Justin Marks
| IP | 12 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.75 |
| WHIP | 2.167 |
| BB/9 | 9.75 |
| SO/9 | 6.75 |
- Full name Justin Michael Marks
- Born 01/12/1988 in Owensboro, KY
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Louisville
- Debut 04/20/2014
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Drafted in the 3rd round (92nd overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2009 (signed for $375,300).
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Marks started winning immediately at Louisville, quickly joining the rotation as a freshman in 2007 and earning victories in the Big East tournament and NCAA regional clinchers during the Cardinals' run to their first-ever College World Series. In three seasons, he has become the program's career leader in wins (29), ERA (2.96) and strikeouts (305 in 301 innings). He set another school mark with 11 victories this season. Marks doesn't have an overpowering pitch but he's a lefty with command of four solid offerings: a lively 90-92 mph fastball, a slider, a downer curveball and a changeup. Outside of a rough time in the Cape Cod League last summer, he has been very consistent. Marks has a good 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame, though there's some violence in his delivery from a high three-quarters slot. He could beat out more ballyhooed Chris Dominguez to become the first Louisville player drafted this year, with both figuring to go near the third round.
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Marks helped pitch Louisville to the 2007 College World Series as a freshman, going 9-2, 2.67, and he went on to become the program's all-time leader in wins (29), ERA (2.96) and strikeouts (305) in three seasons. He also set a school single-season record with 11 wins in 2009 before signing with Oakland for $375,300 as a thirdround pick. Marks is a polished lefthander with command of four average pitches, though none looks like a plus offering. He comes after hitters with a 90-92 mph fastball, a three-quarters curveball, a slider and a changeup. He shows moxie on the mound and has a physical frame, though there's some effort in his delivery. A groin injury cost him a chance to see much action in his pro debut and he eventually needed a hernia operation, though he should be ready to go in the spring. Marks' upside isn't as high as some of the other pitchers in the system, but he has the potential to move quickly and be a dependable back-of-the-rotation starter. He should open his first full pro season at one of Oakland's Class A affiliates.
