By Mike Berardino
January 5, 2007

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible. Ages are as of April 1, 2007.

Complete Index of Top 10 Prospects
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The eternal push for a new south Florida stadium remains in limbo, but the Marlins continue to operate the baseball side with impressive skill. After blowing up a team that won the 2003 World Series and contended for the postseason the following two years, they exceeded all expectations by winning 78 games in 2006 with the game's youngest and least expensive club.

Many of the key pieces acquired in Florida's fire sale after the 2005 season already are making an impact in the big leagues. The Marlins set a record for rookie at-bats (3,694), with Hanley Ramirez (the key to the Josh Beckett trade with the Red Sox) winning National League rookie of the year honors and Dan Uggla (a Rule 5 steal) finishing third. Mike Jacobs (part of the Carlos Delgado deal with the Mets) slugged 20 homers. Florida also broke in two homegrown outfielders, Jeremy Hermida, who might be the best of the group in the long run, and Josh Willingham.

On the mound, the Marlins featured the first rookie foursome to each reach 10 victories each with the homegrown Josh Johnson and Scott Olsen, Anibal Sanchez (part of the Beckett trade) and Ricky Nolasco (included in the Juan Pierre deal with the Cubs). Johnson made a run at the National League ERA title, while Sanchez threw a no-hitter against the Diamondbacks.

While Florida was introducing fresh faces in the majors, it also was adding new talent. For the fourth straight year, the Marlins used their top draft pick on a pitcher. The Jeff Allison (2003) mistake aside, the strategy has worked well for them. Lefty swingman Taylor Tankersley (2004) made his way to the majors last June and worked his way into a prominent setup role. Chris Volstad (2005), the leader of the all-prospect rotation at low Class A Greensboro, rates as the system's top prospect after his first full season in pro ball. Right behind him is Brett Sinkbeil (2006), who joined Volstad at Greensboro a month after the draft.

Besides targeting pitching in the draft, general manager Larry Beinfest did the same when he was shedding salaries. He acquired 11 young arms in the fire sale, with Sergio Mitre, Yusmeiro Petit and Renyel Pinto and also pitching in the majors in 2006.

Not surprisingly, pitchers claim seven of the top eight spots on the Marlins Top 10 Prospects. Position talent in general is down throughout the system, with first baseman/catcher Gaby Sanchez considered on the fast track. While the Marlins figure to have baseball's youngest roster again in 2007, they continue to search for long-term answers at catcher and center field.

Their minor league affiliates combined for one of the worst records in the game, 316-363 (.465). Only the lowest affiliate on the ladder, the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League entry, posted a winning record. While disappointing, the performance was understandable considering that most of Florida's best prospects were pushed to the majors.

On the international front, the Marlins hired Albert Gonzalez from the Royals to be their coordinator of Latin American scouting and player development. Florida made a run at Dominican catcher Francisco Pena, whose father Tony is a former all-star and currently coaches with the Yankees, but lost out when the Mets signed him for $750,000.

