Marlins Top Prospects: #6 Chad James
Miami Marlins' top pick of the 2009 draft was left-handed pitcher Chad James out of Yukon, Oklahoma. James is a project in the making and can reach his potential as a number two starter the more he continues to develop.
Although his numbers from his first professional season in 2010 didn't reflect a solid debut with a 5-10 record and 5.12 ERA, James showed great raw stuff. But nothing could have prepared him for what took place in 2011.
James began the season 0-13 with Class A Jupiter, not picking up his first win until his 19th start on July 16, despite posting a 3.59 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 28 walks through 96 2/3 innings. With the Florida State League's worst offense behind him, James rebounded to win five of his final seven outings, finishing 5-15 with a 3.80 ERA.
James ranked 17th in strikeouts among Hi-A pitchers in 2011, experiencing a dip in strikeouts per nine innings from 8.3 in his debut to 7.5, but what he sacrificed in velocity, he gained in command issuing two fewer walks per nine.
The 2012 season should have James heading to Double-A in Jacksonville, where he will continue to develop a slider he added to his repertoire last season. Although he is probably at least a year away from reaching the big leagues, some scouts believe James could have a breakout campaign soon by making strikes in areas of his game needing fine tuning, including defense (six errors last season) and how he approaches hitters.