Miami Marlins: Sickels Reviews Marlins Pre-Season Prospect List

Sep 29, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins president of president of baseball operations Michael Hill (right) is flanked by vice president & general manager Dan Jennings (left) during their press conference before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

"1) Tyler Kolek, RHP, Grade B+: 4.43 ERA with 73/52 K/BB in 102 innings in Low-A, 100 hits. Not showing the 100 MPH heat he demonstrated in high school and secondary pitches, command are not good enough to compensate at this point. Disappointing but still young enough to get much better."

The Miami Marlins fell in love with Kolek because of his big arm, an arm that reached triple digits multiple times in high school. All of a sudden, that fastball is not getting that same zip on it and his secondary pitches have not developed enough for him to make up for it.

Thus far, he owns that 4.43 ERA and an even worse 4.84 FIP in 102 innings of work. He has struck out just 15.8% of the hitters he’s faced, while walking 11.3%.

Kolek has flashed some of his potential, including an August 8th start where he struck out 9 hitters in 5 innings of work. With Kolek being 19, it’s too early to give up on his talented right arm and he has a lot of time to turn things around, but he still has a very long road to the majors.

If the team had opted to draft Carlos Rodon with the number 2 pick instead, Rodon would have been able to help the major league pitching staff already.

Now the team just needs to take their time with Kolek and hopefully he’ll be able to reach his potential.

Next: Third Baseman of Future?