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Ricky Nolasco News & Rumors

Ricky Nolasco falters again as Florida Marlins fall to Brewers
September 26
Miami Herald
 
"It was fitting that in the final road game of what has been a miserable season for the Marlins, two members from the most miserable Marlins team of them all — the '98 club that lost 108 — saw action at Miller Park on Sunday. Craig Counsell and Mark Kotsay, now with Milwaukee, didn't play pivotal roles in the Brewers' 9-5 blasting of the Marlins. But it's possible they might have stirred long-forgotten memories of that '98 team. When the Brewers won Sunday, they became the second team this season to sweep the season series with the Marlins, winning all seven of their encounters. The last-place Padres also went 7 for 7 against the Marlins. The only other time a National League opponent has"
Source: Frustrated Marlins to consider trading underperforming Nolasco
September 26
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Ricky Nolasco's season ended Sunday. So perhaps did his tenure with the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!. A source who spoke with a Marlins front office member after Nolasco's latest disheartening start said the club will give serious thought to trading him this offseason. Despite their need for starting pitching, the Marlins' exasperation level with Nolasco appears to be red-lining. Sunday, he gave up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits over two-plus innings in the Brewers' series-sweeping 9-5 win at Miller Park. Nolasco's ERA ballooned from 3.72 to 4.67 thanks to a season-ending, eight-start stretch in which he went 1-4 with an 8.18 ERA and 64 hits allowed in 44 innings. The source"
Elusive third out foils Marlins Nolasco
September 20
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"The two home runs allowed stung, but what soured Ricky Nolasco's night Monday was the inability to get the last out of the seventh inning. The Marlins right-hander had a 4-2 lead with two outs and the bases empty when he gave up a single and two walks. Lefty Mike Dunn came in to face Michael Bourn, who topped a slow bouncer past the mound for an infield single. Ryan Webb relieved Dunn and walked Martin Prado on four pitches to tie the game, and Omar Infante booted Chipper Jones' routine grounder to put the Braves ahead. Infante saved the day with a two-out, two-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning off Braves closer Craig Kimbrel for a 6-5 Marlins victory."
McKeon: J.J.'s injury hurt Sanchez, Nolasco
September 10
Miami Herald
 
"The loss of Josh Johnson clearly stung the Marlins as a team. But manager Jack McKeon said he also believes the injured pitcher's absence from the rotation since mid-May has had an adverse effect on two of his teammates: fellow starters Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez. "When J.J. went down, it looks like they went down with him instead of rising up," McKeon said. Nolasco owned a 4-0 record and a 3.04 ERA on May 24. Since then, he has gone 5-10 with a 5.18 ERA. Sanchez was 6-1 with a 2.82 ERA at the end of June. Since then, he has gone 1-6 with a 5.45 ERA. "A lot of times you've got that No.?1 guy, and he's setting the tempo for the rest of the staff, and they all want to keep pace"
Florida Marlins' starting rotation loaded with concerns
August 26
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Much attention has been directed toward the struggles of the Marlins' offense through this season gone awry. There may be cause for greater concern about the decline of the starting rotation. With ace Josh Johnson out since May with shoulder inflammation, Marlins starters have slipped to 14th in the National League with an ERA of 4.52. They rank ahead of only the Astros and Cubs. Can Johnson be counted on to take the ball on Opening Day in the new ballpark next April 4 against the Cardinals? He has yet to make it through a full season since signing a four-year, $39 million deal in early 2010. Veteran right-hander Javier Vazquez has been the most reliable starter in Johnson's absence. His"
Marlins' Nolasco overcomes hit parade to prevail
August 1
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco was too spent to stand and talk to reporters. After surviving a 12-hit assault by the Braves and enduring the 90-degree heat for the better part of two hours on Sunday, Nolasco was sapped. But he was also victorious. "It happened," Nolasco said. "I don't know how, but it did." Nolasco, despite giving up all those hits, somehow managed to walk away with a win in the Marlins' 3-1 victory that prevented a Braves sweep. It was also the 10,000th franchise loss for the Braves. "I kept getting singled to death," Nolasco said. "But I had a couple of double plays that helped and just had to battle out there." Nolasco became only the second Marlins pitcher to give up only one run while"
McKeon: Nolasco can be 20-game winner
July 26
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Starting pitchers blow up. It happens to everybody once in a while. To Ricky Nolasco, it happens more than it should. Nolasco, Tuesday's starter in Washington, is coming off the worst start of his career. He gave up nine earned runs on nine hits over 1 1/3 innings in a 14-3 loss to the Padres last week. A Marlins starter has allowed eight runs or more in a game 11 times since May 13, 2009. Nolasco has been the victim in seven of those. Take away the start against the Padres and an eight-run, 15-hit outing at Dodger Stadium on May 29 and Nolasco's ERA would be 3.09, almost a full run lower than his actual mark (4.08). "Everybody is going to have a couple of bad games here and there,""
Nolasco hits another bump in the road
July 25
Miami Herald
 
