Every week, Floridamarlinsbaseball will highlight what's going on inside and outside the Marlins system. Stuff fans want to know about yet the media cannot cover. So tune in and we will fill you in what's happening in the
Overview: 45-46 2.5 GB
Top Hitters: Robert Andino .281-6-26, Scott Seabol .299-19-61, Val Pascucci .271-22-72
Top Pitchers: Chris George 5-7 5.60, Jeff Fulchino 6-2 5.83, Nate Field 6-4-2.12-10 Saves
State of the 'Topes: The Marlins AAA team is filled with plenty of veteran players. The past several years have taught us that the Marlins front office has viewed Albuquerque only as a place for major league ready players to tweak their game (i.e. Reggie Abercrombie, Matt Treanor, and Jason Vargas). With that said, it's rare to find prospects at AAA as opposed to Zebulon.
The Pacific Coast League All Star Game will be played at the Isotopes' home ballpark this year. The home team will field three representatives: Andino, Seabol, and Pascucci.
Andino was the Marlins second round pick back in 2002 and has proved himself in AAA. This is the shortstop's second consecutive All-Star game. Unfortunately it looks like Andino won't be taking grounders at Dolphins Stadium anytime soon due to Hanley Ramirez. The Miami native has seen limited action for the Marlins in 2005 and 2006, when Ramirez was injured. This is Andino's second season with the Topes.
Seabol is one of 18 Isotopes players born in the 1970s. Seabol was drafted back in 1996 by the New York Yankees. His career has seen 11 years in the minors and just 59 games in the majors. This is his second year in Albuquerque and he must love it there. Last season he batted .314, well above his .285 career average. The third baseman will continue swinging a hot bat in AAA but will only impact the Marlins if something happens to Miguel Cabrera.
Pascucci is another veteran hitter for Dean Treanor's Isotopes. The right fielder spent the past two seasons playing overseas. He is leading the Topes with 22 home runs and 72 runs batted in. Again, he role is most likely to provide insight to some of the younger guys like Abercrombie and Brett Carroll.
Overview: 8-12, 4 GB 2nd Half
Top Hitters: Lee Mitchell .296-16-54, Chase Lambin .279-10-35, Grant Psomas .247-9-35
Top Pitchers: Gaby Hernandez 4-8 3.57, Jesus Delgado 5-6 5.87, James Russ 1-3 3.71
State of the Mudcats: Carolina finished the first half 28-42 but don't let their record scare you. There is plenty of talent in Zebulon but they didn't get their breaks during the first half. The Mudcats have four players in the Southern League All-Star game and two of them deserve your attention.
Pitcher Gaby Hernandez was prospect the Marlins acquired for Paul Lo Duca in 2005. Since joining the Marlins organization, Hernandez has pitched lights out. He mastered High A Jupiter last season and proving to do the same with AA hitters. Hernandez was named the Marlins Organization Pitcher of the month for a June where he allowed just five earned runs. He has an excellent fastball but is stuck with the many other talented pitchers in the Marlins farm system.
Third baseman Lee Mitchell has been the leader of the Mudcats. He is the team's triple crown leading slugger, but has to work on his patience at the plate. The Marlins 2003 6th round pick has struck out 100 times while walking just 44. Mitchell leads the team in strikeouts, but has crushed the ball all summer long. Keep your eye on this kid.
Top hitters: Andrew Jenkins .313-2-39, Gaby Sanchez .278-4-42, J.T. Restko .272-4-28
Top Pitchers: Chris Volstad 7-7 4.16, Ryan Tucker 5-4 3.52, Brett Sinkbeil 3-4 4.14