1.	Chris Volstad, rhp   Born: Sept. 23, 1986 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-7 • Wt: 190
Drafted: HS--Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., 2005 (1st round) • Signed by: John Martin
Background: Volstad started generating buzz at the Area Code Games in the summer before his high school senior season. The Marlins, who sponsored his Area Code team, had at least one scout at all but two of his 13 senior starts. He might not have gotten to them with the 16th overall pick in 2005 had he not struggled with his control in his final outing, a loss in the Florida state playoffs. But when he did, there was no doubt the Marlins would take him. He was the perfect choice to headline what became a five-man rotation of young arms taken in the first and supplemental first-rounds of the 2005 draft: Aaron Thompson, Jacob Marceaux, Ryan Tucker and Sean West. The first prep pitcher selected in that draft, Volstad quickly signed for $1.6 million and wasted little time proving his worth. He rated as the top pitching prospect in both the Rookie-level Gulf Coast and short-season New York-Penn leagues in his debut. In his first full season, he followed up by ranking as the second-best mound prospect in the low Class A South Atlantic League. He overcame a rough May (1-4, 5.94) to allow two earned runs or fewer in 13 of his final 15 starts. Strengths: A certified strike thrower, Volstad works his fastball effectively at 89-92 mph and touches 94 mph. His two-seamer has heavy sink, producing a 2.3 groundout-flyout ratio in 2006, and he has started to elevate his four-seamer to get overzealous hitters to chase balls out of the zone. He can throw his 80-82 mph curve for strikes and is doing a better job of varying speeds on it and burying it when necessary. He has a solid changeup for his experience level with the potential to make that a plus pitch as well. Volstad grew to his current 6-foot-7 height as a high school junior and credits his basketball background with improving his footwork and agility. That coordination leads to his uncanny control. The ability to mix it up in the lane couldn't have hurt his aggressiveness either. Volstad has strong makeup and good intelligence, both in a baseball and general sense, and takes coaching well. He's constantly poised on the mound, where he looks the same whether he's working on a no-hitter or one mistake from hitting the showers. Weaknesses: If anything, Volstad has a tendency to be around the plate too much. That allows hitters to dig in and led to his struggles in May. He has averaged just 6.4 strikeouts per nine innings his first two seasons, another sign that he has been too hittable considering the quality of his stuff. Some non-believers say he might wind up as little more than a middle-of-the-rotation workhorse who won't blow hitters away. Volstad still needs to add muscle and grow into his frame, especially in the lower half. Though he's well coordinated, his long frame always will make it a challenge for him to maintain his delivery. The Future: Having avoided any major hiccups so far, Volstad will head to high Class A Jupiter along with several other members of the Class of '05. Like the Grasshoppers had in 2005, the Hammerheads likely will have a rotation comprised solely of first-rounders. With a talented young rotation already in the majors, the Marlins can afford to proceed cautiously with Volstad. He still could arrive for good by the end of 2008.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Greensboro (Lo A) 11 8 3.08 26 26 0 0 152 161 12 36 99 .275
2.	Brett Sinkbeil, rhp   Born: Dec. 26, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 170
Drafted: Missouri State, 2006 (1st round) • Signed by: Ryan Wardinsky
Background: Sinkbeil established himself as a possible first-round pick in the Cape Cod League in the summer of 2005 and backed that up with a strong spring at Missouri State. The only hurdle he had to overcome was proving was healthy after missing three weeks with a strained oblique. The Padres and Phillies showed some interest just ahead of the Marlins, who took him 19th overall and quickly signed him for $1.525 million. Strengths: Sinkbeil's fastball sits at 89-93 mph and tops out at 95 mph, showing late life that often overwhelmed New York-Penn League hitter. His tight slider is a legitimate out pitch and he feels confident throwing it in any count. He throws strikes with both pitches. Driven and focused, he tries to pattern himself after Roger Clemens in terms of work ethic and preparation. He packed on 35 pounds of muscle in three years at Missouri State. Weaknesses: His changeup was weak in college and still needs work. Sinkbeil has yet to find a comfortable grip and match the same arm speed of his fastball. If he can't, he'll be a reliever down the road. Though he's a strong competitor, some wish he would be a little more outgoing. The Future: After holding his own in low Class A late in the summer, Sinkbeil might return there to begin his first full pro season. However, it won't be long before he joins the Class of '05 in high Class A. He projects as a solid No. 3 starter, possibly a No. 2, and could be ready in 2008.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Jamestown (SS) 2 0 1.23 5 5 0 0 22 14 1 8 22 .192 Greensboro (Lo A) 1 1 4.99 8 8 0 0 40 45 5 14 32 .290