"There are no mulligans in baseball, but if not for a few tough starts, Ricky Nolasco would rank among the National League's ERA leaders. Removing three games from his season slate would drop his ERA by more than a run. "Sometimes it's just a slight adjustment from maybe a hitter or two," manager Jack McKeon said. Nolasco, who is 6-7 with a 4.08?ERA, is coming off what he described as "probably the worst start of my career," when he allowed nine runs in 1?1/3 innings against the Padres on Wednesday. But before Wednesday's drubbing, Nolasco was having arguably the best stretch of his career. In his four prior starts, Nolasco allowed just two earned runs over 32?innings. "He's got the"
Nolasco goes the distance in Marlins' fourth straight win
July 10
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"The spotlight set up in front of the Sun Life Stadium press box for the post-game Cirque Dreams show wasn't unveiled until the eighth. Ricky Nolasco pitched as if it was pointed at him all game. Nolasco held the Astros to a run on seven hits for his sixth career complete game in the Marlins' series-clinching 6-1 victory Saturday. The Marlins matched their season-long winning streak (four) with plenty of offense. Logan Morrison went 3-for-4 with a three-run triple and John Buck tallied his 100th career home run. Up third in the bottom of the eighth, manager Jack McKeon let Nolasco hit and sent him back out with his pitch count at 95. He gave up a Carlos Lee double, but needed just 11"
Ramirez, Morrison homer as Nolasco blanks Athletics
June 30
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Ricky Nolasco envisioned former Marlins teammate Josh Willingham giving his fellow Athletics hitters the lowdown, how he lives and dies with breaking stuff. That's why Nolasco threw more fastballs late Wednesday than he has all season. The end result was Nolasco's second career shutout and a 3-0, series-evening win over the Athletics at the Coliseum. Nolasco held the Athletics to five hits, two of which came in the first inning, and benefitted from some rare pop in the Marlins' lineup. Hanley Ramirez delivered a two-run homer in the first and Logan Morrison added a solo blast three innings later. "They did the job and that was the big thing," said manager Jack McKeon, who before the game"
Ricky Nolasco takes whipping in his first loss of season
May 30
Miami Herald
 
