When the Miami Marlins acquired Anthony DeSclafani in the blockbuster with the Toronto Blue Jays after the 2012 season, most people saw the man nicknamed “Disco” as nothing more than a throw in.He has now emerged as one of the top prospect in the Marlins organization and will have plenty of opportunities to win a starting job in Spring Training.

Disco is well on his way to earn that role, as his experience in the Arizona Fall League should help prove to the Marlins that he can get advanced hitters out on a consistent basis. Yesterday, it was announced that DeSclafani was named the AFL Pitcher of the week.

DeSclafani in two starts for the Rafters last week did not allow an earned run over 10 innings. He also walked one, struck out seven and logged a 0.70 WHIP. Through six AFL outings, DeSclafani was 1-0 with a 2.67 ERA. He was pacing the circuit with 27 innings pitched, ranked second in strikeouts (24), walks per nine innings (1.33) and fewest baserunners per nine (9.67).

If Disco can close the AFL on a strong note, he’s a decent spring away from having another opportunity in the Marlins rotation. Disco was the first Marlin minor leaguer called upon during the 2014 season when Jose Fernandez went down. His first start went really well in Los Angeles, but it went downward from there. DeSclafani went 2-2 with a 6.27 ERA in 13 appearances (five starts) last year for the Fish.

Hopefully the AFL experience is a good learning lesson for the former Gator.

Marlins News from Around the Web:

Miami Marlins: Anthony DeSclafani AFL Pitcher of the Week | Sun-Sentinel

Tuesday, the Arizona Fall League named Miami Marlins’ right-hander Anthony DeSclafani of the Salt River Rafters its Pitcher of the Week,

DeSclafani in two starts for the Rafters last week did not allow an earned run over 10 innings.

Should Chicago Cubs should give up the farm for Giancarlo Stanton? | Cubbies Crib

The Chicago Cubs are currently in the market for a big time starting pitcher and have been linked to almost every major free agent pitcher this off-season, from Jon Lester to Jordan Zimmerman, and are reportedly interested in Philadelphia Phillies’ Cole Hamels. The Phillies are again reportedly asking for three top prospects for their prized ace, and of course the Cubs have one of the deepest, if not the deepest farm system in baseball. I understand the North Siders need starting pitching, but I’m here to tell you that there could be a bigger fish in the sea of MLB players that could and should be available sooner rather than later. Giancarlo Stanton

Christian Yelich, Worm Killer | Roto Graphs

The Marlins second best prospect heading into the 2013 season, Christian Yelich was understandably hyped upon his debut with the team last year. He didn’t disappoint, accumulating 1.4 WAR over slightly less than half a season. From a fantasy perspective, he offered contributions in four categories, despite being on the worst offense in baseball.

If the Marlins were normal, they would be perfect for Giancarlo Stanton | SB Nation

What if Jeffrey Loria were a lovable oligarch and the Marlins were a franchise with a normal history? Would they be a good fit for Giancarlo Stanton on an insane contract extension?

Marlins unlikely to pursue big-ticket free agents | Miami Herald

Don’t look for the Marlins to make any major splashes this winter by either signing a big-ticket free agent or landing a high-salaried player in a trade.

Here on Marlin Maniac:

Giancarlo Stanton Rumors: Marlins Willing to Include No Trade Clause? | Ehsan Kassim

Resigning Giancarlo Stanton to a long-term extension remains priority number 1 for the Marlins. The team is already made it known they are comfortable with the $28-30 million annual salary that Stanton could receive. The next step for the Marlins to take might be waiving their stance against giving out no-trade clauses in contracts.

Mike Redmond Places 5th in NL Manager of the Year Voting | Ehsan Kassim

To say the 2014 season was a lot kinder to the Miami Marlins than the 2013 season is an understatement. After losing 100 games in 2013, the Marlins improved by 15 games to end the 2014 season with 77 wins. Much of that was without the services of their ace Jose Fernandez, who went down with an elbow injury in early May and missed the rest of the season with TJ surgery.

Giancarlo Stanton Rumors: Teams Not Calling Marlins about Slugger | Ehsan Kassim

A(n) popular annoying topic that has surfaced around the Miami Marlins for the past 3+ off-seasons has been trade rumors surrounding Giancarlo Stanton. In the past years, rumors have had him traded to the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and even the Houston Astros.