It seems like our starting rotation is finally growing out of its growing pains as Scott Olsen, Ricky Nolasco, and Andrew Miller are beginning to pile up an impressive string of starts.

After the Marlins’ 6-1 victory over the lowly Mariners, Miller improved to 5-5 with an ERA below 5.00 for the first time this season.  At the end of April, Miller’s ERA was 9.12.  But May and June have both seen sub-4.00 work from the young lefty.  It certainly seems to be a better performance than former fan favorite Dontrelle Willis who is struggling in Florida (Lakeland, FL).

Meanwhile, earlier in the day Ricky Nolasco was name NL co-player of the week after going 2-0 with 1.23 ERA and 15 strikeouts.

Scott Olsen has been the staff ace all year long, despite only 4 wins.  His 3.27  ERA is by far and away the best on the staff.  It is important to note that Mark Hendrickson’s 7 wins are greatly appreciated, but his late May and June performances deny him from being a part of the Marlins’ Big Three.  (Also, it wouldn’t be mathematically sound.)

With a record of 38 and 32, the Marlins remain striking distance away from the Philadelphia Phillies at 3 games back.  If the back end of the rotation, Hendrickson and rookie Ryan Tucker, follows the Big Three’s lead, there would be no reason the Fish couldn’t catch the Phillies.