"After watching his pitcher give up 15 hits, his shortstop leave the game early with a back injury, his lineup held to two hits, his outfielders throw the ball all over the place, and his team go down to a humbling 8-0 defeat, Edwin Rodriguez saw no reason to sugarcoat the loss. When a reporter asked Rodriguez if he was satisfied that, despite Sunday's debacle, the Marlins had at least started out the road trip with a 4-2 record, Rodriguez refused to soften. "I'm not pleased at all with the way we played [Sunday]," Rodriguez said. "There was no energy. There was no backing up bases, missing cutoffs and relays. Today was unacceptable, and I take the blame. They were not ready to play today.""
Nolasco rocked as Kershaw, Dodgers blank Marlins
May 30
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"The Marlins couldn't get to Dodger Stadium quick enough. They were fresh off a sweep of the World Series champion San Francisco Giants. They had lost one series here in seven years. Hanley Ramirez was a .410 lifetime hitter (25 for 61) with five doubles, three homers and 10 RBI in 15 games at Chavez Ravine. And Mike Stanton and Ricky Nolasco were among the club's Southern California contingent that was coming home. Sunday, the Marlins couldn't get out of Dodger Stadium quick enough. Nolasco, with more than 100 friends and family members in the stands, set a new franchise record for most hits allowed (15) in a disheartening 8-0 waxing. Clayton Kershaw struck out 10 and held the Marlins to"
Nolasco nearly goes distance in win over Giants
May 25
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Something about the China Basin brings out the best in the Marlins' rotation. Dating back to June 7, 2006, when Dontrelle Willis had one of his franchise-record 15 career complete games, a Marlins starter has gone the distance at AT&T Park four times, including three shutouts. Late Tuesday, Ricky Nolasco was two outs from making it five with four shutouts. Nolasco fell just short of his fifth career complete game, but he wasn't denied his fourth victory in the Marlins' 5-1 win at AT&T Park. The World Champion Giants had won five straight, 12 of 15 and nine in a row at home. With two on and one out, Nolasco (4-0) walked pinch-hitter Pat Burrell, putting his pitch count at a season-high 111."
Ricky Nolasco: 'It's go time'
March 24
Miami Herald
 
"When he injured his thumb in late January — about a month after he signed a three-year contract and a few weeks before the start of spring training — Ricky Nolasco was so upset that he turned into a recluse. "I was freaking out," Nolasco said. "I didn't leave my house for days at a time, just because I'm freaking out at home. It was definitely frustrating and I never want to be on the disabled list, no matter what." When February turned to March, Nolasco was still ailing. And when his first two spring starts went poorly, there was talk of pushing him back in the Marlins' rotation. Not after Wednesday. Save for the third inning when the Braves scored three runs, he looked sharp and set to"
Ricky Nolasco can't find the strike zone
March 14
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco's first two pitches Sunday couldn't have gone much better. Strike One was followed by a quick Strike Two. Unfortunately for the 28-year-old right-hander, his first start of spring training — and first since Aug.?28 — went south from there. On his next pitch, Nolasco plunked the Nationals' Nyjer Morgan in the back. That was followed by a four-pitch walk to Alex Cora, a two-out, two-run single by Rick Ankiel, another single and another hit batter. It was a 37-pitch first inning. Nolasco's rough outing ended after just 1 2/3 innings. He gave up four hits, four earned runs and a walk, struck out one, hit two batters and threw a wild pitch. He threw 53 pitches, 33 for strikes. "I"
Nolasco tries to shake off rust in first start
March 14
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Ricky Nolasco was making his first appearance Sunday since Aug. 28 of last season, and therust was evident. "It felt like it has been a very long time and I was kind of nervous," Nolasco said. "It was just good to see him out there pitching," said Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! manager Edwin Rodriguez. In addition to giving up four runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings, Nolasco hit two batters, threw a wild pitch and gave up a walk. On the bright side, 33 of his 53 pitches against the Washington Nationals were strikes. "I was all over the place. It is nothing I am concerned about. The more I throw the better I will feel," Nolasco said. "He was having problem placing his fastball, but"
Marlins, Nolasco agree to 3-year, $26.5 million deal
December 20
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Not only do the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! have no plans to trade right-hander Ricky Nolasco, they're on the verge of making a long-term commitment. According to a league source, the Marlins and Nolasco have agreed in principle to a three-year, $26.5 million contract. An official announcement should sometime this week. Nolasco would become the second starter in as many years to sign a long-term deal with the Marlins. Last January, the Marlins made a four-year, $39 million commitment to ace Josh Johnson. Saturday, Foxsports.com reported Nolasco and the Marlins had reached an impasse only to come back Sunday with news the two sides were closing in on a three-year, $27 million"
Nolasco's agent: Sides aren't at a stalemate
December 19
MLB.com
 
"All things considered, Ricky Nolasco's preference is to remain with the Marlins and be a part of the franchise's future in its new ballpark. For that to happen, the 28-year-old right-hander would likely have to agree to a multiyear contract. The Marlins and Nolasco's agent, Matt Sosnick, have been in talks for months, and thus far the sides have yet to come to terms on a deal. On Saturday, it was reported by FOXSports.com that there is a stalemate in the negotiations. But Sosnick told MLB.com on Saturday that Nolasco would like to remain in Florida and he is hopeful eventually an agreement will be reached."
Ricky Nolasco, Leo Nunez stay after deal crumbles
December 9
Miami Herald
 
