A few noticeable things that have happened in the last few weeks in the Miami Marlins’ farm system.
- In the twenty-fifth round of the 2012 MLB Amateur draft, the Marlins went local (and cheap, to be honest) and drafted St. Thomas pitcher Dane Stone. Stone, who holds the St. Thomas all-time record for saves recorded in a single season, was an NAIA first-team All-American this last year. Stone is roughly 6’7’’ and 220 pounds. However, his delivery doesn’t make him seem as tall as he really is. His fastball tops out in the low 90’s, so he relies on deception and a nasty curveball that runs away from right-handed hitters.
Stone, who was born in Miami, signed quickly and got started out in the GCL. Used primarily as a closer with St. Thomas, Stone has continued to pitch in the back of the bullpen in his first couple outings in the minors. On July 19th, Stone helped the GCL Marlins complete a perfect game. Stone was recently promoted from the GCL to High-A Jupiter, where in just 6.1 innings pitched, Stone has already struck out ten. If Stone keeps striking out hitters at rates like this, and maybe adds a few MPH to his fastball, he'll have a legitimate shot at being a reliever in the Marlins' bullpen someday.
- Marlins 2012 first-round pick Andrew Heaney recently made his first start in Greensboro of the South Atlantic League. In four innings pitched, Heaney gave up eight hits and six runs (five earned). He was facing a talented Pirates’ affiliate, and he did keep the ball on the ground for the most part. This was tied for Heaney’s longest start with the Marlins, and he faced more batters in this start than he had before. It is looking like Heaney will start this weekend, against Lakewood.
- The Low-A Jamestown Jammers had four of their players named to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Outfielders Jesus Solorzano and Juancito Martinez made the team, as did first baseman Viosergy Rosa and pitcher Nick Wittgren. Solorzano is probably the best prospect of the bunch, and he has started to hit more after a very slow start in the NYPL. Martinez finished 2 for 2 with two stolen bases, and took home the NYPL MVP award for his team. Martinez, 23, is old for the league, but he is apparently a great presence around the younger Jamestown players like Solorzano. Martinez could see a promotion to Greensboro before the end of the season.