Miami Marlins: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Marlins' Farm System

A new year is bringing about big changes for the Miami Marlins. They have a new manager, shortstop, No. 2 starting pitcher, logo, ballpark and name.

Unfortunately, their farm system is not likely to provide a lot of help in 2012, as they are thin on talent overall and what impact players they do have are at least a year away. 

The Marlins have changed their philosophy this offseason, which may or may not blow up in their faces, but at least they are trying to compete in the National League East after last season's debacle. 

Here are the Top 5 players that will figure into the future success of the Marlins. 

1. Christian Yelich, OF, 20

The Marlins drafted Yelich with their first pick in the 2010 draft, playing in just 12 games that season. He got his first taste of full-season ball last year, and showed everyone why he was so high on the team's draft board by hitting: .312/.388/.484 with 15 home runs in 122 games. 

Strengths: Yelich has a beautiful left-handed swing. He attacks pitches thanks to his bat speed and quick wrists that allow him to get the barrel of the bat on the ball every time. He already has a good feel for the strike zone at just 20 years old. 

Weaknesses: Defensively, it is still unclear where Yelich is going to play. He plays center field right now, though he could be moved to left field because his arm is not very good and he does not get good reads on the ball off the bat. 

Report: Yelich is easily the best prospect in the system thanks to his natural hitting ability. He should hit for a high average with good power and a high on-base percentage. If he can figure out center field, he will be an all-star. 

ETA: 2014

2. Marcell Ozuna, OF, 21

While Yelich clearly ranks as the best prospect in the system, Ozuna might have the best set of tools. He is still trying to figure out how to utilize all of them in game action, but the upside is there for him to be a good Major Leaguer. 

Strengths: The first thing that you notice when you watch video of Ozuna is how much power he has. He had 56 extra-base hits in just 496 at-bats last season. He also showed improved plate discipline, being walked 44 times unintentionally compared to just 17 times in 295 at-bats in 2010. His defense is very good. He is a true right fielder with a rocket arm and good range

Weaknesses: Despite his improved plate discipline in 2011, he is still susceptible to pitches out of the zone. He has to work on making consistent contact to increase his batting average and on-base percentage as he moves up the minors. 

Report: Ozuna has more upside than anyone else in the system, but he is still raw and learning how to hit advanced pitching. He has to be able to control the strike zone better if he wants to be an everyday player. 

ETA: 2014

3. Jose Fernandez, RHP, 19

Fernandez was the Marlins' first-round pick in last June's draft. He signed late, like most players do, and only pitched in two games, posting a 10.38 ERA in 4.1 innings pitched. Don't be alarmed, though, he had a long wait from being drafted and getting back on the mound.

Strengths: Fernandez has the most upside of any pitcher in the system. He has a good arsenal of pitches already. He is a good athlete that is still growing into his body, so he is basically all projection right now. 

Weaknesses: His fastball has good velocity, sitting in the low-90s, but it is very straight. If he develops his command, that won't be a big problem. But right now, he is programmed to blow hitters away, which will lead to him leaving the ball up in the zone. Advanced hitters will be able to drive those pitches out of the park. 

Report: In a perfect world, which Fernandez is still in since he hasn't really pitched in professional baseball, he will develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter. If his command doesn't develop, he will be relegated to the back of the bullpen. 

ETA: 2015

4. J.T. Realmuto, C, 21

Realmuto is an intriguing prospect. He has shown good results on the field, and his tools are promising, but there are just a few small things that he has to tweak in order to take that next step in his development. 

Strengths: Realmuto is one of the most athletic catchers in all of baseball. He has good speed and the ability to steal bases. He showed good power last season, as evidenced by his 12 home runs and .454 slugging percentage in 348 at-bats. He has a good throwing arm at the catcher position. 

Weaknesses: He is still learning to play the catcher position. His stats are good, but he has to get better at blocking and receiving pitches. He does not have a good feel for the strike zone. 

Report: If Realmuto can improve his skills behind the plate and learn to work the count, he can shoot up the rankings for 2013. 

ETA: 2014

5. Rob Rasmussen, LHP, 22

Rasmussen was a borderline addition to this list. He had an okay debut season in 2011 with a 3.64 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 148 innings pitched. The problem was he walked 71 batters. 

Strengths: He has a good assortment of pitches, which will help him remain a starter long-term. His walk total was high last season, but his control did get better as the season moved along. That could be a sign he is figuring things out, or just a small sample size aberration. 

Weaknesses: Obviously, his command and consistency in the strike zone has to get better if he wants to remain a starter. His curveball is a solid offering, but he has to work on locating it. 

Report: Has middle-of-the-rotation potential if he can fix his command issues. He could find a role in the bullpen as a two-pitch reliever with his fastball and slider. 

ETA: 2013

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