"The Marlins discussed a three-team trade proposal that, according to sources, involved Ricky Nolasco and Leo Nunez. But talks died without any deal being made. FoxSports.com reported that the Marlins spoke to the Kansas City Royals about pitcher Zack Greinke, though not necessarily as part of the same, three-team deal. But when asked about the Greinke rumor during his weekly radio engagement on WAXY 790, Marlins president David Samson replied, ``First I've heard of it.'' ``We had something come our way that was multiplayer. I just don't see it happening,'' said Larry Beinfest, Marlins president of baseball operations. ``On the surface it was interesting and we wanted to pursue it.''"
"Interesting" three-team trade scenario fizzles, Beinfest says
December 9
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"How's this for a tease: During his daily Winter Meetings media briefing Wednesday, President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest casually mentioned the Marlins backed out of what sounded like a major, three-team trade. The Marlins didn't arrive here anticipating any Richter Scale-registering transactions, but something began percolating Tuesday afternoon and piqued the Marlins' interest enough to continue exploring it into Wednesday before it ultimately fizzled. "On the surface it may have been interesting," Beinfest said. "It was interesting. We wanted to pursue it, and it dealt with some parts of our major league club. In the end, I don't think we were going to be able to make it work"
Marlins hope to sign Nolasco to one-year deal
September 7
MLB.com
 
"With an eye towards the future, the Marlins are hoping to sign Ricky Nolasco to a multiyear contract. Based on how talks have gone recently, there is a better chance that the two sides will agree to a one-year deal for 2011, and see how things progress from there. The last serious talks between both sides was last Thursday, Sept. 2. As reported recently by Juan Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, there is a "significant gulf" between the parties. Indications are, for at least for now, the sides are planning on discussing a one-year deal after the season for 2011. Because Nolasco has "Super Two" arbitration status, he reached arbitration in 2009. But he won't have the necessary"
Marlins: Negotiations going nowhere with Ricky Nolasco
September 3
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"What better way for the Marlins to deflect some of the negative publicity over their leaked financial documents than to announce a long-term commitment to another player before season's end? The Marlins have begun exploring a multi-year deal with right-hander Ricky Nolasco, but don't hold your breath for a celebratory press conference. According to a source who spoke with Nolasco this week, a significant gulf exists between the two sides. Reached Thursday, Nolasco's agent, Matt Sosick, would only confirm he'd had substantive discussions with the club, but nothing was imminent. Sosnick and the Marlins after some early rough spots last offseason finalized Josh Johnson's four-year, $39"
Marlins' Nolasco will miss rest of season, have surgery
September 2
Miami Herald
 
"When Rodriguez first met with reporters Wednesday he was ``100 percent sure'' Ricky Nolasco would make his next scheduled start Friday. Now, the Marlins won't see Nolasco until next year. The 27-year old right-hander, who sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee while conditioning Aug. 19 in Pittsburgh, is having season-ending surgery next week. ``It's just not letting me do what I want to do out there on the mound,'' Nolasco said. ``I just have to be smart. I'm not going to risk hurting something else when I'm compensating for my knee. I'll be having surgery next week.'' Nolasco, who missed a start Aug. 22 but pitched for the Marlins on Saturday in Atlanta, said he would be out three"
Marlins' Nolasco done for the season
September 2
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Right-hander Ricky Nolasco will miss the final month of the season due to the meniscus he tore last month. Scheduled to start Friday against the Braves, Nolasco said after Wednesday's game he will undergo right knee surgery to repair the problem next week. "It's just not letting me do what I want to do," Nolasco said. "I can't squat all the way down, just little things like that…People have been telling me I have to be smart and I'm not going to risk hurting something else trying to compensate." Manager Edwin Rodriguez said left-hander Andrew Miller likely will take Nolasco's place. Nolasco already had missed one start after being diagnosed with the meniscus tear. He came back to pitch"
Nolasco's poor outing might reveal big problem for Florida Marlins
August 29
Miami Herald
 
