Chris Volstad hasn't exactly gotten off to a stellar start in his fourth season in the Marlins rotation.
The 24-year old right hander is 2-2 with a 5.77 ERA that ranks 82nd among National League starters. The good news for the Marlins, however, is that when Volstad pitches they usually win. The Marlins are 5-2 with Volstad on the mound, a .714 winning percentage that is tops on the team.
Part of it of course has to with run support. Only Javi Vazquez receives more (8.47) than Volstad (7.85).
But here's a look at the Marlins record when their other starters pitch and their level of run support: Josh Johnson (6-3, 5.37). Ricky Nolasco (5-4, 6.64), Anibal Sanchez (4-4, 5.07) and Vazquez (4-4).
The Cubs will send struggling right-hander Casey Coleman (1-3, 7.22 ERA) to the mound to face Volstad. Coleman is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in his last four starts. But the Fort Myers native earned beat the Marlins the last time he faced them, picking up his second major league win last season by yielding three runs and five hits over six innings on Sept. 18 at Sun Life Stadium. That 5-3 victory led the Cubs to an eventual sweep a three-game set.
The Cubs and Marlins enter this game tied 74-all in their all-time series.
THURSDAY'S LINEUPS
> Marlins: 1. Chris Coghlan CF, 2. Hanley Ramirez SS, 3. Logan Morrison LF, 4. Gaby Sanchez 1B, 5. Greg Dobbs 3B, 6. Mike Stanton RF, 7. John Buck C, 9. Omar Infante 2B, 9. Chris Volstad P
> Cubs: 1. Kosuke Fukudome RF, 2. Darwin Barney 2B, 3. Starlin Castro SS, 4. Aramis Ramirez 3B, 5. Carlos Pena 1B, 6. Marlon Byrd CF, 7. Reed Johnson LF, 8. Koyie Hill C, 9. Casey Coleman P
I call 5 innings, 99 pitches, 4 earned runs.
Posted by: Glags | May 19, 2011 at 04:54 PM
I CALL THAT U SHUT THE HECK UP!
Posted by: EVANS | May 19, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Glags, They are picking on you know, but you have demonsratted the intellectual acumen to respond to the basement dwellers.
That is actually a good idea to have a nightly contest. I say 5 2/3m 3ER and 101 pitches.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 07:11 PM
For those who have dialed in pledges and may be monetarily restricted to increase them OR for those who want to see how the bidding is going later, I suggest in the interim to watch the game on the Cub feed--Directv 730.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 07:22 PM
I'm sorry that is DirecTv Channel 737.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 07:35 PM
I'm taking Volstad's back after top of the second. He pitched around error in the 1st, Stanton took his usual circuitous route to Pena's single(NOW a double) as a result of that infieLD MUST PLAY IN AND JOHNSON HITS BALL PAST dOBBS AND THEN bAKER BOXES THE STRIKE DOWN THE MIDDLE CAUSING UMPIRE To miss call. Volstad gets last two to limit damage.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Are the Cubs allowed to make diving stops and leaping grabs like that? Does not seem fair.
Going forward try to pay a little attention to Infante going to his left. The next difficult play to his left will be his FIRST difficult play to his left. I believe we should change Omar's first name to "JUSTOUTOFTHEREACHOFADIVING", most people believe that is his first name anyway.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Another way to add to enjoyment of the game is to make a mental note of what marlin players hit on 2-0 and 3-1. Ithink you will be surprised.check it out.
By the way, this Cubs pitcher is HORRIFIC, but not tonight.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Well, Its 8:14 and I got my 3 Earned Run prediction in.Of course it is only the 4th inning so Glags looks like the favorite.
This is NOT a good Cubs team. Usually.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 08:16 PM
How's the auction going?? I made a couple of bids that I'm sure are no longer on the board.
Have you guys figured out why the hitters are so reluctant to swing at 89 MPH fastballs at the belt but have no trepidations in chasing breaking balls outside in the dirt?I understand difficulty of pitch recognition, however, if you go up there looking first pitch fastball then you can turn on it.
Anyone else think it funny the Cubs went after Infante with Volstad on deck and nobody warming up?? R E S P E C T!!!!!
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 08:36 PM
So close. Today they decide to play defense.
Posted by: Glags | May 19, 2011 at 08:38 PM
Well, I nailed the3 earned runs but could not get that extra 1/3 of an inning.
Two days in a row that Cousins chased a 3-2 pitch far out of the strike zone.Last night they could have had 1st and 2nd and nobody out.
Glad I delayed posting this so we all had the opportunity to see Gaby pop that 3-1!!!!! pitch up. Well, it is Walter Johnson out there pitching.
Is the game being mentioned at all??
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 08:48 PM
The Cubs announcers are "amazed" by this performance by Coleman. I watched his father, Joe, pitch for the Tigers in early 70's. Joe had much better stuff and actually struck out 15 Oakland A's in a Playoff Game in 72.
How's the auction??
Maybe Vasquez can donate a 100,000 in a show of remorse and also provide a good deed at the same time.
Posted by: Lou Vales | May 19, 2011 at 09:12 PM
MARLINS OFFENSE SEEM RIDICULOUS YESTERDAY NIGHT OFF A MEDIOCRE PITCHER, BATTING BEHAVIOR SEEM VERY BAD DOING SWING TO MOST BAD THROWS
Posted by: JUAN YANES | May 20, 2011 at 04:25 PM