Now for worse news about a Marlins pitcher.  Josh Johnson will get a second opinion about his arm ailment but the insider's are saying the situation is less than promising.

At the rate things are going it would be almost surprising if Johnson pitches this season at all.  But all the news isn't bad concerning his condition.

In other words, the foremost authority on sports related injuries doesn't think the young man needs Tommy John surgery.  That is a good thing.  But healing the nerve in his throwing arm may be a long drawn out process and that is not so good.  Nerves tend to be stubborn.

With Johnson sidelined, Nolasco will be in the starting rotation and the spring will determine who will man the fifth slot.

This is no way to start out the spring but unfortunately, it is the hand the team was dealt.