Reviewing Marlin Maniac’s Preseason Top 20 Prospect List (Part 2)

Jul 22, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna (48) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s continue reviewing the Marlin Maniac top 20 prospect list I made in the preseason. We have already gone over the top 5 prospects, which included Jose Fernandez and Christian Yelich. Today we will take a look at prospects #6-10. This list includes three players that have spent plenty of time in the majors already and two more promising young prospects.

6. Marcell Ozuna, OF: .265/.303/.389 with 13 walks and 52 strikeouts in 291 major league plate appearances. Known for his power in the minors, Ozuna never hit for much power in his stint in the majors, hitting only three balls out of the park. He got off to a hot start, mostly due to an inflated BABIP, but came down to earth and was rightfully demoted when the team brought up Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick. Unfortunately, he won’t play again this season due to a thumb injury that required surgery. Ozuna should have a chance to compete for a shot in the spring.

7. Adeiny Hechavarria, SS : .237/.274/.310 with 10 walks and 56 strikeouts in 342 major league at bats. Even with his recent hot streak with the bat, Hech has been nothing short of a disappointment at the plate in 2013. His lack of plate discipline really hurts him, as he chases too many pitches he really shouldn’t. His defense has been amazing to watch though and should continue to get better.

8. Rob Brantly, C : .228/.279/.346 with 37 walks and 64 strikeouts in 309 at bats in Double-A Jacksonville. If Hech has been a disappointment at the plate, that word would be an understatement when it comes to Brantly. As of yesterday, Brantly ranked as the second worst catcher according to WAR with at least 185 at bats. He has been so bad Jeff Mathis has been rewarded more playing time. Last season’s .300+ average in his short stint with the Fish now seems like a major fluke.

9. Jose Urena, SP: 3.65 ERA/3.36 FIP with 86/25 K/BB in 118 1/3 innings in High-A Jupiter. Jose Urena has taken a step forward in 2013 with a strong showing in High-A. He still does not rack up many strikeouts, but does cause hitters to make weak contact. Urena is probably close to joining Andrew Heaney and Justin Nicolino in Double-A Jacksonville at some point this season.

10. J.T. Realmuto, C: .233/.297/.091 with 1 walk  and 5 strikeouts in 22 major league at bats. Thought of as a strength heading into the season, the Marlins catching position has become a weakness. Brantly cannot hit in the majors and Realmuto struggling for the second straight season in the minors. Realmuto has displayed a decent plate approach and 24 extra base hits on the season, but has struggled to stay consistent.