Marlins Pitchers Dominating Early

Rick VandenHurk pitched 3 and a third scoreless innings for the upstart Dutch squad against Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic yesterday, scattering 3 hits while walking 3 and striking out 2. The Holland Hammer (we have got to get a better nickname for Henricus) has been working with Dutch pitching coach Bert Blyleven during the WBC, and word is Bert is teaching him how to throw a knee-buckling curve. That can't be too bad for ol' Henricus. Puerto Rico ended up winning, so the Netherlands face a rematch with the Dominican Republic tonight in an elimination game -- might we see Rick enter the game in relief to face Hanley Ramirez? Hopefully not, since he pitched yesterday, and Hanley would likely destroy Henricus and shatter his confidence.

Not to be outdone, Tall, Dark and Mormon Josh Johnson pitched 5 scoreless innings on 73 pitches against the Tigers last night, giving up 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 HBP. I've got high hopes for Josh this year. He only pitched 87 innings in 2008, so he likely won't experience the arm fatigue common to young pitchers still getting used to the long season. I'm taking last night's start as a good sign, even if half the Tigers were absent due to the WBC...