Florida Marlins' Pitching Staff Dictates Success

One thing is for sure about these Florida Marlins: They are streaky.

They were the hottest team in baseball in April. Then in May they flat-lined and fell several games behind the NL East leading Phillies. Then in June they were one of the hottest teams in baseball again.

Now the Marlins find themselves one game out first in the NL East with a bright future.

Why a bright future you ask?

Because the much-hyped Marlins pitching staff is finally living up to its expectation.

Josh Johnson has been consistent all year long. Johnson struggled his last game out against the Nationals, but this is not anything worth worrying about. His struggles were cause more by the Heat than any long-term problems with his mechanics.

Johnson is 7-1 this year with a 2.76 ERA.

Ricky Nolasco has been incredible since he was sent down to Triple-A New Orleans to re-find his fastball. Yes, his fastball. Hard to believe a major league pitcher would need to re-find his fastball, but Nolasco has been much more successful throwing his fastball 65 percent of the time whereas early in the season he was throwing it 50 percent of the time.

In Nolasco's last four starts he finds himself 3-0 with a 1.73 ERA.

For the Marlins to be successful Johnson and Nolasco need to be dominant. Going into the year they were supposed to be co-aces, and lately that is how it has been. Now it needs to continue.

Andrew Miller has had his fair share of struggles in the majors, and to be honest I never thought he would have much success. Lately though, he has been a nice surprise for the Marlins. Since going on the disabled list Apr. 20, with a 6.94 ERA, he has gone 3-3 while lowering his ERA to 4.42.

In games Miller starts the Marlins are 7-7, and he has been showing potential to be even better as of late. However, he is still having trouble throwing late into games as he has only thrown seven innings twice this year. His walks are still high, but this is a much different Andrew Miller the Marlins have been getting.

Another nice surprise has been rookie Sean West. On the year, he is 3-2 with a 4.06 ERA. West has had flashes of brilliance; against the Giants he lasted eight innings while only allowing two hits and no runs. However, he has also had some problems as he has failed to last five innings in three of his eight starts.

I am not convinced that West is a long term solution, but he does have a bright future. Hopefully he can continue to be a slightly above .500 pitcher for the Fish.

Lastly, Chris Volstad has been a huge disappointment. He is 5-8 with a 4.85, and at the rate he is going he will the next Marlins starter in the minors or on the disable list. Volstad has only won one game in his last six starts and could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation.

If Volstad had been pitching like expected, say an 8-5 record, the Marlins would have full control of the NL East. Either Volstad needs to come around, or the Marlins might try Burke Badenhop out of the bullpen to replace him.

Badenhop is 5-3 with with a 3.48 ERA as a long reliever. In his one start of the year he threw five innings while defeating the Phillies.

All in all the Marlins have four strong starters right now. Volstad has the stuff to be the fifth man, but the Marlins can not afford to sit around waiting for him. If the Marlins were to sure up their staff through a trade they could easily have the best staff in the league.

If the Marlins starters continue to perform, the Marlins will continue to climb.