After pitching like an ace in 2008, Ricky Nolasco said he'd like to start the team's season opener.
"That's definitely been on my mind all offseason. That's something I want to do," he said. Nolasco certainly has the credentials. The right-hander emerged as the staff leader in 2008, posting a 15-8 record and a 3.52 ERA.
Right-hander Josh Johnson is the other candidate to start the opener.
Nolasco is getting an early start on spring training. He has been throwing on flat ground since early December. On Jan. 21, he pitched off the mound for the first time this year at the team's spring training site under the direction of pitching coach Mark Wiley.
Nolasco has been working out every day in a South Florida park with his neighbor, former Marlins left-hander Scott Olsen, who was traded in the offseason to Washington. Florida hosts Washington for the season opener on April 6, and Nolasco said the two pitchers often talk about the prospect of facing each other that day.
"We laugh about it," Nolasco said. "I told him I'll hit a bomb off him."
Nolasco said he was approached about pitching for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic but said he does not plan to participate. "I want to focus on the (Marlins) and my upcoming season," he said.