3.	Gaby Hernandez, rhp   Born: May 21, 1986 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 210
Drafted: HS--Miami, 2004 (3rd round) • Signed by: Joe Salermo (Mets)
Background: Yusmeiro Petit was supposed to be the best arm the Marlins got in the twin deals that sent Carlos Delgado and Paul LoDuca to the Mets, but it's now clear that Hernandez is better. One of the youngest players in the high Class A Florida State League for the second straight year, he continued to build on a solid track record despite a minor toe injury that slowed him in the early going. Strengths: Hernandez' fastball sits at 90-92 mph with good run and he'll pop his four-seamer at 94 mph. His changeup is average to maybe a tick above. Not afraid to work inside, he hit 13 batters in 2006, though most of those were on wayward curveballs. He has a tremendous work ethic and the ability to turn things up a notch with runners on base. Weaknesses: Though it continues to make progress, Hernandez' slow curve is average at best. He may junk it and go with a slider in 2007. His overall command must improve. He's his own harshest critic, and his perfectionism works to his detriment at times. The Future: Hernandez will make the jump to Double-A Carolina as a 20-year-old. He projects as a No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the majors, but he must improve his breaking ball to get there.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Jupiter (Hi A) 9 7 3.68 21 20 0 0 120 120 7 35 115 .259
4.	Sean West, lhp   Born: June 15, 1986 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-8 • Wt: 200
Drafted: HS--Shreveport, La., 2005 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Ryan Fox
Background: Signed for $775,000 out of high school, West has wasted little time showing he belonged among those five pitchers the Marlins took in the top 44 picks in 2005. He pitched six shutout innings in his first 2006 start then spent a month on the disabled list with nagging shoulder pain. When he returned, he didn't give up more than two earned runs in his next six starts and later ripped off a five-game winning streak. Strengths: West comes right at hitters from a three-quarters arm slot with a tailing fastball that sits at 90-93 mph and touches 96. He has two different sliders, one fairly tight and the other a big breaker. His changeup is a plus pitch at times. His large frame gives him a Randy Johnson Lite look, and he uses his emotions to his benefit on the mound. Weaknesses: West needs to use his changeup more. His shoulder woes were chalked up to the rigors of his first pro spring training and aren't a concern. His off-center personality has at times interfered with his between-starts work, which contributed to a late-season fade. He also could use a few lessons in not showing up opponents on the mound. The Future: West will be part of an all-first-rounder rotation in high Class A in 2007. He's more polished than most lefthanders his age and has bigger stuff than most lefthanders, period. He's definitely on the fast track now.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Greensboro (Lo A) 8 5 3.74 21 21 0 0 120 115 13 40 102 .255
5.	Gaby Sanchez, 1b/c   Born: Sept. 2, 1983 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 225
Drafted: Miami, 2005 (4th round) • Signed by: John Martin
Background: After a suspension cost him his junior year at the University of Miami, Sanchez signed with the Marlins for $250,000 as a fourth-round pick in 2005. East Coast scouting supervisor Mike Cadahia vouched for a player he had known for years. Sanchez won the New York-Penn League batting title in his pro debut and played well in 2006 until nagging finger and foot injuries slowed him down. Strengths: Sanchez has tremendous plate discipline and an advanced approach to hitting. He has plus raw power, makes quick adjustments and knows how to set pitchers up. He eliminated some extraneous pre-swing hand movement with the help of minor hitting coordinator John Mallee, who also got him to stop pulling off the ball. Sanchez has shown good versatility, flashing potential behind the plate and at first base in addition to his natural position at third. He has a strong, accurate arm. Weaknesses: Though his footwork is sound, Sanchez never will be more than an average defender. His body could use more definition and his range is barely passable at first or third base. Because of his suspension and injuries, he has played the equivalent of just one season in the last two years. The Future: After holding his own in the Arizona Fall League, Sanchez figures to open 2007 back in high Class A. The Marlins will use him mostly at first base, which should expedite getting his bat into the big league lineup.
