14th Overall: Marlins Select RHP Jose Fernandez
By Aaron Somers
The Florida Marlins selected Jose Fernandez with the 14th pick of the 2011 MLB Dirst-Year Player Draft. The 18-year-old, right-handed pitcher attended Alonso High School (FL). The Cuban native stands 6’3″ tall and weighs 230 lbs. Fernandez was slotted as the 26th overall pick by Wally Fish in the S2S Mock Draft.
The Numbers:
Fernandez finished this season 13-1 with 134 strikeouts and a 1.35 ERA. He also threw 9 complete games and logged 93 innings. Fernandez went 30-3 in his three years at Alonso High School (FL) helping them win two state titles.
The Repertoire:
Fernandez features a fastball that can touch as high as 98 mph and sits regularly in the mid 90 ‘s. He also features a mid 80’s slider that has plus potential. His arsenal is rounded out with a curveball and change-up that apparently need work but have potential. Fernandez has excellent command and is known for having a mound presence beyond his years.
What They Say:
John Sickels
"Cuban defector has 90-95 MPH sinker, good slider and curve, workable changeup, big body, strong makeup. Committed to South Florida but expected to be relatively signable."
Perfect Game USA
"He is a power pitcher of the highest magnitude, with a big but loose body and smooth, easy throwing mechanics. Fernandez sits regularly in the 93-95 mph range with his fastball and compliments that with a low 80’s slider that has excellent depth and sharpness at times and a deceptive change up."
Diamond Scape Scouting
"Fernandez is a solid mid-rotation starter with a chance to provide true front-end value off the strength of two potential plus offerings and two more potential average or better offerings. If he prefers the all out max effort approach, of course, he has the makings of a top tier closer with two plus power pitches."
The Future:
While reports on his future have mixed opinions both potential outcomes are positive. Some scouts see Fernandez better suited for a closer role. Others see Fernandez as a durable inning-eater with front of the rotation stuff. The development of his secondary pitches will likely determine his future role for the Marlins. Regardless of the outcome, I love the selection. The fact that Fernandez played his high school ball in nearby Tampa is simply icing on the cake. The local ties and high floor make for a solid pickup for the Fish.