"As Ricky Nolasco's 41st pitch of the second inning was lofted into the air for a routine out, the pitcher lowered his head and started in for the dugout before the ball was caught. Nolasco had seen enough. Question is, will that image of a dejected pitcher be the final snapshot of his season? Despite dismal results while pitching on a bum knee in Saturday's 12-3 blistering loss to the Atlanta Braves, Nolasco and manager Edwin Rodriguez said the knee wasn't an issue and he will make his next start in five days. ``Just stunk,'' Nolasco said. Said Rodriguez: ``The good news is that the knee is all right. He was throwing in the low 90s, so the arm is fine. It was the location of his pitches"
Braves' Hudson strikes down Nolasco's return
August 29
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Ricky Nolasco's balky knee was about the only thing that held up Saturday against the Braves. The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! followed up Friday's near flawless 7-1 win with an ugly 12-2 loss at Turner Field that saw Nolasco, pitching with a torn meniscus, turn in one of the shortest outings of his career. Done after two innings and 62 pitches, Nolasco watched the Braves score six times in the second and never look back. "Just stunk pretty much," said Nolasco, adding the knee posed no problems. "I didn't throw anything where I wanted to … I felt fine coming off the mound and doing all my stuff, backing up bases." Matt Diaz sparked the big inning with a solo homer and seven of the"
Marlins' Nolasco feels good after throwing session
August 26
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco passed one critical test in his bid to pitch again this season, perhaps as early as Saturday. But he is not out of the woods just yet. Nolasco said a 15-minute throwing session off a bullpen mound, one designed to test the torn meniscus in his right knee, went well Wednesday. Now he must wait to see if swelling results. He also must prove during drills Thursday that he can field his position. If he clears those hurdles, he will start Saturday. ``There wasn't any pain pushing off,'' Nolasco said of the session. ``I can't help but feel good about it. At the same time, we have to wait to see how I feel [Thursday].'' Asked if he has entertained the thought, at this late stage in"
Injured Nolasco still might make next start for Florida Marlins
August 23
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco's ailing right knee improved enough over the weekend that Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez has not ruled him out of his next scheduled start, which would come Saturday in Atlanta. Nolasco, who sustained a torn meniscus while bending over to tie his shoes last week, will play catch Monday and then throw a bullpen session Wednesday in New York. If both workouts go well and team doctors give him clearance, Nolasco would make his next scheduled start -- a remarkable recovery just nine days after sustaining serious cartilage damage. ``He wants to pitch, and he says he's feeling much better the last two days,'' Rodriguez said. ``At this point of the season, pretty much everybody's"
Ricky Nolasco sidelined by knee injury
August 22
Palm Beach Post
 
"Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco will miss his scheduled start Sunday because of a torn medial meniscus in his right knee and could be out much longer. Nolasco said he injured his knee Thursday, hearing a "pop" as he changed his shoes while sitting at his locker. "It was kind of a fluke thing," Nolasco said. "I can't really believe this has happened to me. It's frustrating, but I have to be smart about it. There's not much I can do now." Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said left-hander Andrew Miller, who was recalled from Class AA Jacksonville on Thursday, will start Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros. Miller, a former first-round pick of the Detroit Tigers who came to"
Nolasco has torn meniscus in knee
August 22
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco won't make his scheduled start Sunday because of a torn meniscus in his right knee, the result of a freak injury suffered Thursday. Manager Edwin Rodriguez said lefty Andrew Miller, who was recalled from Double-A Jacksonville on Wednesday, will take the mound against the Astros. Nolasco said he most likely will need surgery. Whether he can pitch again this season won't be known until the swelling, which had already gone down "significantly," subsides, Nolasco said. Nolasco said the injury happened when he had just finished throwing a bullpen session in Pittsburgh and was sitting down pulling his knee toward him to change shoes before going running. "I"
Nolasco just shy of complete game in win over Padres
August 1
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"The Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! have a new all-time home run leader. His name is Dan Uggla. Uggla's record-setting homer, the 144th of his career, helped the Marlins clinch the series with a 6-3 win over the National League West-leading Padres at Petco Park Saturday. The Marlins are back at two games over .500 for the first time since May 25 (24-22). Starter Ricky Nolasco positioned his team and ace Josh Johnson to sweep the three-game set and conclude a 5-2 road trip Sunday afternoon. Since June 23, no pitcher in baseball has won more games than Nolasco. Saturday, he improved to 12-7 after going 8 1/3 innings. "The main thing is the bullpen coming in after me and getting the job"
Nolasco, Sanchez lead Florida Marlins win over Colorado Rockies
July 22
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco didn't receive any help from his teammates during his previous outing, but with Stephen Strasburg on the mound the Marlins at least had an excuse. On Wednesday, the Marlins didn't have to contend with Washington's rookie phenom and gave Nolasco all the offensive support he needed. Nolasco was exceptionally sharp and the Marlins bats opened on a hot streak. That was good enough for a win. The Marlins scored five runs in the first two innings and watched Nolasco give up four hits through eight strong in a 5-2 victory against the Rockies. The Marlins have won two of the first three in the series and go for the series win Thursday. Florida also has won four of its past five"
As milestone nears, Florida Marlins' Ricky Nolasco likes the road
July 21
Miami Herald
 
