4/30/04

Dan from Chicago asks: What do you think of Cubs pitching prospect Sean Marshall? I know he's only in low Class A ball and it's early, but his control has been outstanding, to the tune of a 1.33 ERA and a 27/1 K/BB ratio for Class A Lansing. Do you think Sean will stand out and break into the group of other great pitching prospects the Cubs have?

The Cubs have so many pitching prospects that some get lost in the shuffle. I think Marshall might be able to avoid that fate.

Marshall was drafted in the sixth round in 2003 out of Virginia Commonwealth University. His twin brother, Brian, also went to VCU, and was drafted by the Red Sox in the fifth round. Sean went to Boise in the Northwest League and pitched well, with a 2.57 ERA and an 88/23 K/BB ratio in 74 innings.

As you point out, he has been wonderful so far in '04, posting an amazing K/BB and basically overmatching the Midwest League. He'll get promoted quickly if he keeps this up.

Marshall is a thin 6-5, 185-pound southpaw. His fastball ranges from 87 to 93 mph, with movement. His velocity could pick up a bit more if he adds strength to his lanky frame. His out-pitch right now is a very good curveball, and he also has a solid changeup. Marshall is the classic college-trained lefty, able to mix his pitches well and hit spots in the strike zone. He has better velocity than many pitchers in that class, and his command is obviously excellent.

I don't think Marshall will have any problems with A-ball, so his first real test will be Double-A, which he could possibly see late this year. I gave him a C+ in my book this year, which could turn out to be too low a grade.

Brother Brian is also pitching well, being used in the bullpen for the Class-A Sarasota Red Sox. He's fanned nine in his first six innings, with no runs or walks allowed.