Opening Day starter?
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez has an Opening Day starter in mind. He just isn’t ready to make that announcement now.
“In my mind, I know who I want it to be,” Gonzalez said.
For now, he’s not tipping his hand, partly because there is plenty of time before the April 6 opener with Washington at Dolphin Stadium.
The two frontrunners are Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson.
If it is based on last year, Nolasco would get the nod based on his 15-8 record and 3.52 ERA. Johnson, however, is widely regarded throughout the league as the right-hander with more upside. Returning from Tommy John surgery last year, Johnson went 7-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 14 starts.
– Joe Frisaro
The Fish Pond
