Yelich poised to produce for Marlins

JUPITER, Fla. -- One day of batting practice isn't going to be the answer, but it's definitely a starting point.

Left fielder Christian Yelich, 22, certainly sees it that way. He also sees an improved roster and the potential to substantially increase run production.

One of the game's top prospects at the beginning of Spring Training 2013, the left-handed-hitting Yelich broke in with the Marlins in late July. In 62 big league games, he batted .288 with a .370 on-base percentage.

Manager Mike Redmond plans to bat Yelich second, behind Rafael Furcal and in front of Giancarlo Stanton.

Like many position players, Yelich was in Jupiter days before full-squad workouts began on Thursday. And if Thursday is any indication, Yelich is primed to be the type of hitter that made him a first-round pick in 2010, lacing line drives all over the field on the first day of drills.

"We've been out there the past few days, but ... it's good to get the first one under your belt," Yelich said.

Yelich has added about 10 pounds since last spring and is now listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds.

Though the Marlins brought in several free-agent position players to help boost an offense that ranked last in the Majors in runs scored and home runs a year ago, they will be banking on their returning players to progress in order for more runs to cross the plate.

"We're definitely going to be better," Yelich said. "We're going to be good. Any way we can help out our pitchers, we've got to do, because those guys keep us in the game every night. We know, as an offense, if we can give those guys some help, good things are going to happen for us."