Posted on 11 April 2009
H/W: 5-11 195 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 4/23/85
The Marlins acquired the young infielder as the centerpiece of a trade that sent highly talented right hander Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham to the Washington Nationals this past winter. Bonifacio struggled last season with the Diamondbacks and Nationals hitting .240 with 0 HR 16 RBI and 7 SB in 190 AB, but his numbers in spring training fell more in line with his minor league track record as he hit .279 with 13 RBI 14 runs scored and 5 SB in 24 games. Bonifacio has elite speed that he uses as a weapon on the basepaths and allows him great range in the field. He is adept with the glove and his arm strength is strong enough to place him at 3B. One area of his game that needs to improve is approach at the plate. Bonifacio has below average power, yet his swing is not conducive to playing a small game. He has struck out more than 100 times in four of the last five seasons and struggles to draw walks on a consistent basis.
2009 Projection: Bonifacio earned the starting gig as Florida's third baseman and responded with a 4-5 day which included an inside-the-park homerun, four runs scored, and three stolen bases. Bonifacio has the type of game similar to a Chone Figgins as an atypical, slap-hitting speedster who can play a variety of infield positions and generate runs once he is on the basepaths. His challenge for the Marlins is to become a player that can get on base more than 35% of the time, acting as a catalyst for Florida's powerful middle of the lineup.
Key Emilio Bonifacio Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/1874
- 2008 Upper Deck Premier Auto #/99
- 2008 Upper Deck Piece of History Auto #/499
- 2008 Upper Deck Spectrum Auto
- 2008 SPX Auto
Posted on 10 February 2009
H/W: 6-1 190 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/18/85
This University of Mississippi alum produced a rock solid stat line at AA Carolina this past season hitting .298 with 7 HR 74 RBI 34 SB and 84 runs scored. Coghlan is a highly polished player in just about every aspect of the game. His short, inside-out swing peppers line drives to all fields with the occasional gap power. He is a throw back player that gives a maximum effort both on an off of the field. He grinds out at bats and is a tough man to strikeout (67 BB/65 K in '08) which, when paired with his quickness, makes him a potent top of the order hitter. Defensively, Coghlan has decent range and an average arm which should fit well at 2B.
2009 Projection: Dan Uggla is still the Marlins' second baseman...for now. The 2008 All-Star was shopped around in the offseason and could be a hot commodity at the trading deadline in July. This should give Coghlan ample time to complete his development at AAA before making his debut with the Fish at some point late in the season. His pedal to the metal style of play and all around skill set should make him a fixture atop Florida's lineup and in the hearts of Marlins fans for years to come.
Key Chris Coghlan Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Futures Game Jersey
- 2007 Bowman's Best Auto
- 2007 Bowman Heritage
Posted on 31 January 2009
H/W: 6-2 225 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/2/83
The former Miami Hurricane took a major step forward in his development last season by hitting .314 with 17 HR 92 RBI 17 SB and 42 doubles at AA Carolina. His superb showing earned him the opportunity to debut with the Marlins where he rapped 3 hits in 8 AB. Sanchez is a complete hitter who uses a disciplined approach at the plate to drive pitches to the gaps with decent power. He works counts well and is a good contact hitter (69 BB/70 K). Some scouts have criticized his shoddy conditioning and fringe athleticism in the past, but he seems to have worked dilligently prior to the '08 season to firm up his body and increase his speed. Sanchez plays both 1B and 3B defensively, though his soft hands and fringe average range profiles better at 1B where he should be a solid fielder. Despite his well-rounded game, Sanchez's skills are likely at their apex which, given his numbers, makes him a decent but not spectacular 1B prospect. However, the Marlins' organization feel good enough about his development that they let 30+ HR hitter Mike Jacobs leave via free agency in the off season.
2009 Projection: Spring training will provide Sanchez with ample opportunities to prove to the Marlins' brass that he is prepared to take the reigns at 1B this season. The window for Sanchez to succeed is small. While he is slated to be the starter this season over veteran Wes Helms and 2008 MILB HR champ Dallas McPherson, his hold on the 1B job will last only as long as the Marlins decide to wait until they usher super prospect Logan Morrison into the role. By that time, Sanchez will find him self in a new position or on a new team.
Key Gaby Sanchez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Posted on 29 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/28/89
If 2008 was an indicator of what should be expected of this young 3B, Florida Marlins fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. In 88 games at Low-A Greensboro, Dominguez batted .296 with 18 HR 70 RBI and 59 runs scored. Prior to the '07 draft, several scouts felt that Dominguez's best strengths rested in his Gold Glove caliber defensive abilities at the hot corner, drawing comparisons to Ryan Zimmerman and Mike Lowell. The offense, however, has come along quicker than anticipated as Dominguez uses his strong, athletic frame to drive balls with excellent pull power and good contact skills. As Matt's frame fills out, he should develop more power and less footspeed, which is fringe average already. Going forward, Dominguez still has some mechanical issues to iron out at the plate as he is culpable to pitches on the outer part of the plate and his plate discipline (23 BB/68 K) is still a work in progress. Regardless, Dominguez remains an elite 3B prospect with an even higher ceiling than what was projected when the Marlins selected him in '07.
2009 Projection: High-A Jupiter will be the likely destination for Dominguez this next season with a promotion to AA Jacksonville a distinct possibility if Matt continues his success. It is still unclear whether Dominguez will be a 15-20 HR guy or 25-30 HR player. If last season's August results (.333 10 HR 33 RBI) are any indication, then it would seem that the latter may even be a conservative estimate. The biggest key for Dominguez is to continue to replicate this performance against better pitching. Keep an eye on his BB/K ratio as that will be an indicator of whether or not he has addressed his culpabilities at the plate. His doubles totals might also shed some light on how he is handling pitches on the outer portion of the plate. In an organization that has historically had very good 3B, Matt Dominguez is the next to come along. Given his blend of defense, power, and athleticism, he could become great.
Key Matt Dominguez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/769
Posted on 24 December 2008
H/W: 6-3 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 3/1/90
With the 5th overall selection in the 2008 MLB draft, the Marlins finally got their catcher of the future and he's a good one. Big, strong, and athletic, Skipworth evokes comparisons to fellow left-hand hitting backstop Joe Mauer. Skipworth's swing is fluid and generates good torque to drive balls out to all fields and, given more time, he should develop solid plate discipline which should let him hit for a high batting average. Kyle has a howitzer for an arm, but due to his size, his footwork and receiving skills are still quite raw. To make up for it, Skipworth is a good competitor and diligent worker who is devoted to his duties behind the plate. These characteristics give many optimism that Skipworth should develop into a solid, power hitting catcher that the Marlins have been seeking for years.
2009 Projection: Skipworth should get a complete season at Low-A Greensboro to improve on his lackluster '08 numbers (.208 5 HR 21 RBI 13 BB/46 K's in 43 games). The plate discipline is the key element holding back Kyle's ability to hit for a high average. Keep an eye on those numbers. Right now this is a kid with tons of projectibility, but not much performance. The path to the major leagues is littered with failed careers of high upside/low production guys. However, the Marlins organization is a reputably astute evaluator of talent and Skipworth should only enhance their reputation.
Key Kyle Skipworth Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/699
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
H/W: 5-11 195 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 4/23/85
