"His team managed one hit over 7 1/3 innings off Ricky Nolasco on Sunday. Yet Astros utility man Chris Johnson could take solace in ruining the right-hander's day. He didn't break up a no-hitter or even a shutout. All Johnson did to prompt Nolasco's departure in a huff was keep the bat on his shoulder for four pitches outside the strike zone.

Nolasco's first base on balls in 25 1/3 Grapefruit League innings came against the last batter he faced in the 4-0 Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! win at Roger Dean Stadium. After inducing a groundout to open the eighth, Nolasco got ahead of Johnson 0-2, but couldn't put him away.

"You don't want to end a day like that ever," Nolasco said. "You never want to walk a guy to begin with in that situation. He's completely overmatched there. I didn't do my job and let him back into the count … That just can't happen. I don't care how many walks I have or don't have. In that situation, that's the worst way to do it. It's not acceptable."

The desire for perfection is commendable, but Nolasco's self-flagellation was excessive considering the spring he's put together. In five Grapefruit League starts, Nolasco struck out 21 and held opponents to a .189 average (17 for 90).

As usual, Nolasco topped the 70 percent mark in total strikes, putting 69 of 95 pitches (72.6 percent) in the zone. That figure was at an amazing 74.4 percent through seven innings."