2006 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB GCL Marlins (R) .333 .636 .500 6 1 2 1 0 0 3 5 0 0 Jupiter (Hi A) .182 .324 .327 55 13 10 3 1 1 7 12 12 1 Greensboro (Lo A) .317 .447 .603 189 43 60 12 0 14 40 39 20 6
6.	Taylor Tankersley, lhp   Born: March 7, 1983 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 220
Drafted: Alabama, 2004 (1st round) • Signed by: Dave Dangler
Background: Tankersley is the son of a nuclear physicist and the grandson of a former big league pitcher. Earl Tankersley taught his grandson the importance of pitching inside, reminding him those hitters were trying to take food off his table. The lessons paid off with a $1.3 million bonus in 2004 and an early June callup to the majors in 2006. Strengths: A bulldog with a quick wit and baseball savvy, Tankersley pounds the strike zone with an 88-92 mph fastball and knows how to move it around to good purpose. His low three-quarters arm slot makes him particularly nasty on lefthanders, and righthanders aren't able to do much with him either. He uses a slurvy breaking ball that has good depth and will drop a changeup in on righties to keep them honest. Weaknesses: His stuff isn't overpowering, so Tankersley must be precise with his location and pitch selection. He missed two months in 2005 with shoulder tendinitis, leading to questions about his durability as a starter. However, he has been resilient since making the permanent move to the bullpen. The Future: With veteran closer Joe Borowski departing for the Indians as a free agent, Tankersley appears to be first in line to finish games for the 2007 Marlins. He dominated hitters in that role in Double-A. He has the tenacity and the versatility of a young Mike Stanton and could enjoy a similarly lengthy career.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Carolina (AA) 4 1 0.95 22 0 0 6 28 11 0 14 40 .125 Florida 2 1 2.85 49 0 0 3 41 33 4 26 46 .228
7.	Aaron Thompson, lhp   Born: Feb. 27, 1987 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 195
Drafted: HS--Houston, 2005 (1st round) • Signed by: Dennis Cardoza
Background: Thompson was considered a tough sign after committing to Texas A&M. The Aggies made his decision easier when they fired their coaching staff, and he turned pro for $1.225 million as part of the Marlins' 2005 draft. He has known former Marlin Kevin Millar since he was five, when Thompson's grandparents served as Millar's host family at Lamar University. Millar used to do cannonballs off the grandparents' roof into their swimming pool. Strengths: As so many finesse lefties have been through the years, Thompson often draws comparisons to Tom Glavine. Thompson pitches at 88-90 mph with his fastball and also has an out-pitch slider, potential plus curveball and solid-average changeup. He holds runners well, thinks his way through a lineup and demonstrates good savvy. Weaknesses: On some nights, Thompson's fastball is a little short, but he could add more velocity as his body matures. He did touch 92 mph in high school. He could tighten up his curve, use his changeup a little more and polish his overall command. The Future:  After handing low Class A with three other members of the Class of '05, Thompson will head to high Class A with them. He may be close to his ceiling but that shouldn't keep him from pushing for a big-league rotation spot as early as midseason 2008.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Greensboro (Lo A) 8 8 3.63 24 24 0 0 134 139 12 35 114 .270
8.	Ryan Tucker, rhp   Born: Dec. 6, 1986 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 190
Drafted: HS--Temple City, Calif., 2005 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: John Cole
