Wed May 7 14:15:50 2008

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Florida's Olsen maturing on the field

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(Sports Network) - Over a month into the 2008 season Florida Marlins pitcher Scott Olsen has been incident free off the field (or in the dugout), but lighting things up while on it.

Olsen, known more for his spats with teammates and antics behind the wheel, finally appears to be morphing into a pitcher than can seize the role of ace on a young Florida staff.

The left-hander is an outstanding 4-1 on the season with a 2.22 earned run average, and on Tuesday against the Brewers came one out shy of his first career complete game. Olsen allowed just two hits and four walks while striking out a season-high eight in the 3-0 win.

He walked Rickie Weeks to begin the ninth inning before retiring two straight batters. Olsen, though, allowed a single to Prince Fielder and then walked a pinch-hitting Joe Dillon to end his night. Closer Kevin Gregg got the final out for the save.

The old Olsen might have lost his cool when manager Fredi Gonzalez lifted him from the game. After all, this is the same Olsen who has gotten into dugout altercations with teammates past and present, including Miguel Cabrera, Sergio Mitre and Randy Messenger. It is also the same Olsen that was suspended for two games following his confrontation with Mitre due to insubordination, made an obscene hand gesture in Milwaukee on June 1, 2007 and later was charged with a DUI after getting pulled over for speeding after making a start on July 20.

Instead, this new, improved and now 24-year-old Olsen seemed disappointed he didn't finish the game.

"I told (Gonzalez), (and) he didn't even say anything to me, 'I'm going to get you one,'" Olsen told Florida's official Web site in regards to a complete game. "Not tonight, but I'm going to get him one."

The Marlins didn't have a pitcher throw a complete game at all last season, and haven't recorded one since September 16, 2006.

Still, the first-place Marlins have to be impressed with how Olsen is conducting himself so far this season. The 2002 sixth-round pick's win put Florida percentage points ahead of Philadelphia for the top spot in the National League East heading into play on Wednesday.

Olsen obviously has the emotion to the ace and stopper that this young Florida team needs. Controlling that emotion has been a problem, but perhaps Olsen has turned a corner. His thoughts on getting lifted Tuesday seemed to indicate that.

"I'm not really concerned about it," Olsen said of being pulled. "I'll go out there in five days and see what happens. We got the win and that's really all that's important. As long as I can keep the team in a game and get the 'W' that's really all that matters."

WOUNDED FISH

Josh Willingham was placed on the disabled list on March 2, retroactive to April 28, due to a strained lower back and the Marlins are hoping the outfielder can go when he is eligible to come off the DL on May 13.

Willingham has battled back problems before in his career.

"There usually is no rhyme or reason to when or where," Willingham told Florida's site of his back. "It's one of those things where it happens once or twice a year. I hate it. Basically, when it happens, you try to limit the amount of time you are out, and get back in there."

The Marlins will miss Willingham's bat in the mean time, as he is hitting .341 with six homers and 16 RBI in 25 games this year.

Brett Carroll was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and has one hit in nine at-bats so far, notching a triple and driving in a run.

MARLINS TO PURSUE JONES?

A source told the Marlins' official Web site that the club has interest in outfielder Jacque Jones, who was released by the Tigers on Monday. Florida, meanwhile, is officially not commenting on Jones.

The 33-year-old Jones could serve as insurance in case Willingham misses extended time. Jones, who began his career in 1999 with the Twins, hit .165 with a homer and five RBI in 24 games with Detroit this year. He had spent his previous two seasons with the Chicago Cubs and hit .285 in each campaign.

While Jones would have trouble filling the power void left by Willingham, the left-hander can play anywhere in the outfield.

WHO'S HOT

Mike Jacobs is hitting .417 (5-for-12) in his last three games with two homers and five RBI.

Luis Gonzalez, filling in for Willingham in the starting lineup, went 4-for-4 in Tuesday's win and is hitting .400 (10-for-25) over his last seven games.

WHO'S NOT

Though Gregg has posted back-to-back saves, that followed a string of two losses. The right-hander is 3-2 with six saves and a 3.24 ERA in 16 games, but has given up at least a run in three of his last four outings.

ON DECK

Florida continues its three-game series with Milwaukee on Tuesday, with Burke Badenhop (0-2, 7.20 ERA) throwing game two against Dave Bush (0-3, 6.75). Mark Hendrickson (5-1, 3.71) hurls Thursday's finale against Carlos Villanueva (1-3, 5.56).

That set will also wrap up a nine-game homestand. The Marlins are 3-4 on the residency so far.

Florida will then play three straight in Washington against the Nationals. Ricky Nolasco (1-3, 6.10), Andrew Miller (2-2, 7.96) and Olsen are slated to throw in that order.