No guarantee for new pitchers

I haven't seen this posted yet, though maybe I'm just retarted and missed it. If it's already up, someone please delete this thread.

FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ

No guarantees for new pitchers

BARRY JACKSON

bjackson@MiamiHerald.com

Even though the 12 young pitchers acquired by the Marlins this winter are well-regarded, it's very possible none might open the season in the starting rotation.

Several could earn roster spots, and one reliever merits particular close attention when pitchers and catchers report Feb. 18: former Twins prospect Travis Bowyer, who will be given every chance to compete with veteran Joe Borowski and others for the closer's job.

General manager Admin Beinfest projects Jason Vargas and Brian Moehler will join ace Dontrelle Willis in the starting rotation.

''And I would expect Josh Johnson and [lefty] Scott Olsen, who are incumbents, have realistic shots,'' he said.

Johnson (12-4, 3.87 ERA in Double A) pitched well in his one big-league start (vs. Atlanta), and Olsen showed flashes in a Marlins call-up (1-1, 3.98 ERA).

Of the new acquisitions, Beinfest lists five as competition to Johnson and Olsen for the final two rotation spots: former Mets prospect Yusmeiro Petit (9-3, 2.91 ERA in Double A), ex-Red Sox farmhand Anibal Sanchez (9-6, 2.85 ERA between Single A and Double A), former Cub Sergio Mitre (4-10, 6.12 ERA with Chicago) and two former Cubs prospects -- Ricky Nolasco (14-3, 2.89 ERA in Double A) and Renyel Pinto (11-5, 3.78 ERA between Double A and Triple A). Of the five, Pinto is the only lefty.

''I wouldn't rule out any of them going to the bullpen,'' Beinfest said. ``Will some go back to the minor leagues? Yes.''

Bowyer, 24, whose fastball tops out at 98 mph, was acquired in the Luis Castillo deal and was rated by Baseball America as the best reliever in the Triple A International League. He has pitched only 9 2/3 big-league innings.

''We love the arm and the way he pitched,'' Beinfest said. ``We see the need to maybe work on a second pitch with him. We'll see if we can tighten his slider.''

Manager Joe Girardi said Monday he would have no problem using a rookie as his closer.

Also battling for bullpen duties: Borowski (who saved 33 games for the Cubs in 2003 but has battled injuries and ineffectiveness since), former Brave Kerry Lightenberg, ex-Giant Matt Herges, and incumbents Chris Resop (24 saves in Double A last year), Nate Bump, Randy Messenger and former starter Logan Kensing (whose sinker is suited to relieving).

The Marlins are intrigued by 6-6 lefty Mike Megrew, 21, who pitched sparingly last year after 2004 elbow surgery. A Rule V pick, he must be offered back to the Dodgers if he doesn't make the team.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/13817106.htm