Background: Tucker came on strong as a prep senior in 2005, wowing scouts with his big fastball. The Cardinals were among several clubs that thought about taking him in the first round, but he fell to the Marlins at No. 34 and signed for $975,000. He hasn't had as much success as the other members of the Class of '05, but he may have the highest ceiling. Strengths: Tucker's fastball remains his calling card, showing late life and the potential to dominate hitters. He pitches at 92-94 mph and touched 98 mph in his first full pro season. His changeup really took off at midseason, helping him post eight straight quality starts. He's a good athlete with a fluid delivery. He has an intense personality and shows no fear on the mound. Weaknesses: His breaking stuff needs work. The Marlins took away Tucker's curveball and weren't too impressed with his slider, so they gave him a cutter instead. He began tinkering with it at a fall 2005 minicamp, then broke it out for game use in mid-2006. The Future: Tucker will continue to start as he climbs the ladder, though his fastball profiles him as future closer material. Despite middling results in low Class A, he should move up to high Class A along with his fellow 2005 first-rounders.
2006 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Greensboro (Lo A) 7 13 5.00 25 25 2 0 131 123 14 67 133 .246
9.	Chris Coghlan, 3b/2b   Born: June 18, 1985 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 190
Drafted: Mississippi, 2006 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Mark Willoughby
Background: Though he never hit more than six homers in any of his three seasons at Mississippi, Coghlan boosted his stock by winning the 2005 Cape Cod League batting title with a .346 average. Taken with the 36th overall pick last June, he held out for seven weeks before signing for $950,000. He played with Tyler Jennings, the son of Marlins personnel chief Dan Jennings, at a Tampa-area high school. Strengths: Coghlan's inside-out stroke allows him to spray line drives to all fields. He shows strong plate discipline, some gap power and a great desire to improve. A third baseman for most of his college career, he moved to second base during fall minicamp and took to the switch. With the help of infield coordinator Ed Romero, Coghan moved well around the bag and showed solid range. Weaknesses: After signing, Coghlan had a little trouble with inside fastballs but worked with hitting coordinator John Mallee on pulling more balls to keep pitchers honest. He doesn't have true third-base power, so moving to second base would help him profile better as a regular. Despite his experience at the hot corner, his arm is average at best. The Future: Coghlan earns comparisons to Bill Mueller for his ability to make solid contact and his overall gritty play. He should open his first full pro season in low Class A, where Greensboro's cozy First Horizon Park should help his power numbers spike.
2006 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB GCL Marlins (R) .286 .286 .286 7 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 Jamestown (SS) .298 .373 .372 94 14 28 5 1 0 12 13 9 5
10.	Kris Harvey, of   Born: Jan. 5, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2• Wt: 195
Signed: Clemson, 2005 (2nd round) • Signed by: Joel Matthews
Background: The son of Bryan Harvey, a former all-star and the first closer in Marlins history, Kris touched 97 mph with his fastball at Clemson. A two-way star for the Tigers, he finished second in NCAA Division I with 25 homers in 2005 before signing for $575,000 as a second-round pick. He missed nearly half of his first full pro season with a strained oblique muscle. Strengths: He has easy power and the ability to punish hanging breaking balls, though some scouts believe he should lay off more of the latter. Quality fastballs are no problem for Harvey, who has excellent bat speed and loose wrists. He looks comfortable and effective in right field, showing a strong and accurate arm. His speed and athleticism are solid, and his makeup is strong. Weaknesses: Harvey has 142 strikeouts in 630 pro at-bats, and he may not make enough consistent contact to hit for a high average. He could stand to reshape his 6-foot-2 frame, adding 10-15 pounds of muscle. His value would have been enhanced if he had been able to stay at third base, but Florida scrapped that plan after his 2005 debut. The Future: Harvey could return to low Class A in 2007 in an effort to get his bat going again. He faces roadblocks in the form of Jeremy Hermida, who has staked a claim to right field, and Josh Willingham, who smacked 25 homers in his first year as Florida's left fielder.
2006 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Greensboro (Lo A) .245 .291 .428 367 46 90 18 2 15 60 24 82 9

Complete Index of Top 10 Prospects

Pre-Order the 2007 Prospect Handbook 30 scouting reports on every team

Photo Credits:
Volstad: Tom Priddy
Sinkbeil, Coghlan: Rich Abel
West: Morris Fostoff
Tankersley, Thompson, Harvey: Steve Moore
Tucker: Rodger Wood