Top Prospect Marlins

Gaby Hernandez

HEIGHT/WEIGHT:6'3' / 215
DOB: 5/21/1986

AGE:20

BATS/THROWS: Right / Right

Hernandez, a 2004 third-round pick of the Mets, was the better of the two prospects picked up by Florida in the Paul Lo Duca trade a year ago. His moving low-90s fastball, curveball and changeup should all become solid major league pitches -- though he has further to go with the curve than with the changeup -- and since he possesses very good command for someone so young, he projects as a future No. 3 starter. The stress fracture in his foot that ended his season in late July doesn't figure to be a lingering concern entering 2007. He's due to spend the year in Double-A. - rotoworld

Fastball: Hernandez sits in the 91-93 range with his fastball. Although the velocity isnt as high as would be desired his fastball has nice late movement that keeps hitters off balance. He likes to work off his fastball to set the tempo of the game. He can normally place his fastball pretty well most games.

Curveball: As of now his curve projects to be a solid pitch for him in the majors. It has a decent 11-5 break. He had trouble locating it earlier in his career but is now starting to be able to spot it. It may very well be his strikeout pitch during his career.

Changeup: He has a decent developing changeup. Its at a stage right now where if he works hard on it it may be a good pitch for him into the future.

Projection: Hernandez projects to be a solid middle of the rotation guy with a ceiling of a good 2.