Miami Marlins Morning Catch: Is Martin Prado a keeper?

Good morning, Marlin Maniac readers and welcome to Morning Catch, the daily morning news and notes column from MarlinManiac.com about your Miami Marlins.

With two walk-offs in a three game stretch, Martin Prado proved his worth to the Marlins this weekend. The 31-year-old third baseman totaled seven hits throughout the Mets series, including a five hit game on Friday.

Martin Prado’s contract states that he’s signed through 2016 (4 years $40 million), meaning his spot will be secure on next year’s roster. That is, assuming Prado keeps up his 2015 numbers.

2015: 109 G, .284/.328/.384, 7 HR, 43 RBI, 1.9 WAR

Martin Prado’s versatility may be his most prized commodity. At multiple outfield and infield positions, Prado is also known for his production in the extra base hits category, averaging 37 doubles per season.

The one-time all-star falls just below Ben Zobrist when it comes to the MLB’s top utility players. Perhaps his flexibility in the field will help maintain his status as a valuable piece on the Marlins.

A utility man is exactly what Miami needs. This season, the Marlins have evidently been ravaged by injury after injury. However, Prado will likely split time with Derek Dietrich at third in 2016. But when an injury hits, Prado can fit the role of a replacement.

So yes, Martin Prado is a keeper. Standing as one of the most underrated players in the game, Prado has proven enough value this year, and throughout his career, to sustain an important role for the Marlins.

ICYMI: Marcell Ozuna’s catch to remember and Will Giancarlo Stanton return in 2015?

From Around the Web:

Watch: Miami Marlins top New York Mets on walk-off sac fly — SI.com

The Miami Marlins won in walk-off fashion over the New York Mets on Sunday.

Martin Prado provided the dramatics, hitting a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded to drive home the winning run. Prado fouled off six straight pitches on a full count before lining the ball into leftfield on the 12th pitch of the at bat, deep enough to score Jeff Mathis.

Prado also hit a walk-off double to give Miami a win over New York on Friday. (Read More Here)

Marlins’ Stanton May Miss Rest Of Season, Fernandez Nearing Return — David Dwork, CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins 2015 season has been a major disappointment from just about every angle.

The team has long been out of the playoff hunt and injuries to its two best players have kept fans away from attending home games.

There has been talk that both of those players, slugger Giancarlo Stanton and pitching ace Jose Fernandez, would return before the end of the season. Now it seems that only one may make it back to the lineup. (Read More Here)

Do you have an article idea for Marlin Maniac? Tweet it out using #MMfanpitch for your chance to see your idea posted!

Follow Marlin Maniac on Twitter @MarlinManiac for all your Miami Marlins news, opinion and analysis!

Next: Will Stanton return in 2015?

Miami Marlins Morning Catch: Is Martin Prado a keeper?

More from Marlin Maniac

Schedule