Matt Juengel, 3B: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 SO

Mason Hope, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO

Blake Logan, RP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, SV (8)

Rosa is an interesting prospect, as he has flashed some good power in the early parts of his career, but does not still seem to be an impact prospect at this point. I will have more on Rosa and his prospect standing later on in the week.

Hope is one of my favorite prospects in the Marlins system, but he has had a tough time putting things together in 2013. After last night’s start, Hope’s ERA climbs to 5.63. Part of the issue for Hope in 2013 has been his walk rate of over 5 per nine innings.

It turns out that the Miami Marlins approach Opening Day worth more than ever, according to the financial magazine Forbes. The magazine released their annual estimates on the value of MLB franchises on Wednesday. They valued the Marlins at $520 million. That is a 16 percent increase from last season. However, Forbes estimates that the team lost over $7 million dollars.

Read more about whether the Marlins ownership has a legitimate case for their fire sale in November on Fishstripes, as Michael Jong examines the findings from the Forbes magazine report.

- 2013 Miami Marlins Season Preview: Optimize the Marlins lineup-Fishstripes

Lead writer Michael uses The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball to optimize the Miami Marlins lineup. The results of his optimization lead to an unorthodox leadoff hitter for the Marlins.

-New Orleans Zephyrs-Miami Marlins game provides chance for fans to see major league team-The Times-Picayune 

The Miami Marlins will take on Triple-A affiliate New Orleans Zephyrs on Saturday afternoon as their final prep for Opening Day. It will be a great fans for New Orleans fans as this will be their first opporunity to host an MLB team since 1999, when the Houston Astros came in to play the Zephyrs.

-Marlins wrap up Grapefruit League play with loss-Marlins.com

March 28, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Justin Nicolino (34) delivers to the St. Louis Cardinals during the spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Nicolino pitched for the Marlins for the first time this spring and delivered a great start for the Fish. He scattered six hits and a walk in his five-inning start, while striking out three. Unfortunately, the Cards scored one run off him in the first. That turned out to be the lone run in the game.

-Miami Marlins might plug roster holes with trades- Bradenton Herald

Although the Marlins roster is set for the most part, there are still a few holes the team would like to fill. The internal options for some of those positions are not exactly what the team is looking for. The team could look to make some trades to fill these voids.

-Miami Marlins: World Series hero Edgar Renteria retires- Sun Sentinel

Edgar Renteria has not played in the major leagues since 2011, but was still holding out hope that the right team would come calling. He decided last week that he no longer could play the game and decided to call it quits. Renteria will always be remembered in Miami for bring the city it’s first baseball championship.

March 28, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Justin Nicolino (34) delivers to the St. Louis Cardinals during the spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Are you a fan of baseball? Well, if you’re reading this right now chances are you enjoy watching the sport. The real question is, are you a fan of games that have little to no offense? If you answered yes to that question, you probably won’t put yesterday’s Marlins/Cardinals games on your list of great baseball games.

As the regular season continues to slowly approach us, the Miami Marlins took on the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday, as the two teams continue to make their last second roster decisions. The game, which took place at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter Florida, featured two young pitching talents who had one last chance to show their worth a spot on the opening day roster.

For the Marlins, Justin Nicolino took his spot on the mound and was quite impressive. Nicolino, the young 21 year old lefty, who made his MLB debut, pitched five innings, allowing a lone run in the first inning, while allowing six hits and striking out six. Unfortunately, Nicolino was unable to pull off a victory in his first appearance as a major leaguer. What he was able to pull off was some very high praise from first year Marlin head coach, Mike Redmond. “One of the things I loved about managing him was that he was such a great competitor.” Redmond said. “For a young kid to come up here and show that much poise and confidence facing such a big league lineup — a legitimate big league lineup — that was good to see. … Huge test and he passed for sure.”

Even though he was unable to earn a victory yesterday, the future is still very bright for Justin. He is currently listed as the fourth best prospect in the Marlins organization. After being drafted in the second round of the First Year Player Draft in 2010 by the Toronto Blue Jays, Nicolino was traded to the Marlins back in the controversial November trade between the Marlins and the Blue Jays.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, there wasn’t much to be too excited about. The offense was shut-out and only managed to get three hits.

Much like the Marlins, the Cardinals sent out a young pitcher who also impressed. During the course of Spring Training, Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn has been very impressive. Yesterday was no different, as Lynn was able to pitch six shut-out innings, while allowing just two hits and recording five strikeouts. Even after Lynn the Cardinals pitching staff was quite impressive. Although he only pitched one inning, former Marlin, Edward Mujica, had a fantastic performance. In his only inning, Mujica was able to strike out two of the batters.

Matt Holliday shined for the Cardinals, getting on base both times he stepped up to the plate, including a RBI single in the first inning.

This game was not exactly what you would call a thriller. For the Marlins, Spring Ball is over and the real thing will now come to a start on Monday. The Marlins will head to Washington to take on the defending division champion Nationals. The Marlins will send ace Ricky Nolasco to the mound to face the young phenom Stephen Strasburg at 1:05. Make sure you either set your DVR or watch the game. Although it might not be physically felt by the players, this Marlins team is going to need all the support they can get.

Thanks for Reading!

