Marlins foresee a formidable rotation in 2009

02/02/09 4:03 PM EST
Marlins foresee a formidable rotation
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By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

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HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- If healthy, the Marlins feel they can run out a starting rotation capable of competing with any team in the league.

The key is keeping these young arms in line, which has been a struggle the past few years.

The Marlins project to roll out a starting five -- in no particular order -- of Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Anibal Sanchez and Andrew Miller.

The oldest of the group is Nolasco, who turned 26 in December. Johnson is 25, Sanchez 24, Miller 23 and Volstad turned 22 last September.

"We feel a lot better about it, at least on paper, than we did a year ago," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "It's nice to have J.J. back in the rotation. That's for sure. There's a lot of potential."

The Marlins haven't been this excited about a rotation since the days of Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett and Brad Penny.

"I look back to the Burnett, Penny, Beckett years," Beinfest said. "I hope there are a lot of similarities. They have really good arms. They're good competitors and good kids."

This is an extremely tall rotation as well, with Volstad at 6-foot-8, Johnson at 6-foot-7 and Miller at 6-foot-6.

Miller is the lone left-hander in the group.

"It's a little bit of a mix-and-match. You go from Johnson to Andrew Miller, it's a totally different look," Beinfest said. "Anibal Sanchez is a finesse guy. Then, we just hope that Ricky Nolasco keeps his pace or exceeds his year, which I think he's capable of. And Johnson can be a true No. 1. I think that's always been our belief. And Volstad is well beyond his years.

"I'm very proud of the rotation. We have more guys coming, but I think the potential is there to be, hopefully, one of the best in the league. We've waited a long time."

Johnson, Nolasco and Sanchez all missed substantial portions of 2007 because of injuries. Johnson underwent Tommy John ligament replacement surgery to his right elbow in '07, and he returned to the rotation in July of last year. Sanchez had right shoulder surgery in June '07, and Nolasco battled an elbow issue that season.

Sanchez, like Johnson, returned to the rotation in July a year ago.

Having all three healthy when Spring Training starts is a big difference from last spring.

"We know what it's like to be without them," Beinfest said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to enjoy some health, and see what they're able to do, which we think is great."

Miller was hampered by a right patella problem in the second half last year. The lefty is working right now with pitching coach Mark Wiley in Jupiter, Fla., refining his delivery.

For the most part, Marlins pitchers will open Spring Training on Feb. 14 healthy. Right-hander Harvey Garcia, who has dealt with a right shoulder injury, expects to be held back a bit when players report.

Veteran reliever Scott Proctor, a free-agent pickup, also will be eased in a little slower because he had a right elbow procedure performed in October.

For the most part, the Marlins' roster is set as Spring Training approaches. The team is exploring some options out there, and seeing if there is any catching depth available.

Florida is set to go with John Baker as its starter behind the plate, while Mike Rabelo would be given a chance to backup. Prospects Brett Hayes and Brad Davis are good defensively and could be similar players to Matt Treanor, who was released last December before he signed with the Tigers.

"There are some guys out there. I can't tell you what we're going to do," Beinfest said. "We think Brett Hayes is a real good defensive catcher. Rabelo has already backed up in the big leagues. Brad Davis is a good defensive catcher. We have some kids who may need an opportunity, and they may not be that much different than Matt Treanor when he got his first shot. Good defensively, and suspect with the bat. Matt was a good backup for us for three years."

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

You could guess Miller will be probably in the middle since hes the only lefty.

Last I heard he may not be ready to start ST because of his stupid 90 year old knee Marlins are stupid, only 1 tall lefty now? What were they thinking?