Catching Prospect

[Mariners]

The Phillies top prospect list came out, and at #8 is their catcher of the future, 21 year old Lou Marson is available today:

Background: Marson had dreams of playing quarterback in college until he broke his collarbone as a high school senior. He struggled for most of his first three years in pro ball, not hitting for average or power and showing just average defensive tools. Diligence and hard work paid off for him in 2007, when he broke through with the bat and was part of a second straight Class A championship.

Strengths: Marson has an easily repeatable stroke that produces line drives to all fields. In 2007, he shortened his swing and developed a much more consistent two-strike approach. Defensively, Marsonís game-calling and receiving skills are above average. His arm grades as average to slightly above, and he ranked third in the high Class A Florida State League by throwing out 36 percent of basestealers.

Weaknesses: Marsonís footwork and lateral movement behind the plate need improvement. His arm action sometimes can get long, as he'll lead with his elbowólikely the result of his days as a high school quarterback. He's a below-average runner, though not bad for a catcher.

The Future: He'll be an everyday catcher in Double-A in 2008 and could move up to Triple-A if Jason Jaramillo claims a big league role. The Phillies suddenly have several options behind the plate, so thereís no reason to push Marson.

I will trade him for prospect at another position, or a major league reliever.

I'm also interested in seeing what the Nats #1 propect - Chris Marrero can fetch in trade talks.

Background: As a junior at Monsignor Pace High in Opa Locka, Fla., Marrero established himself as the best high school position prospect for the 2006 draft. But a hamstring injury during his senior year caused Marrero to overcompensate by opening up his front hip and pulling off the ball, making his swing look deceptively long and causing him to wave over the top of breaking balls. He wasnít even the best player on his state championship team, as that distinction fell to Adrian Cardenas, whoís now starring in the Phillies system. Nationals scouts surmised that Marrero would return to form if they could fix his stride, and he reinforced their belief that his senior struggles were a fluke by putting on a monstrous pre-draft power display in a workout at RFK Stadium. Washington stole him with the 15th overall pick and signed him for $1.625 million. After the draft, he worked on the mechanical adjustments and began to make progress before viral meningitis cut short his debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He was completely healthy by the spring and began his first full professional season at low Class A Hagerstown, where his power exploded with 11 homers in May. After a promotion to high Class A Potomac, Marrero tired down the stretch but rallied in the final two weeks after choking up a bit on the bat.

Strengths: Marreroís best tool is his well above-average power to all fields. He has a quiet, line-drive stroke, and heís strong enough to hit the ball over the fence from foul pole to foul pole. His swing has tremendous leverage, and his balance and bat speed allow him to square up balls on the barrel consistently. His approach was very mature for a 19-year-old in high Class A, not only because of his willingness to use the opposite field but also because of his ability to make adjustments. He drew more walks and chased fewer pitches in his time at Potomac. Marrero also has an above-average arm. His work ethic receives rave reviews from Nationals personnel.

Weaknesses: Despite his arm strength, Marrero isn't a good outfielder, thanks largely to his below-average speed. Washington decided to move him to first base in instructional league. He showed good aptitude for the position, with sufficient lateral range, quick reactions and decent hands. He still needs to get comfortable at first base and work on receiving throws from infielders and picking balls in the dirt. Offensively, Marrero has all the tools but requires more at-bats to learn how to hit advanced pitching

The Future: Marrero has a chance to start 2008 as a 19-year-old at Double-A Harrisburg, though he could return to Potomac and move up quickly. Heís not far from big league ready as a hitter, and how fast he learns first base could determine how soon he reaches Washington. That could happen as early as the second half of 2008, and by 2009 he figures to be a fixture in the middle of the big league lineup. His massive power gives him a chance to be a star.