Here is a quick recap of the top 20 prospects we have taken a look at so far:

• #20-Mason Hope, RHP
• #19- Zack Cox, 3B
• #18- Tom Koehler, RHP
• #17- Kolby Copeland, OF
• #16- Austin Barnes, INF-C
• #15- Alfredo Silverio, OF
• #14- Avery Romero, INF
• #13- Derek Dietrich, INF
• #12- Mason Hope, SP
• #11- Adam Conley, SP
• #10- Jake Realmuto, C
• #9- Jose Urena, SP
• #8- Rob Brantly, C
• #7- Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
• #6- Marcell Ozuna, OF
• #5- Jake Marisnick, OF

The next prospect we will take a look, like Marisnick and Hechavarria, was apart of the Marlins fire sale trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. All three of these prospects were inserted into the Marlins top-10 prospect list, which says a lot about the return they got.

4. Justin Nicolino

Drafted: 2010 2nd round pick

Birthdate: 11/22/1991 (21) Height: 6’3″ Weight: 160 lbs.

Justin Nicolino, a Florida native, was a huge piece of the Marlins’ blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays in November. He adds another quality arm to the Marlins deep pitching depth in the farm. Of all the pitchers in the Marlins system, Nicolino is seen as the most polished.

Toronto selected Nicolino in the second round out of University High School in Orlando in the 2010 draft. The 2010 draft was considered a great one for the Jays, as they drafted a plethora of high-ceiling arms. Along with Nicolino, the Jays drafted Aaron Sanchez and Noah Syndergaard. These three combined to make the “Big 3″ for the Jays prospect system.

Of the three, Nicolino was regarded as the one with least “pure stuff” of the three. The Marlins caught a lot of flack for acquring him instead of the other two. However, of the three, he was the most polished and had the highest floor. The Marlins decided to take the safest player, which is not always a bad thing.

Nicolino had a strong commitment to Virginia when he was drafted by the Blue Jays, but they were able to sign him late. This kept him from making his debut, like other prospects, in 2010.

He did make his debut in short-season ball in 2011, pitching for the Vancouver Canadians in the Northwest League. Nicolino dominated his competition, posting an incredible 1.03 ERA in 52.1 innings, while striking out 64 hitters and walking just 11. His 5.82 K/BB ratio. His dominance earned him a promotion to low Class-A Lansing, where he made three starts to end the season.

The Blue Jays decided to start him in Low-A again for the 2012 season, where he spent the entire year. Nicolino posted great numbers again. He posted a 2.46 ERA in 124.1 innings, while striking out 119 and walking just 22. He posted an impressive 5.67 K/BB ratio.

Nicolino’s fastball comes in at 92 MPH, but can touch 94. That is decent velocity for a left handed pitcher. If he can add a bit more weight on his frame, he could add more velocity on his fastball with more consistency. He also does a good job of hiding the ball, which makes his fastball seem a bit faster than it actually is.

Nicolino also has good off-speed pitches that supplement his fastball. His best pitch maybe his changeup. The pitch has good sink and should be a pitch he turns to when he gets into trouble. He also features a curveball that is seen as a work in progress right now, but could be another above-average pitch once its developed.

This is what prospect guru John Sickels had to say about Nicolino:

3) Justin Nicolino, LHP, Grade B+: The most polished of the terrific rotation the Blue Jays had at Lansing last year. Superior command and control of solid fastball and curve, plus changeup. Could become number two starter.

Nicolino has the potential to be a number two or three starter for the Marlins in the future. He will start the season in High-A Jupiter for the Hammerheads. He will likely spend all of 2013 in Jupiter, unless he begins to be unchallenged down there. If everything breaks right, Nicolino could make his debut in Marlins Park in late 2014. He could become a permanent fixture in the Marlins rotation by 2015.

5. Jose Fernandez, rhp, FLA

15. Christian Yelich, of, FLA

43. Andrew Heaney, lhp, FLA

64. Jake Marisnick, of, FLA

75. Marcell Ozuna, of, FLA

86. Justin Nicolino, lhp, FLA

The Marlins placing six players on the top 100 prospect lists is pretty significant when thinking that the team was only able to place two players in the mid-season top 50 listreleased by Baseball America, last July.

Jose Fernandez is the Miami Marlins top prospect, according to Baseball America. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I think the best part of this list though, is that four of the six players on the list are Marlins homegrown prospects. That is something the team has not been able to boast about a lot lately.

The Marlins top 3 prospects were all first round picks in the past three seasons, Yelich in 2010, Fernandez in 2011, and Heaney in 2012. That is some great much needed news for a team that has struggled through a dry spell drafting as of late.

Jake Marisnick and Justin Nicolino were the players that the Marlins acquired in the blockbuster fire sale trade with the Toronto Blue Jays back in November. Marcell Ozuna was signed as an international free agent in 2009, out of the Dominican Republic.

Here is a quick look at Baseball America’s top 10 prospect list for the Miami Marlins in 2013:

1.	Jose Fernandez, rhp
2.	Christian Yelich, of
3.	Andrew Heaney, lhp
4.	Jake Marisnick, of
5.	Marcell Ozuna, of
6.	Justin Nicolino, lhp
7.	Adeiny Hechavarria, ss
8.	Jose Urena, rhp
9.	J.T. Realmuto, c
10.	Adam Conley, lhp

As I said before, the on-field product for the Miami Marlins profesional team might not be pretty in 2013, but beyond that, if these Marlins prospects work out, the Marlins have a very bright future.

It of course would only be brighter with a new owner, but that isn’t happening anytime soon.

I will have more coverage on all of these prospects as I continue to unveil my top 15 Marlins prospect list. Earlier today, I looked at the 15th best prospect: Alfredo Silverio.