2013 Marlin Maniac #9 Prospect: SP Jose Urena

Eleven prospects down, nine to go. So far we have looked at some intriguing prospects for the Miami Marlins. The Marlins farm system ranks among one of the best systems in baseball. Let me know in the comment section which prospect you guys like the most so far.

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- Jacob T. Realmuto, C

The next prospect on my list an interesting one. His prospect standing varies by each prospect maker you ask. John Sickels and Fishstripes have him as the Marlins 12th best prospect, Baseball America and Fangraphs have him as the teams’ 8th best prospect, and ESPN’s Keith Law has him as a prospect sleeper.

He comes in as the ninth best prospect on my list:

via SportsLogos.net

9. Jose Urena

Drafted: Undrafted free agent signing 2009

Birthdate: 9/12/1991 (21)  Height: 6’3″ Weight: 170 lbs.

Jose Urena sits in my rankings as the Marlins 9th best prospect because of his high ceiling. In fact, I would say that Urena has one of the highest ceilings in the Marlins farm system. Urena throws a mid-to-high-90s fastball velocity paired with above-average control. He pairs that with a power slider and a developing changeup. Because Urena has a projectable frame, as he adds weight, his velocity and numbers could increase.

Urena’s fastball sits around 94-95 MPH, but can reach 96 or 97. If he adds weight, it is not out of question that he could reach 98-99 MPH and completely over power some hitters.

Urena is seen as strike thrower, as he always seems to pitch in the zone. That is seen as a benefit and a detriment, as he can become too hittable when he leaves his pitches in the zone.

Urena posted a 3.38 ERA with 101/29 K/BB in 138 innings in Low-A ball last season, at the age of 20. He is seen as an advanced pitcher for his level because he is around the strike zone so much. A key for him going forward will be to learn that he can go out of the strike zone at times to get hitters to chase.

Urena cut his walks per nine nearly in half while striking out nearly two more batters per nine innings.

This is what John Sickels had to say about Urena:

"12) Jose Urena, RHP, Grade C+: Nice season in Low-A at age 20, 3.38 ERA with 101/29 K/BB in 138 innings. Projectable, still working on secondary pitches but already throws strikes. Mid-rotation upside arm who doesn’t get enough attention."

Jose Urena will move up to high-A ball in 2013. He could reach the majors to stay in 2015. Urena has the potential to be a mid-rotation starter, but if his secondary pitches develop, he has a decent chance of being a number 2 starter.

However, like I mentioned, not everyone is high on Urena. This is what Nathaniel Stoltz had to say on Urena:

Either way, Urena has a good chance to make an impact with the Marlins going forward if he develops properly.

The Marlins pitching depth in the minors has become a major strong point for the team. If all of these young starters work out, the Marlins will have a very bright future ahead of them.