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Miami Marlins Farm Report: Opening Day for Marlins Affiliates

By Ehsan Kassim |

While the Miami Marlins had their Opening Day on Monday, their minor league affiliates kicked off their 2015 seasons on Thursday evening. While the Marlins farm system has taken a hit with all the recent trades and promotions, there is still plenty of talent in the minors that we need to keep an eye on.

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Over the season, we’ll update you guys on the state of the Miami Marlins farm system. Monday through Sunday, I’ll have a post like this updating what’s going on down on the farm on a day-to-day basis.

Triple-A: Omaha Storm Chasers (1-0) @ New Orleans Zephyrs (0-1)

L 6-10

Justin Nicolino, SP: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 SO, 0 BB

Carter Capps, RP: 0.0 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 0 SO, 1 BB

J.T. Realmuto, C: 4-for-6, 4 1B, 2 R

Derek Dietrich, DH: 3-for-6, 2B (1), RBI (1), SO

The season for the Zephyrs got off to an interesting start, as they traded leads with the Stormchasers 5 times. The Zephyrs had Justin Nicolino on the mound, making his Triple-A debut. While Nicolino didn’t last a full-five innings, it’s encouraging to see him collect 3 strikeouts in his 4 2/3 innings of work, a step up from his lack of whiffs a season ago.

On the batting side, showed a lot more life than their major league counter part, doubling the run total for the Marlins in one game. Their offense charge was led by Derek Dietrich and J.T. Realmuto, both of whom have merits to be on the major league roster now. Jordany Valdespin had a big game, collecting 3 hits and a triple. Reid Brignac and Miguel Rojas also collected two hits a piece.

Friday Pitching Matchup:

OH: Joe Blanton, RHP (0.00) vs NO: Jose Urena, RHP (0.00 ERA)

Double-A: Jackson Generals (1-0) @ Jacksonville Suns (1-0)

L 0-2

Trevor Williams, SP: 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 9 SO, 0 BB

Brian Ellington, RP: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 SO, 1 BB

Zack Cox, 3B: 1-for-4, 2 SO

Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 0-for-3, BB

While all the talk has been about Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena being the first to reach the major leagues for the Marlins, a name that is going under the radar is Trevor Williams. The right hander for the University of Arkansas is coming off a 3.17 FIP in 129 innings in High-A. A strong showing at the Double-A level for him and he can shoot up the Marlins prospect lists.

Unfortunately for the Suns, a season after capturing the Southern League Championship, their 2015 team does not look as strong. They lost key players like Justin Nicolino, J.T. Realmuto, and Jose Urena, all to promotions to Triple-A. While it’s good for the organization and the players for them to move on, the Suns could take a hit this season.

Friday Pitching Matchup:

JXN: Scott DeCecco, LHP (0.00 ERA) vs JAX: Jake Esch, RHP (0.00)

Class A Advanced: Palm Beach Cardinals (0-1) @ Jupiter Hammerheads (1-0)

Win 5-3

Ryan Newell, SP: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 6 SO, 0 BB

Chris Sadberry, RP: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 SO, 0 BB

Austin Dean, LF: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 2 R, RBI (1), BB, SO

Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-for-3, 1 R, 2 RBI (2), BB, SO

Ryan Newell had a strong stat on Thursday and a growing sentiment is that he should graduate from the level, as he posted a 3.45 FIP in 109 2/3 in 2014.

Avery Romero, Austin Dean, and Brian Anderson provide the Hammerheads with an interesting trio of hitting prospects with decent upside. Those three combined for a 5-for-10 day with a double and 3 walks. All three are at least a year away from the majors, but are going to be worth the wait for the Marlins if they continue to progress well.

Friday Pitching Matchup:

PB: TBD vs JUP: TBD

Class A: Greensboro Grasshoppers (0-1) @ Delmarva Shorebirds (1-0)

L 0-10

Michael Mader, SP: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

Jose Arias, RP: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 SO

Justin Twine, SS: 0-for-4, SO

Mason Davis, 2B: 1-for-3, SO

Michael Mader must have been watching Mat Latos‘ start closely, as he was able to replicate the start tit-for-tat, except for the two strikeouts. Mader, the Marlins 3rd pick from a season ago, has as much upside as any pitcher in the organization not named Tyler Kolek, so this one start is not going to hurt his value too much at this stage.

Like the Jupiter lineup, the Greensboro lineup has some guys with upside. Justin Twine was a second round pick last year and as a former high school quarterback, possess an athletic ability that’s hard to rival. He will likely be a guy the Marlins let take his time to develop.

Friday Pitching Matchup:

GB: Jose Adames, RHP (0.00 ERA) vs DEL: Tanner Chleborad, RHP, (0.00 ERA)

Next: Are the Marlins a .500 Team?

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