Series Preview: Florida Marlins

The Marlins make their only visit of the year to PNC Park, and you can start getting excited because it's a four game series. Florida has already fired their manager this year, recently traded free-agent-corner-infielder-who-can't-field Jorge Cantu, ranks 16th of 16 National League teams in attendance despite playing in a big market, yet has a heartwarming 57-59 record. "What a great small market success story," said Dave Littlefield.

The Marlins offense is led by Dan Uggla (.286/.375/.523) and Hanley Ramirez (.287/.368/.457 and having the worst year of his career). Right fielder Mike Stanton (.275/.346/.459) has 14 home runs through 56 games and catcher Ronny Paulino (.256/.309/.351) incredibly is an everyday player for an MLB team. Paulino is still wondering when he gets to marry a hot beach volleyball player in the great tradition of mediocre Marlins catchers...

Florida Marlins - Monday 7:05, Tuesday 7:05, Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 7:05
Tonighr the Marlins' Chris Volstad (6-8, 3.74) faces Pittsburgh's John McDonald (1-2, 5.40). After a great debut McDonald was roughed up a little as he didn't make it out of the fifth inning against San Diego in his second Pirates start. But the peripheral numbers were good as he walked one and struck out six. Chris Volstad is a professional baseball player which means the 2010 Pirates could struggle to hit him. My pick is the Pirates.

Tuesday, Ricky Nolasco (13-8, 4.29) faces Zach Duke (5-11, 5.20). If Bud Norris can strike out 14 Pirates, Nolasco should be good for at least 28. I feel like something free should be given away at this game, but no such luck. My pick is the Pirates.

Wednesday, in the best a/k/a "only good" pitching matchup this week, Josh Johnson (10-5, 2.27) gets the ball for the Marlins against Ross Ohlendorf (1-9, 3.95). Ross the Boss has a 2.17 ERA in his last nine appearances during which he also has one win. He's even started striking guys out. Going to the game to watch the opposing team's overpowering All-Star pitcher usualy results in seeing a 7-1 Pirates loss; nevertheless my pick is the Pirates.

Thursday, the Marlins go with Sean West (0-2, 7.71) who has pulled off the near impossible task of starting 22 major league games without me ever having heard of him. He only has one good pitch, a slider, but is 6'8" and lefthanded. Paul Maholm (7-11, 4.86) is due for a shutout. My pick is the Pirates.