Chris Volstad Solidifies a Deep Florida Marlin Rotation

The 2009 Marlins rotation, as most of you are aware, is quite good. Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco account for a starting two that opposing teams are happy to miss in a three-game series.

This was the case on Tuesday as the Atlanta Braves host the Marlins knowing that they will see neither of them.

The Statline: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1.50 ERA

In steps the 6'7" Chris Volstad, who made Atlanta hitters miserable all night with a mixture of sinkers and curve balls. Everything Volstad threw got beat in the dirt with the lone exception being a fastball he left over the plate to Kelly Johnson.

Looking at him from a scouting perspective Volstad can be a bit confusing. You see this imposing figure on the mound and you brace yourself for a high 90’s heater, only to see the 90-92 mph read out on the radar gun.

What you do see is a very impressive mix of control and downward movement. His sinker, change up, and curve ball all drop very well. This causes a very impressive ground ball to fly ball ratio as hitters have a very hard time getting any lift on his pitches without him making a mistake.

Volstad’s gem puts Marlins alone in first [Joe Frisaro/MLB.com]

Check out The Statline Report daily for great baseball reads.