Marlins strive to 'outwork every single team'

MIAMI -- The Marlins open the 2019 season on Thursday against the Rockies with a youthful, inexperienced roster built around pitching and athleticism.

In the second year of a rebuild, expectations are realistic for where Miami may wind up in the standings. Wins and losses aside, the organization is committed to establishing a work ethic that’s second to none.

“We’re going to be the team that is going to outwork every single team,” said right-hander Pablo López, who will pitch the third game on Saturday at Marlins Park. “We’re going to come to the ballpark every single day trying to get better any way we can. We’re going to try to take that to the field and give it everything there.”

A strong work ethic is a mandate from the top. Chief executive officer Derek Jeter preached giving maximum effort. And Curtis Granderson, the 38-year-old left fielder and former teammate of Jeter with the Yankees, was signed to help set an example to the younger players.

“No matter what happens in the standings and no matter how much talent you have, that effort side always has to be there,” Granderson said. “I heard Jeter talk about that as a teammate. I’m hearing him talk about it as an owner, and then obviously here in this clubhouse. Everyone seems to have that mentality.”

Granderson saw a togetherness and willingness to work in Spring Training. In Grapefruit League play, Miami finished 15-13-1, one point winning 11 straight.

“The amount of time guys put in before they got to Spring Training,” Granderson said. “The amount of time in Spring Training, both on the field and after, and before. Now here we are a day away, ready to roll, I don’t see it any different. It’s been a mindset and it’s going to continue all season long.”

The Marlins' rotation will feature Jose Urena, who will start the opener. Trevor Richards, Lopez, Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith round out the rotation. All four were rookies in 2018.

“The one thing I’ve noticed the most is, typically you have a team that has a one, and when you got to the fifth starter, there was a little bit of a tail off,” Granderson said. “As an opponent, those were the teams you wanted to face. After you got through their No. 1, and maybe the No. 2 guy, three, four and five, you were like, ‘OK, here we go.’ We have a lot of guys that kind of mix and match. Our No. 1 could be multiple guys, which is a good thing. There’s not a drop off. That’s where you want to be.”

Neil Walker is another free-agent addition who has been part of winning clubs, though he came up with the Pirates when they were also rebuilding. He says all the young players should cherish Opening Day.

“As baseball players, regardless of if it’s your first or your 10th, you never know how many more you will have,” Walker said. “So enjoy it. Take it all in. You always remember Opening Day each year, how you did, because it’s always an optimistic and exciting time.”

The Marlins will announce their 25-man roster, which will have 13 pitchers and 12 position players, on Thursday. The bench will feature backup catcher Chad Wallach, infielder Martin Prado, utility player Rosell Herrera and either JT Riddle or Miguel Rojas -- whoever isn’t starting at shortstop.

“The mixture of guys, with Curtis and Neil here, they give us a different combination,” manager Don Mattingly said. “We’re able to go a little more left/right, or at least shape our lineup up a little differently. Last year, we were kind of right-handed. Rosell gives us that piece -- infield/outfield/switch-hitter.”