"A victory by Ricky Nolasco on Wednesday would give him 50 as a Marlin and move him into second on the team's all-time list behind Dontrelle Willis, who recorded 68. But Nolasco has done his best pitching on the road, not at home. Nolasco has gone 30-18 with a 4.23 ERA on the road but only 19-19 with a 4.78 ERA at Sun Life Stadium, and all four of his career complete games have been on the road. A self-described ``adrenaline pitcher'' who feeds off crowd energy, Nolasco said it's possible that pitching in front of South Florida's smaller crowds could have an effect. ``Crowds could have something to do with it,'' he said. This season, Nolasco is 3-5 with a 5.26 ERA at home but 6-2 with a"
Ricky Nolasco knows he could be traded
July 11
Palm Beach Post
 
"With seven strong innings in the Marlins' 3-2 victory over Arizona on Friday night, Ricky Nolasco tied All-Star teammate Josh Johnson for the team lead with nine victories. With the win, Nolasco knows he increased his trade value, if the Marlins decide to make moves in advance of the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. "We have a really good clubhouse here. I feel the same way as a lot of other guys: We don't want to get broken up,' he said. "Obviously, I don't want to, either. I've liked the organization since I've been here. This team can win ballgames if we stay together.' The Marlins entered Saturday at 41-45, trailing Atlanta by 10 games in the NL East. Manager Edwin Rodriguez"
Feeling right at home, Marlins' Ricky Nolasco subdues Mets
June 29
Miami Herald
 
"Maybe the Marlins should play in Puerto Rico more often. In dealing the New York Mets a 10-3 loss in the first game of their ``San Juan Series,'' the ``host'' Marlins ended a four-game losing streak and improved their all-time record at Hiram Bithorn Stadium to 6-1. Ricky Nolasco certainly wouldn't put up an argument if the Marlins decided to switch more of their home games to Puerto Rico's capital city, part of a plan designed to increase visibility in the island commonwealth. ``It was awesome,'' Nolasco said of the festive atmosphere created by Monday's crowd of 18,073. ``I love coming here. I love it so far. Hopefully we can come back next year.'' Save for a pair of home runs served up"
Nolasco suffering from Rays burn
June 14
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Despite playing indoors, the Rays have been quite harmful to Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! starter Ricky Nolasco. Nolasco gave up three home runs to the Rays in 2 1/3 innings during Saturday's 6-5 loss. It was his shortest outing in his past 37 starts dating to May 22, 2009 when the Rays ripped him for eight runs on eight hits in two innings which led to his demotion to the minors. Nolasco is 2-2 in four starts against Tampa with an 8.38 ERA, so it's no surprise manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to start him on his regular rest against Texas on Thursday instead of Friday against the Rays in the home rematch. "Ricky's throwing on his normal day so we'll give him a chance to face Texas"
Early hook upsets Nolasco as Mets sweep Marlins
June 7
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"One of the hits didn't leave the infield. The other barely made it into the outfield. That's partly why Ricky Nolasco was stunned and perturbed at the sight of his manager walking toward the Citi Field mound in the sixth inning of a wind-swept Sunday. With a run in, one out, the bases loaded and the Marlins up four, manager Fredi Gonzalez yanked Nolasco though he'd only thrown 82 pitches, 59 for strikes. Tim Wood entered and allowed two of the three inherited runners to score. The following inning he served up a tying three-run homer to Jeff Francoeur in the 7-6 Mets victory. "I was really shocked that I had to come out of the game, but it's his decision and there's nothing I can do about"
Ricky Nolasco says not to worry aboutin velocity
May 17
Palm Beach Post
 
