June 25, 200521 yr Olsen has similarities to Willis BY CLARK SPENCER cspencer@herald.com Could Scott Olsen be the next Dontrelle Willis, a rookie savior? The Marlins hope so, but nobody's making any predictions. ''Would be nice, though, wouldn't it?'' manager Jack McKeon said. Like Willis in 2003, Olsen was called up from Double A Carolina to make his major-league debut with the Marlins. The rookie's first assignment: starting today against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Olsen and Willis have much in common. Olsen is 21, as was Willis in '03 when he made his big-league debut. Both are left-handers. And both came highly touted. Olsen was the Marlins' Organization Pitcher of the Year in 2004 and is ranked by Baseball America as the organization's top pitching prospect. But Olsen is trying to avoid comparisons to Willis, who started 9-1 for the Marlins in 2003 on his way to National League Rookie of the Year honors. ''He did so well when he came up that if I put myself in that perspective, it might be a letdown if I don't do as well as he did,'' Olsen said. ``I'd definitely like to follow in the footsteps of someone like him. But I don't want to compare myself to what he did.'' Olsen was 6-4 with a 3.92 ERA for Carolina when he was called into the office of manager Gary Allenson on Thursday. Olsen grew concerned when he noticed Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest and assistant general manager Mike Hill also were in the office. Had he done something wrong? Was he being traded? Allenson told Olsen: ``We have good news and bad news. Which one do you want first?'' Olsen told him it didn't matter. ''Well, the bad news is you're not on this team anymore,'' Allenson told the pitcher. ``The good news is (the Marlins) are starting you Saturday in the big leagues.'' Olsen said he was ``shocked.'' ''I'll be nervous before the game, but during the game I don't think I will be,'' Olsen said of today's debut. ``You're too focused on what you're doing.'' Olsen primarily throws a fastball and slider and is working to perfect a changeup. ''I've just seen him in spring training,'' McKeon said of Olsen. ``From all indications, though, he's one of the better looking prospects in the organization.'' ANOTHER ADDITION Olsen wasn't the only new face inside the Marlins' clubhouse Friday. Catcher/outfielder Josh Willingham also was called up, arriving from Triple A Albuquerque (N.M.). To make room for the two, the Marlins sent down pitcher Travis Smith and infielder Joe Dillon to Albuquerque. Along with Carolina outfielder Jeremy Hermida, Willingham was chosen to participate in the Futures Game in Detroit on July 10 as part of All-Star week festivities. But Willingham said he will gladly miss that exhibition if it means he's wearing a Marlins uniform. Willingham has been on a tear for the Isotopes, where he was hitting .337 with 19 home runs and 54 RBI in 60 games. His .714 slugging percentage was leading the Pacific Coast League and his .469 on-base percentage ranked second. ''Maybe he can give us a little spark,'' McKeon said. Link It seems a bit of a stretch to compare Olsen to Willis. Sure they are both lefties making their big league debuts at 21, but wasn't Willis' record and overall performance at AA much more impressive than Olsen? I don't have the numbers but seem to recall that Willis was lights out, and Olsen has been solid. I wouldn't expect Willis type performance from him, just hopes he does well and doesn't go the way of Logan Kensing. We'll see today.
June 25, 200521 yr Willis was 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA when he was called up in 03. IN 2002 Willis went 12-2 in combined action between low and high A while striking out 128 in 158 innings. Olsen so far has had more strike out totals without posting a great career record 16-18 going into this season. OF course Olsen didn't have the teammates that Willis had, players like Cabrera, Stokes and Willingham among others.
June 25, 200521 yr yeah but honestly, how many people thought Willis was going to be as successful as we was after the call-up. This is one that I think no one can guess the outcome of. the guy could come out and be baseballs version of Rothlisberger or he could be like baseballs version of Ryan Leaf. Hit or miss on these kinda decisions. However, I think it was a calculated gamble giving the kid his debut against, arguably, the leagues worst team.
June 25, 200521 yr yeah but honestly, how many people thought Willis was going to be as successful as we was after the call-up. This is one that I think no one can guess the outcome of. the guy could come out and be baseballs version of Rothlisberger or he could be like baseballs version of Ryan Leaf. Hit or miss on these kinda decisions. However, I think it was a calculated gamble giving the kid his debut against, arguably, the leagues worst team. 825624[/snapback] no one, even people said okay once people see his funky delivery they're going to get used to it now he's gone from fan favorite and savior of the franchise to just plain dominant.
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