Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
It has been away for awhile but the 2012 Miami Marlins prospects review is back for another look at what prospect did what. Thursday, we will review Chad James.
Chad James is a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher in the Marlins’ farm system. James was drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft. James has had up and down years with in the minor leagues. For three straight seasons he has reached the double-digit total in losses as signs show he has had struggles with command. James has 35 losses in 74 career starts in the minors.
In 2012, James’ ERA went up and his K/9 went down. In 2011 with the Jupiter Hammerheads, his ERA was 3.80 and his K/9 was 7.5. In 2012 with the same team, James’ ERA increased to 4.87 and his K/9 lowered to 6.3. Not really a great season for someone that may have gotten a major league call-up.
James is rated the 13th best prospect my MLB.com, 6th best by Baseball America and 5th best by Baseball Prospectus.
James is in a pitcher heavy farm system and if he is not the man for the job in the rotation, he could definitely be a potential trade asset. He is still young but is behind four pitchers that are rated in the Top 10 in the Marlins’ system by MLB.com including two top draft picks following the James pick.
It is suggested that James could see major league play by 2014. If he improved next season you could see him as a September 2013 call-up instead of a rotation player in 20114.
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