Marlins agree on Minor League deals

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

MIAMI -- Several of the Marlins' top prospects will get their first taste of big-league camp when Spring Training begins on Feb. 17 at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla.

Highlighting the group will be the club's five 2005 first-round draft picks, pitchers Chris Volstad, Aaron Thompson, Jacob Marceaux, Ryan Tucker and Sean West. The 2005 draft was unique because Florida had three first-round and two sandwich picks. All were used on pitchers who project to rise rapidly through the system.

Even if these pitchers aren't big-league ready by Opening Day, they still could make an impact during the 2007 season or as early as 2008.

The Marlins announced Thursday that they have come to terms on Minor League contracts with 17 six-year free agents, all of whom will be invited to Spring Training.

Invitations were offered to infielders Joe Dillon, John Gall, Zach Sorensen, Jason Wood and Scott Seabol. Outfielders Nick Trzesniak and Alex Sanchez will be in camp. Sanchez has a chance to compete for the starting center-field job.

The six-year free-agent pitchers who will be in Jupiter are: Roy Corcoran, Nate Field, Lee Gardner, Mike Koplove, Wes Obermueller, Eddy Rodriguez, Jimmy Serrano and Chris George. Two catchers -- Chris Ashby and Paul Hoover -- also received invitations.

Rounding out the group of organizational players invited to Spring Training are: outfielders Brett Carroll and Alejandro De Aza; catchers Brad Davis and Brett Hayes; and pitcher Gabby Hernandez.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com.