WESTON, Fla. -- For much of the offseason, Yusmeiro Petit worked to refine his pitching skills in the Venezuelan Winter League. A standout for Magallanes, the Marlins right-hander posted an impressive 5-1 record and a 2.01 ERA.

 

Now in Florida taking part in the Marlins Caravan, Petit was unable to track his native country in the Caribbean Series.

 

Through a phone call to his brother, Petit learned that Venezuela had rallied to a 5-4 win over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday to claim the Caribbean crown in games played in Maracay, Venezuela.

 

Pitching against such a high level of competition this winter has boosted Petit's confidence as he prepares to battle for a rotation spot for the retooled Marlins.

 

Petit threw 49 1/3 innings before the Marlins requested that he be shut down for the remainder of the Winter League season. The right-hander has been on the preliminary list to pitch for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. However, because of his high number of innings logged the past few months, it is doubtful that Petit will take part in the WBC.

 

Instead, he will focus on trying to make the Marlins' Opening Day roster. Florida's pitchers and catchers will report to Jupiter, Fla., on Feb. 18. If the Winter League results are any indication, Petit has a strong chance to win a spot in the rotation.

 

"I am thankful for the opportunity," Petit said on Wednesday at the Marlins' celebrity golf tournament at the Bonaventure Country Club. "I welcome the chance to be in the rotation for the Florida Marlins. I feel I'm ready for the big leagues. The last couple of months, I worked hard in winter ball for this opportunity."

 

Despite lacking an overpowering fastball or dynamic breaking pitch, Petit simply has a knack for getting hitters out because he understands the finer points of pitching. He's not going to overwhelm hitters. Instead, he keeps them off guard with a four-pitch repertoire of a fastball, changeup, slider and curveball.

 

"I am feeling good throwing all my pitches," he said. "I don't depend on one pitch."

 

The Marlins obtained Petit from the Mets as part of the Carlos Delgado deal on Nov. 24.

 

Previously one of the most highly touted pitchers in New York's system, Petit posted a 9-3 record and a 2.91 ERA for Double-A Binghamton in 2005.

 

Petit is expected to figure prominently in a wide-open mix of young arms vying for rotation spots.

 

Three of the starting spots are pretty much locked up. Dontrelle Willis, a 22-game winner last year, is the obvious ace. Veteran Brian Moehler is a front-runner to start, as is Jason Vargas, who impressed last year as a rookie with his savvy and even demeanor.

 

Sergio Mitre, obtained from the Cubs, has the most starting experience of the other candidates, and he has a prime chance to start. Mitre, like Willis, is expected to miss some of Spring Training for the World Baseball Classic.

 

Willis will likely be on Team USA, while Mitre appears destined to pitch for Mexico. In all, the Marlins could have eight to 10 players competing in the WBC. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera will play for Venezuela.

 

Petit will see how he stacks up with other starting candidates, including Scott Olsen, Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco.

 

While all of these candidates have been starters, it is possible that some could make the club in relief roles. Spring Training will provide a chance for the Marlins to evaluate the pitchers and see how their arms respond to both starting and throwing out of bullpen.

 

The Marlins are leaning toward carrying 12 pitchers, including possibly two long relievers who can be used as spot starters.

 

The 21-year-old Petit started eight games and had a relief appearance for Magallanes this winter. He struck out 43 and walked eight.

 

"The experience this year in Venezuela really helped me, because I was able to use my changeup and slider a little more," Petit said. "I am ready."

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Go get'em Petit!

Pitching against such a high level of competition this winter has boosted Petit's confidence as he prepares to battle for a rotation spot for the retooled Marlins.

 

The Caribbean Winter Leagues are probably somewhere bwtween AA and AAA, IMO. When guys like Anderson Hernandez and Timo Perez can battle for a batting title .............. I mean, seriously. Petit had better bring more if he expects to stick.

Pitching against such a high level of competition this winter has boosted Petit's confidence as he prepares to battle for a rotation spot for the retooled Marlins.

 

The Caribbean Winter Leagues are probably somewhere bwtween AA and AAA, IMO. When guys like Anderson Hernandez and Timo Perez can battle for a batting title .............. I mean, seriously. Petit had better bring more if he expects to stick.

 

Yet when everybody's hitting, and Petit does not allow that to happen when he is pitching, surely it carries more weight than you are willing to give.

Pitching against such a high level of competition this winter has boosted Petit's confidence as he prepares to battle for a rotation spot for the retooled Marlins.

 

The Caribbean Winter Leagues are probably somewhere bwtween AA and AAA, IMO. When guys like Anderson Hernandez and Timo Perez can battle for a batting title .............. I mean, seriously. Petit had better bring more if he expects to stick.

 

Spoken like a true Mets fan. How's that special shoe working out for Pedro?

 

5-1 and a 2.01 ERA is pretty good at any level. Victor Zambrano for example had an ERA of 3.07. 'Nuff said.

Pitching against such a high level of competition this winter has boosted Petit's confidence as he prepares to battle for a rotation spot for the retooled Marlins.

 

The Caribbean Winter Leagues are probably somewhere bwtween AA and AAA, IMO. When guys like Anderson Hernandez and Timo Perez can battle for a batting title .............. I mean, seriously. Petit had better bring more if he expects to stick.

 

Spoken like a true Mets fan. How's that special shoe working out for Pedro?

 

5-1 and a 2.01 ERA is pretty good at any level. Victor Zambrano for example had an ERA of 3.07. 'Nuff said.

actually 03, if Zambrano pitched that well, it makes you wonder about the talent level

Lolololol Ramp :thumbup

 

So true. While Petit pitched close to 50 innings, Zambrano wimped out at 14, I guess figuring he should quit while he was ahead.