Redmond eager for Spring Training to begin
At McKeon's golf event, Marlins' manager says he's excited for camp to get underway
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- Before taking the baseball field later this week, a majority of the Marlins' players took to the links on Wednesday, participating in the Jack McKeon Celebrity Golf Classic at the Crandon Golf Course on Key Biscayne.
The leisurely afternoon was another chance for the team to come together before the players get down to business when Spring Training starts on Friday at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.
Most of the players on the 40-man roster attended the signature event of the Marlins' Ayudan Caravan Week. Proceeds from the day benefit the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County.
As an organization, the Marlins had a busy offseason, bringing in a number of new faces, who are now getting acquainted with those returning to the organization.
Manager Mike Redmond was at the golf course on Wednesday. But his focus is on getting everything geared up for the start of Spring Training on Friday, when pitchers and catchers will begin workouts in Jupiter.
"There is always that comfort level, getting these guys back on the mound again," Redmond said. "Most of these guys have been throwing for probably a month, but we do have some new guys, some new faces.
"Early in Spring Training, we will be establishing a comfort level for them and getting them used to the catchers. It's just going to be exciting, getting back to baseball again."
Redmond will meet with his staff on Thursday in Jupiter, and Friday's workout will be after the players take their physicals in the morning.
A number of players have been in South Florida for at least a week or two, already training either at Marlins Park or in Jupiter.
On Saturday, the players will return to Miami to attend the Winter Warm-Up at Marlins Park. The event is free to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Individual game tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, and they are available on marlins.com.
Redmond is ready to get Spring Training rolling.
"When you start signing guys and you get ready for the season, like we are, you can't wait to get it going," the third-year manager said. "That day is coming."