After selecting three high school prospects with big upside in Day 1 of the draft, the Marlins kicked off Day 2 by taking two players from the college and JUCO ranks. Using their supplemental pick (105th pick), the Marlins selected Michael Mader from Chipola College, whom BaseballAmerica.com has rated the 185th best prospect in the draft.
At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Mader is a solidly built left-handed pitcher who has seen a recent increase in velocity, thanks to some added strength. He was named the Panhandle Conference Pitcher of the Year during his freshman season, and while he didn't earn that distinction his sophomore year, scouts saw improvement across the board. During his freshman campaign at Chipola, Mader's velocity was regularly locked in the 87-90 range. This season, Mader has been clocked as high as 95. That added velocity has come with some extra effort in the delivery, which has caused some command problems.
The rest of Mader's arsenal is limited, though he does have a promising breaking pitch that some scouts are calling a curveball and some a slider. It's an inconsistent offering, but when thrown with good velocity and tighter break, scouts see the potential for a plus slider to go along with the already solid fastball. He also throws a changeup, but it is nothing more than a developmental pitch at this time.
Mader is 20 years old and has had two successful seasons at the highest level of competition JUCO has to offer. He is committed to Florida State next year but appears ready to play professional ball. His fastball / slider combination suggests he will be a power reliever at the next level, but if he can refine his command and develop a third offering he'll be given every chance to stay in a starter's role.
"I'm really excited," he said Tuesday. "I feel like all the hard work is starting to pay off. I think this will be the year (I sign a professional contract)." - Michael Mader
ChipolaAthletics.com