Redmond expects experience to be best teacher

MIAMI -- Banking on a young team to grow together was the Marlins' plan this season, and the strategy will basically be the same in 2014.

So without making major changes, how can a sluggish offense manufacture more runs?

The Marlins are hopeful the core players who have had their struggles will keep progressing.

"I think next year, you factor in a full year of experience for a lot of these guys," manager Mike Redmond said. "Guys will improve, based on their experience, and another year of seeing the pitchers. That part of it will be huge."

The Marlins are winding down their roughest offensive season in a non strike-shortened year. Only the 1994 squad, which had 468 runs in 115 games, pushed across fewer runs than has this year's club.

The Marlins are last in the Majors in runs scored (499) and home runs (95) entering Monday's game.

When the Marlins decided to rebuild following a disappointing 2012, they made it clear that rebuilding will be a process that could last a few years. So going through some hardships were expected.

Miami is averaging 3.20 runs per game, which makes it tough on the pitching staff.

The payroll next year is expected to be in the neighborhood of this season, which was roughly $37 million.

"There is a lot of room for guys to improve," Redmond said. "We've lost a lot of games, but I've said before, we've been able to get a lot of guys into games, and get them a lot of at-bats, and a lot of different scenarios.

"I think we have a solid foundation of young players who have been able to come to the big leagues, and they're getting a lot of experience. Now, it's a matter of figuring out where you can improve this ballclub."