Third baseman Moran highlights Marlins' Draft haul
Organization adds balance of quality arms, power bats and speed to farm system
The Marlins began the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft on Thursday with good fortune as UNC third baseman Colin Moran fell to them at the No. 6 spot.
Drafting Moran is a huge addition for Miami, which has only one third baseman -- Zack Cox -- ranked among its Top 20 prospects. A tough 2012 slowed Cox's ascent to the Majors, making the addition of Moran even more valuable.
Stan Meek, the Marlins VP of scouting, was "thrilled" Moran dropped to No. 6 and believes the third baseman has the potential to reach the Majors quickly. Moran's arrival could be a welcome sign of stability for Miami at the hot corner.
The Marlins have yet to find a long-term solution at third base since trading Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers in December 2007.
Miami followed Moran's selection by picking up three quality arms in left-hander Matt Krook (35th overall) and right-handers Trevor Williams (44th overall) and Colby Suggs (73rd overall) to conclude Day 1.
Meek was especially happy to nab a southpaw like Krook.
"We felt he was kind of a first-round kind of a guy, and we got him a little bit after that," Meek said. "We felt real good about it. We target left-handed pitching quite a bit."
Krook will join pitching prospects Justin Nicolino, Andrew Heaney and Adam Conley as prominent lefties in the Marlins' farm system.
Nicolinio, Heany and Conley were ranked among Miami's top six prospects entering the 2013 season. Krook's talent and potential should earn him a spot alongside his fellow left-handers.
The Marlins' first-day pitching haul should only encourage an organization that has enjoyed a glimpse of the future in the emergence of young right-handed starters Jose Fernandez and Jacob Turner.
Miami focused entirely on the field around the bump on Day 2, drafting eight position players in eight picks.
Speedy prospect Ben DeLuzio (80th overall) highlighted Day 2, and Meek believes the Marlins got a fifth-round steal in durable Cal State Fullerton catcher Brad Wallach (142nd overall).
"He's always been a tough kid," Meek said. "We just liked him a lot -- everything about him with the mentality that he brings to the ballpark."
Miami also took some chances on prospects with raw power on Days 2 and 3, drafting K.J. Woods (112th overall), Ryan Aper (172nd overall) and Miles Williams (442nd).
After taking 13 position players with their first 17 picks, the Marlins decided to shift their focus back to pitching, taking mostly hurlers from the 16th round onward.