09/08/04 – Joe Frisaro/MLB.com

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI — Facing the Daytona Cubs on Thirsty Thursday is a big deal for a Class A Florida State League pitcher. Logan Kensing drew that assignment over the summer while pitching for the Jupiter Hammerheads. After making the trip to Daytona, the right-hander took the mound on the beer-promotion night. On Friday, Kensing is expected to step onto an even bigger stage, Wrigley Field, to toss against the Chicago Cubs. The Marlins on Tuesday selected the contract of Kensing, their second-round pick out of Texas A&M in the 2003 draft. Talk about baptism under fire. Kensing is slated to pitch the second game of Friday’s doubleheader, opposing the formidable Kerry Wood. "Whatever happens, happens," said the native of Bourney, Texas. "You try to be yourself. If you win, it’s a plus. If not, I guess you weren’t ready." Beaming with excitement, Kensing said that he thought his season was over when the Florida State League season ended. He returned to his Texas home but received a call a few days later when the threat of Hurricane Frances became a reality. The Marlins are in need of extra arms for the stretch run, so Kensing was promoted from Class A. "All reports we’ve got on him [say] he’s pretty good," said manager Jack McKeon. "He’s supposed to be mentally tough. We’ll find out." Kensing is being put into a tough spot, asked to make at least one daunting road start in the middle of his team’s playoff push. "My head is just floating around," he said. "I was pretty shocked." Kensing has a fastball clocked between 92 and 94 mph, a sinker and a changeup. Stunned by the swift promotion, he said he’s thinking to himself, "Don’t screw up, and don’t fall down."