Marisnick dilemma: More seasoning or is he ready?

JUPITER, Fla. -- A few years ago, Mike Redmond had the chance to manage Jake Marisnick in the Minor Leagues.

Redmond was in the Blue Jays' system, and Marisnick then was a 19-year-old center-field prospect.

First impression?

"I saw him as an everyday player and a guy with the potential to be an All-Star," Redmond said. "That's what I saw. That was in A-Ball. He could run. You saw the power potential."

Now managing the Marlins, Redmond sees Marisnick as a promising talent who appears close to living up to his potential.

Marisnick, who turns 23 on March 30, is competing for a roster spot. Based on Spring Training numbers, the speedy center fielder has made a strong case. He entered Saturday batting .429 with three doubles, a triple, four RBIs and four stolen bases.

But the team is looking at more than just statistics. There is an issue of consistency with his swing, which Marisnick has shortened.

So the team is debating: Is he ready now or would some time at Triple-A New Orleans be more beneficial.

"He's had a great spring, too," Redmond said. "It's been fun to able to watch him. He's in the middle of those tough decisions. He's definitely made a case for himself. Those are ones where we have to decide: Does he need more at-bats in the Minor Leagues or is he ready to play in the big leagues?"

Marcell Ozuna is another center-field option, but the team also is asking if he could use more seasoning to refine his swing.

Christian Yelich has been playing more center field of late. Marisnick played on Saturday in Viera, Fla., against the Nationals.

"I've seen Jake since he was 19 years old in Toronto," Redmond said. "He's gotten a lot better. As a manager, when you sit there and watch your young players, you want to see them continually improve. And continue to improve in the areas they know that they have to to be successful. I think Jake has shown a lot of improvement."