Ehsan Kassim’s Bold Predictions for Miami Marlins 2014 Season

Mar 3, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (33) throws against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jacob Turner moves up Marlins rotation latter

After a rough 2013 season, the future of Jacob Turner as a Marlin was a question coming into the Spring. After a Spring in which saw Turner throwing as fast as 95-96 MPH, there should be renewed hope for the once promising pitching prospect.

At just 22-years old, Turner will finally have the breakout season that the Marlins had envisioned when they acquired him in the Anibal Sanchez–Omar Infante trade with the Detroit Tigers just two summers ago.

The key for Turner’s success will be his ability to harness his control and strikeouts. After striking out just 2 hitters in his first 8 spring innings, Turner turned things around with 8 strikeouts in his last 11 innings. If he can pitch closer to ratio during the season, success for him is likely to follow.

By the season’s end, I expect Turner to fully throw himself into the discussion of being a part of the Marlins future rotation for many seasons to come, right along Jose Fernandez, Andrew Heaney, and Nathan Eovaldi.