Florida Marlins 2006 Pitching Preview

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These pitching scouting reports have really turned into a labor of love for me. I have detailed notes going back many, many years on all of these hurlers, which gives me a strong edge from a handicapping perspective. I can now rattle off basically all the strengths and weaknesses for any pitcher that takes the hill as well as how they?ll match-up with the opposing lineup. One prime example that I?ll use throughout the year is whether a pitcher might be hurting. When a pitcher is hurt, those are some of the best opportunities to bet a baseball game. By watching a pitcher on the mound or looking at the numbers, I can quickly react and come to a conclusion about their health. One other quick example would be a lineup that struggles or thrives against a certain type of pitcher. Every season there will be 5-10 teams that will be hampered by a certain profile of pitcher. For instance, a couple of years ago the Anaheim Angels had tremendous difficulty with a left-handed change-up or soft tosser. Everything they got their bat on would seemingly be a weak flyball out. Read up and take advantage as there are plenty of nuggets to send you in the right direction to a profitable baseball season.

Here is the preview for all the starting pitchers for the Florida Marlins.

Florida Marlins

Dontrelle Willis

Dontrelle Willis is coming off a very impressive season. Willis had an outstanding 2005 edition posting a 2.63 ERA, while going 22-10. Willis is an entertaining pitcher to watch as he moves the game along without hesitation and has unbridled enthusiasm for the game with a passion for his team. With so much turnover in the Marlins' organization this offseason, Willis is the one player who can consistently get fans to the park with his style and personality. The D-Train deals an 88-91 MPH fastball, and he?ll use his slider as a swing-and-miss pitch, with a change. He?s needed to adjust and will continue to do so in 2006 with his unorthodox delivery. Left-handers can?t touch Willis, as he held them to a .222 batting average while surrendering just one home run in 2005. Willis can be the streaky sort as his mechanics can go astray.

Sergio Mitre

Mitre was traded to the Marlins in the Juan Pierre deal in the offseason from the Chicago Cubs. Mitre didn?t get much time on the hill for the Cubs, but in 122 major league innings, he has marked a lousy 6.12 ERA. He deals a sinker/cutter combination being very much a groundball pitcher. His ground ball-to-fly ball ratio going back the last three years is more than 3:1. Left-handed batters have fared much better against the right-handed hurler with a 60 point better average in 2005. The ceiling on Mitre seems to be that of a third or fourth starter for this Marlins rotation.

Brian Moehler

Don?t call it a comeback, but yes we will for the rejuvenated ?Scruffy? Moehler last year. He?d been on the mend from a 2003 Tommy John surgery as he finished the campaign with a 6-12 record, while posting a 4.58 ERA. The veteran right-hander uses an 87-90 MPH fastball, and a cutter with an occasional change. Actually, Moehler said he never really had or used his change-up a season ago, as he was still a bit unsure with his arm. It expects to be at 100 percent this season for the Marlins. The change of pace can only help his in 2006, but he?s still league average at best.

Jason Vargas

Vargas is a 23-year-old gunner who the Marlins are expecting big things in 2006. In his first season he started 13 games for the Marlins, while posting a solid 4.03 ERA. The southpaw is a quick worker, dealing a 90-92 MPH heater, slider and change. He said he basically lost his slider during his inaugural year that had him using just two pitches. His numbers show a fly ball pitcher with a .67 ratio, which makes him much more efficient pitching in his spacious home park.

Josh Johnson

Johnson is another homegrown talent, and he projects to be a power pitcher. The towering 6-foot-7 right-hander throws a fastball ranging from 91-96 MPH, with a change-up and slider. He?s expected to have a spot in the rotation early in 2006 and is one to keep an eye on. With so many young arms in this lineup, a power pitcher like Johnson could be called on for significant innings for the Marlins if he can consistently keep his stuff humming.

Scott Olsen

Olsen?s first year in the major leagues was a mixed bag as he fought through a bone spur in his elbow which hampered his performance. He has had tremendous success at every stop in the system and is currently the Florida Marlins origination's most touted hurler. The lanky left-hander uses a 91-93 MPH fastball with solid late pop, slider and change-up. He?ll be extremely tough on the lefties. He has gained 10 pounds during the offseason and reports have him bouncing back strong this spring after his elbow issues of last year. Olsen is another Marlins arm to keep your eye on.