Marisnick enjoying new team, first spring camp

JUPITER, Fla. -- While playing in the Arizona Fall League, during the middle of a game, Jake Marisnick unknowingly was being traded.

The 21-year-old learned of the deal shortly after the game. Marisnick was one of the key prospects the Marlins obtained in their blockbuster 12-player deal with the Blue Jays.

In time, the Marlins are hopeful that Marisnick can become a steady contributor in their outfield.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound, Marisnick is a talented athlete who possesses great speed along with power potential. The Marlins have plenty of reasons to believe he will have a productive big league career.

Marisnick projects to open the season at Double-A Jacksonville. The Suns project to have one of the top Minor League outfields in the game, featuring Marisnick, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna.

For now, he is enjoying the experience of being in big league camp.

"I'm just going to come out and play my game, play hard and have fun out here," the Riverside, Calif., native said. "It's an opportunity a lot of guys don't get. I'm just going to enjoy the time that I have here. Go out and play my game, and not put too much extra emphasis and stress on myself, and have fun."

Marisnick, MLB.com's third-ranked Marlins' prospect, has tremendous speed, clocking 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash.

In the Arizona Fall League, he enjoyed success, batting .314 with three doubles, two triples, one homer and eight RBIs in 19 games.

During the 2012 season, Marisnick also had the experience of playing for new Miami manager Mike Redmond.

Marisnick opened last season at Class A Dunedin, managed at the time by Redmond. He eventually was promoted to Double-A.

"He's a great guy, great manager," Marisnick said. "I'm excited for him."

Like so many players in Marlins camp, Marisnick is making the transition into a new organization.

"Meeting the staff and the players, they are definitely making me feel really welcomed here," he said. "They are all great guys. It's always fun playing with other great players. I'm definitely looking forward to that."