System overview
In many respects, the Marlins are a dysfunctional organization. But the team finished just three games under .500 in 2002, and the farm system has quite a bit to offer. Several astute trades, decent drafts, and a commitment to Latin American scouting have given Florida a good talent base.

The Marlins have focused on pitching since their inception, and this remains true. Trade acquisitions Dontrelle Willis, Don Levinski, and Justin Wayne all project as solid (or better) rotation starters. Home-grown lefty Rob Henkel, plus Gary Knotts and Nate Robertson, were just traded to Detroit for Mark Redman. Positionally, the Marlins have three very strong corner players, third baseman Miguel Cabrera, and first basemen Jason Stokes and Adrian Gonzalez. The middle infield and outfield spots are weaker, though the Marlins hope some recent signings on the international market, plus some guys from the '02 draft, will help that.

The system could use more depth, as there is a significant drop off after the top group. But there is enough here to make Florida fans reasonably optimistic about the future of the team, provided that financial and stadium problems can be dealt with.

2002 amateur draft
The Marlins usually emphasize high school players in their drafts, at least in the early rounds. They did this in 2002, selecting Georgia high school prep Jeremy Hermida in the first round. Many scouts think he was the best high school hitter to come along in the last five years, with a sharp stroke from the left side, though he hit just .224 in rookie ball. Second-round pick Robert Andino, a shortstop from high school in Miami, is excellent defensively. He can steal bases, but isn't a terrific hitter. University of California right-hander Trevor Hutchinson, brother of the Dallas Cowboys quarterback and former Cardinals prospect Chad Hutchinson, went in the third round. He hasn't signed yet.

Fourth-round pick Josh Johnson, a right-hander from high school in Tulsa, has a live arm and threw 15 effective innings in rookie ball (0.60 ERA). Sixth-round lefty Scott Olson, a high school pitcher from Illinois, was also effective in rookie ball, posting a 2.96 ERA in 52 innings. Eighth-round choice Ryan Warpinski, a right-hander from Texas A&M, throws a hard sinker, but had injury problems in college. Aggie teammate Eric Reed, an outfielder, was drafted a round later. He hit .308 in short-season ball and has a lot of speed, but lacks power.

It will take awhile for this draft to bear fruit, as most of the upper-level picks are high schoolers who will take time to develop. All in all, an average draft.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Blaine Neal, RHP: Keeps the ball down, and can overpower people with 95 mph heat. Good slider, but lack of a changeup, and injury-plagued past, make him best suited for bullpen work.

Abraham Nunez, OF: Stock dropped drastically last year when two years were added to his birth certificate. Still has a useful power/speed combination, and the Marlins need some short-term outfield help.

Justin Wayne, RHP: Acquired from the Expos. The former Stanford star throws four pitches for strikes, is bright, and understands his craft. Statistically, the main weakness is a low strikeout rate, which isn't a good sign, but the Marlins seem committed to him, and he held his own in five starts last year.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Miguel Cabrera, 3B: Hit .274 with nine homers in the Florida State League, but was just 19 years old. Strike zone judgment and defense are improving.

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B: Mentioned in trade rumors. Hit .266 with 17 homers in Double-A, but was just 20. Gold Glove defense at first base, and should develop more power. December wrist injury may slow him early in '03.

Don Levinski, RHP: Acquired from the Expos. Went 12-6, 3.02, with 125/55 K/BB in 119 innings in the Class A Midwest League. Works in the low 90s, with a solid curve and changeup.

Jesus Mandrano, 2B: Hit .297 with 78 walks and 39 steals in Double-A. Overlooked, but speed/patience combination is very strong.

Jason Stokes, 1B: A crusher, hit .341 with 27 homers in the Midwest League. Good strike zone judgment, stellar bat speed make for a future star. Has trouble staying healthy.

Dontrelle Willis, LHP: One of the best southpaw prospects in the game, acquired from the Cubs. Went 12-2 last year with sub 2.00 ERA. Deceptive movement and excellent control are a nasty combination.

KEY SLEEPER
Kevin Hooper, SS: Hit .288 with 17 steals in Triple-A. Scrappy, David Eckstein-type, but with a stronger arm from the hole.

Other names to know
Will Smith, OF; Ryan Jorgensen, C; Ryan Snare, LHP; Chip Ambres, OF; Josh Willingham, 3B; Denny Batista, RHP; Ron Belizario, RHP; Lincoln Holdzkom, RHP.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.