Our Noticias, 1/17/20: Chisholm confident heading into Spring Training

Chisholm Ready for Big League Camp

The cream is starting to rise to the top in Miami's farm system. Entering year three of a full-scale rebuild, the talented prospects who the Marlins have acquired via the draft and trades over the past few years are edging ever closer to making their major league debuts. One of those prospects is shortstop Jazz Chisholm. Chisholm, who came to Miami from the Diamondbacks in the Zac Gallen trade in July, is the team's number four prospect and has received an invitation to Spring Training, where he will be working on a refined swing that he is hoping will lead to more contact without limiting his monstrous power. With Miguel Rojas under contract for two more years, Chisholm will not be rushed through the system, but he certainly has the raw tools to be able to make noise in Spring Training and force himself into the conversation for a roster spot by the end of the year.

Spring Training Schedule Finalized

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Get your tickets, plan your road trips, and pack the sunscreen: Spring Training is almost here! The first full-squad workouts are happening one month from today, and then there will be 31 opportunities through March 22 for rotation spots to be won, and for top prospects to stake their claim that they are ready for the big leagues. With so many interesting names in camp, 2020 has the makings of being one of the most important Spring Training seasons in quite some time for the Marlins.

Flashing the Leather

“Defense wins championships” is more often heard when talking about football, but it applies to baseball, too. The 2019 Marlins were middle-of-the pack in that dimension of the game, sporting a .984 fielding percentage after committing 90 errors over the 162 games and combining for -1 Outs Above Average, according to Statcast. The primary need for Miami heading into 2020 was improving a lackluster lineup, and multiple moves have been made to move the team in the right direction. Help is on the way, too, with numerous top prospects set to make their debuts this season, on both sides of the ball. However, the importance of defense cannot be overlooked, especially when developing young prospects. Víctor Víctor Mesa does not need much work in that department, as the Cuban displays some of the best fielding skills in Miami's minor league system.

Mesa Brothers Remaining Focused

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Speaking of Víctor Víctor Mesa, it has been well-documented that he didn't have the best first year after the Marlins made him a big money signing in October 2018. The 23-year-old hit .235 across High-A and Double-A in 2019. His brother, on the other hand, was much more impressive out of the gate. Victor Mesa Jr. slashed .284/.366/.398 as a 17-year-old in the Gulf Coast League against much older competition, leading many to believe that he may have more potential than his older sibling. Despite their contrasting fortunes last season, the goal remains the same for the two brothers: playing together in the major leagues in Miami.

Ring in the New Season

Earlier this week it was announced that the annual Marlins FanFest will take place on February 8 this year from 3-7 p.m. As always, there will be a variety of family-friendly events available throughout the day—including opportunities to get behind the scenes at Marlins Park—and the chance to pick out your seats for the season if you are interested in taking advantage of the membership discounts on tickets.

The event is free to the general public, but make sure to claim your tickets online ahead of time at marlins.com/fanfest.