Florida Marlins Prospect Spotlight #47

Going into the 2003 season, Magness was considered one of the Marlins Top 30 prospects as well as one of their finest hitting prospects. Injury limited his success in Double A Carolina. Find out where he now stands in the Marlins plans in this installment of the Marlins Insider's Prospect Spotlight.

Pat Magness
Vital Stats:
Position: OF
DOB: January 19, 1978
Height: 6’3 Weight: 230 lbs.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Acquired: Drafted in the 12th Round(341st overall) of the 2000 amateur draft

Overview: The Marlins drafted Magness in the 2000 amateur draft following his stellar college career at powerhouse Wichita State University. Magness earned All-American honors for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 seasons. In 1998 he led the nation in batting as only a sophomore with a .467 average. Magness ended his college career at the top of thirteen WSU offensive records.

Batting: Magness is a pure hitter, period. He has a smooth, almost flawless left-handed stroke. He is considered to have one of the best batting eyes in the Marlins system, and he can hit for both average and power. In the 2002 season with the Jupiter Hammerheads in the Florida State League, he was among the league leaders in HRs and RBIs with 16 and 73 respectively. Pat also hit for a very respectable .292 average that year in a league that is known for carrying top level pitching prospects while not being a league that is a good place for hitters to show their power potential. A chronic sore right wrist limited Magness’ ability to show his talents in Double A Carolina during the 2003 season. He was limited to only 53 games, most of which he played in pain.

Base Running and Speed: Magness has below average speed and is not considered a strong base runner.

Defense: Magness can play 1B and the OF but grades below average at both positions. In college he was primarily a DH because he was such a defensive liability. He has a decent throwing arm but because of his below average speed he only projects as a 1B. However, he is not fully comfortable at that position either.

Projection: When all is said and done, there may not be a better all around hitting prospect in the Marlins organization than Pat Magness. However, for as good of hitter as he may be, he is equally as poor in all other phases of the game. Thus, he is considered a good prospect, but not a blue-chipper. A right wrist injury limited his 2003 season and it is important for Pat to show that the injury is no longer an issue and to make up for the lost year of development with a strong 2004 season.

Estimated Time of Arrival: Pat will start this year with a clean slate at Double A Carolina. If he proves that his injury is behind him and makes a strong showing he could earn an invitation to spring training in 2005 where he could become a quality pinch hitter and backup 1B for the Marlins.

Year	Team	AVG	R	HR	RBI	2B	SB	BB	SO	OBP	SLG
2003	Carolina	.227	10	3	18	7	0	24	36	.350	.348