" ... Sean Marshall ... 2003 sixth-round pick, is using a high-80s fastball and a quality curve to put up some of the best numbers in the minors. He had a 2.34 ERA and a 99/23 K/BB ratio in 80 2/3 IP after being drafted last year, so he seems to be a legitimate prospect. Still, he ranks behind at least six or seven other pitchers in the Cubs system right now."
Marshall, another of the outta nowhere to phenom status players. The 6-6 lefty, 21, is now 2-0, 1.11 in 48 2/3s innings. He's allowed just 29 hits and 4 walks while fanning 51. He was a 6th round pick in the 2003 draft and had a successful pro debut -- 5-6, 2.57 in short-season ball (23 walks, 88 Ks in 73 /13 innings plus one outstanding start in Low-A ball, a 7 inning, 5-hit shutout, no walks, 11 Ks. Marshall garnered little attention as a prospect in the pre-season previews (not a mention in the On Deck Top 500) -- about the best rankings were on On Deck's Cubs' chart (rated 22nd in the Cubs system) and The Cub Reporter (No. 23) :
