As part of MLBPipeline.com's visit to all 30 Spring Training facilities, we'll be sitting down with prospects and getting to know them a little better. At Marlins camp, it was No. 1 prospect Braxton Garrett (MLBPipeline.com's No. 43 overall prospect).
JUPITER, Fla. -- Braxton Garrett became the highest-drafted Alabama prep since 1971 when the Marlins selected him with the seventh-overall pick last June. He starred for the Team USA national team that won the 18U World Cup in Japan in September 2015 and then dominated as a senior at Florence High, posting a 0.53 ERA while piling up 131 strikeouts in just 65 1/3 innings.
MLBPipeline.com: Did you have any idea that the Marlins were going to take you with the seventh-overall pick last June?
• Marlins Top 30 Prospects list
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Garrett: I didn't know for sure, but I had an idea the day of the Draft. I had had a meeting with [Marlins scouting director Stan Meek] at my house, and then when I got the call it was a dream come true.
MLBPipeline.com: The Marlins decided not to push you after a long high school season, and the first time you took the mound as a pro was during fall instructional league. How good did it feel to get back out there?
Garrett: It was awesome. I traveled with our Gulf Coast League team, and that was tough because I like to compete. So I was ecstatic when I got to instructs and finally had a chance to pitch. I felt like I picked up right where I had left off. It all felt great.
MLBPipeline.com: Do you think that your time on the prep showcase circuit and pitching for Team USA will help you make a smooth transition to pro ball?
Garrett: Yeah, I think it's going to help a lot. Showcase-wise, and especially with Team USA, we faced unbelievable talent overseas -- lots of great teams and great hitters. I think it's comparable in terms of some of the competition I may face this year, but I also know that I'll need to adjust to all the hitters.
MLBPipeline.com: How much are you enjoying your first Spring Training experience?
Garrett: It's going good; I'm loving it, and I love being around baseball guys. Sometimes I learn as much from them as I do our coaches. Other than that, getting experience this spring is big for me for sure, because I haven't pitched much and obviously haven't pitched in a pro game.
MLBPipeline.com: What has been your biggest developmental focus this spring?
• Marlins Spring Training report
Garrett: Just working on a few mechanical things. I'm working on getting my arm out earlier, because I can be a little late sometimes and it will drag. I'm also working on my changeup a lot, because I want to be able to command that more. To me, command is the biggest part of pitching, so I'm always working on the command of all my pitches.