Top Ten Prospects

2. Sean Marshall, LHP, Age: 21

The Cubs drafted Marshall out of Virginia Commonwealth with a sixth-round pick last year. In 2003, he made stops in the Northwest and Midwest Leagues and blew away the competition in both circuits: 80.2 innings, 99 strikeouts, 23 walks 1 home run, 2.34 ERA. He's not an especially hard thrower, but he has great movement on his fastball and a strong curve and change. Marshall keeps the ball on the ground, and the organization likes his pitching instincts. This season the Cubs started him out back at Lansing, and he once again dominated. Such was his performance, that the Cubs skipped him a level to AA-West Tennessee, where's made two starts. If he fares well there, he'll get the credit he deserves. Right now, he looks like a real sleeper. ETA: Late 2005.