"Right-hander Ricky Nolasco's velocity ranged from 88-91 mph Sunday, a few ticks lower than normal. He said that's no cause for alarm, but he wasn't happy with his performance in the Marlins' 10-8 win over the New York Mets at Sun Life Stadium. "It felt terrible, but there are games when that's going to happen and you just have to go out there and battle. That's pretty much the only thing I'm proud of myself for today - I battled," he said. Nolasco (4-2, 3.59) became the second Marlins starter to four wins (Nate Robertson is 4-3), despite allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits in six innings. He threw 95 pitches, 54 for strikes."
Complete games show Florida Marlins' staff learning, maturing
May 3
Miami Herald
 
"Thanks to Roy Halladay, the Phillies are the only team in the majors with as many complete games as the Marlins, who have three. While Halladay is responsible for all three of Philadelphia's nine-inning affairs, the Marlins' are distributed among three pitchers: Chris Volstad, Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco. ``It's a sign we're learning and maturing,'' Nolasco said. ``It's also a sign we're managing pitch counts and managing the other lineup.'' Manager Fredi Gonzalez said it's also a sign Marlins starters are attacking the strike zone, something they haven't done in recent years."
Bearded Nolasco stays hot in chilly Denver, but Rockies answer
April 25
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"The intent wasn't to look any more menacing. Ricky Nolasco had a practical reason for leaving the razor in the toiletries bag a few extra days. "I didn't want to shave in the cold weather," he said. It was the Rockies who felt chilled Saturday as Nolasco pitched the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! to a 4-1 win in the opening game of a doubleheader at Coors Field. With a first-pitch temperature of 54 degrees, Nolasco allowed a run over eight innings with no walks and nine strikeouts. Nate Robertson could not sustain the momentum in the nightcap. The Rockies scored five runs over four innings off him on their way to an 8-1 victory. Sinkerball specialist Aaron Cook held the Marlins to"
Nolasco's complete game gives Marlins confidenc
April 20
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"After Sunday's 2-0 win over the Phillies, relief pitcher Burke Badenhop was practically giddy. He had come into the game with one out in the seventh and gotten five consecutive outs to set up closer Leo Nunez. Badenhop, whose ERA is now 0.93 in his five appearances, talked about how confident he is feeling, but said the key to Sunday's win had come the night before. "We were feeding off Ricky," Badenhop said, referring to Nolasco's complete-game 5-1 win. "An outing like that can set you up for a week. People probably don't realize that." Complete games are rare for the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!, who had a franchise-high 14 in 2005 but have 14 since. When they do happen, the"
Ricky Nolasco goes the distance, quiets Phillies
April 18
Miami Herald
 
