Buy Scott Olsen, Florida Marlins – Olsen featured a breakout season in just his rookie year for the Marlins in 2006. He enjoyed 31 starts with an overall rock-solid ERA of 4.04. In addition to his fine ERA, the southpaw managed a 166-to-75 K-to-BB ratio, which forecast additional success. Unfortunately, last season was largely the complete opposite for Olsen in his sophomore campaign. In all the numbers were bleak, trumped with a 5.81 ERA. He fought his mechanics and seemingly anyone around him last year. Olsen seemed to almost alienate himself from his team and teammates, which just made the matter worse. The left-hander was a real option as a breakout candidate moving forward into the 2008 season, and so far, he’s answered the bell. The numbers speak boldly with a 2.22 ERA. Remember, he was just a 23-year old pitcher last season with heavy weight from his strong rookie debut added. Maturity has been one of the strong points for Olsen in the early going. He’s a totally different character from last year, while looking for the pressure of assuming the staff ace duties. In addition, he’s working much quicker on the mound, throwing strikes, and keeping his defense on their heals. You could almost say he trusts his stuff again, while the thought process has again paid off. Importantly, Olsen’s added a change-up to his mostly slider/fastball repertoire as well. This is vital in his development. First, he’s been figuratively much better against the left-handed bat in his short career, while sometimes struggling with right-handers. Well, the change-up is a huge pitch to offset that situation. In a recent start against Milwaukee, many Brewers noted just how good his change-up was that evening. Again, the Brewers are a heavy right-handed team that mauls left-handed fly ball pitchers. Olsen’s success against the Brew Crew was another piece of evidence that his success will continue in 2008.

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