"Hanley Ramirez hit a ball so hard up the middle Saturday night that when Jamie Moyer attempted to stop it, the ball yanked the 47-year-old's glove clean off his right hand. By the time Moyer scrambled to recover it and flipped to Ryan Howard at first base, Ramirez was safe. That served as a microcosm for Moyer, whose days of controlling the Marlins are becoming ancient history. The Marlins didn't rock Moyer, but the five runs they scored off him in the first inning were more than enough with Ricky Nolasco pitching. Using an effective sinker, Nolasco shut down the best hitting team in baseball, tossing a complete-game five-hitter in a 5-1 victory on a chilly night at Citizens Bank Park."
Ricky Nolasco shuts down Phillies in complete game win
April 18
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"It was 51 degrees and dropping when the first pitch was thrown Saturday. Fortunately for the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now!, their bats didn't get cool until the second inning, while Ricky Nolasco kept the Phillies bats in a deep freeze all night long. The Marlins got some measure of revenge against Phillies' starter Jamie Moyer, who came into the game 13-4 all-time against them, scoring five runs on four hits in the opening frame. Nolasco then walked to the mound and took advantage of that 5-0 lead as he shut down one of the best lineups in baseball. The result was a 5-1 win for the Marlins and the first complete game of the season for the pitching staff and the fourth in Nolasco's"
Nolasco clear on rule after infraction
April 8
MLB.com
 
"Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco prides himself on being a strike thrower. That's why he was so upset when he was charged with an automatic ball in Wednesday's 7-6 win in extra innings over the Mets. In the first inning on Wednesday, Nolasco was charged with a ball for violating a new rule. With Mets cleanup hitter Mike Jacobs at the plate, Nolasco was standing on the rubber when he brought his right fingers to his mouth. Home-plate umpire Laz Diaz immediately called for a ball, and Nolasco protested. Crew chief Wally Bell came in to clarify, as play was halted for a few seconds. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez sprinted onto the field to check the ruling."
When it got Rocky, Florida Marlins' Ricky Nolasco took his lumps
April 7
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco knew something wasn't normal last May when his ERA shot up to 9.07 and his record shrunk to 2-5. He felt like he wasn't pitching all that poorly. But bloopers were dropping in for hits, and ground balls were finding holes in the infield, and instead of outs he was being nickel-and-dimed to death for runs. ``It was a lot of things like that that happened,'' said Nolasco, who will start for the Marlins on Wednesday when they face the Mets in the second game of the season. ``Everybody has those periods of time where you're going to make good pitches and guys are going to get hits, and things are going to fall and all the breaks are going to go against you. You just have to look"
Ricky Nolasco's goal: Issue 25 or fewer bases on balls in 2010
April 7
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"One time in his life he couldn't do it. Ricky Nolasco couldn't throw strikes. Fresh out of middle school, Nolasco joined the summer ball team at Rialto (Calif.) High School. He transferred there and was earmarked to play for the varsity team as a freshman. "I was a little stressed out about that," said Nolasco, who will make his 2010 debut Wednesday night against the Mets. "I remember that summer walking a ton of guys. That was the only time in my life I walked guys and had that taste of it. I hated it." Still does. Nolasco berated himself after his final Grapefruit League outing. He walked the last hitter he faced after getting ahead 0-2. It was the first and only batter that saw four"
Ricky Nolasco pitching like an ace for Marlins
March 29
Palm Beach Post
 
"Josh Johnson got the four-year, $39 million contract in January, but Ricky Nolasco has been the Marlins' ace this spring. Based on his performance this month, Nolasco looks like he's primed for a solid year. He allowed one hit in 7 1/3 innings Sunday in Florida's 4-0 win over Houston, dropping his ERA over five starts to 1.78. "Theres nothing more I can ask for. All I can try and do is let that carry over into the year and try to help this team win ballgames," he said. Nolasco retired the first 16 batters he faced before Jason Castro lined a single to right with one out in the sixth inning. He allowed one more runner when he issued his first walk of the spring, missing on a 3-2 pitch"
Ricky Nolasco dominant in final spring outing
March 29
Miami Herald
 
"Ricky Nolasco was one peeved pitcher Sunday. He was beside himself when he walked into the clubhouse following his final outing of spring training, and he said was still ``very'' upset some 30 minutes later. ``You don't want to end a day like that -- ever,'' Nolasco said. ``It's not acceptable.'' What was so troubling to the intense right-hander? What pitching crime did he violate? What terrible baseball sin was he guilty of committing during what was an otherwise meaningless spring training game that will be forgotten come Opening Day of the regular season, if it hasn't been already? Here's what: Nolasco walked a batter. That's right. Nolasco walked a batter for the first time all spring."
Marlins' Nolasco irked over lone walk of the spring
March 29
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"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"