JUPITER, Fla. – When it all clicks, teams can reverse their fortunes quickly.
Marlins infielder Neil Walker has experienced it firsthand, early in his career when he became an established big league second baseman in Pittsburgh. After enduring some growing pains, the Pirates matured and made the playoffs three straight seasons – from 2013-15.
A 10-year big league veteran, Walker feels he is in a similar spot with the upstart Marlins.
“We're not far off here,” the 33-year-old said Sunday morning. “It's a matter of guys playing together, more than anything else. The quality of individuals and the talent level here is very apparent.”
A free-agent pickup by Miami, Walker is expected to see considerable time at first base, while also spotting at second and third on occasion.
The fact he switch-hits and can also play a corner outfield spot increases his versatility. But for now, first base is where he promises to receive most of his playing time.
With his outgoing personality and professionalism, Walker has quickly become a leader on the field and in the clubhouse.
On Sunday, the Marlins faced the Pirates, the club Walker broke into the big leagues with in 2009. But Walker was not on the trip, as he stayed back in Jupiter working out with dozens of other players at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex.
Walker took grounders at third base on Sunday with Brian Anderson, and he helped keep things loose in batting practice drills with his teammates. It’s all part of team bonding, and the Marlins are doing plenty of that, especially early in camp.
Last week, first base/infield coach Trey Hillman invited all the infielders to dinner in Palm Beach Gardens.
“A lot of fun,” Walker said. “From going golfing in Spring Training with guys you don't know, to games on the field, those things create a fun environment. A competitive environment that's important. The more you can do that, the more you can put central focus on certain things. You don't just do things to do them. You do things to make players better, and make the communication better.”
With many new faces in camp, Walker is still acquainting himself with the organization, and his new teammates. He’s already noticed there is no shortage of talent. What the club lacks is experience.
“The talent level that's here is really impressive, albeit it’s on the younger side,” Walker said. “I remember being part of a very similar situation in Pittsburgh in '09, '10, '11 and '12. Just loaded with talent, and eventually things come together.”
Walker was with the Pirates from 2009-15, and he’s also played for the Mets, Brewers and Yankees.
With the Yankees last year, he faced the Marlins four times, with the teams winning two games each.
“Playing four games against them, you knew it was a talented group of players,” Walker said. “It was just going to be a matter of time before the gelling, and the team camaraderie and all that type of stuff comes together. Obviously, those types of things don't happen overnight.”
With inexperienced players, you never know when things will come together.
“Once guys kind of get into a mode of not so much trying to survive as young players at this level, but thrive and carry out the things they do well with their approach,” Walker said. “That's when you see the group kind of mold and come together and take those next steps. It's not far off.
“In Pittsburgh, all of a sudden it meshed, and in 2013-14-15 they made the playoffs and had a very good team. It's not that far off here. I'm happy to be a part of it, at least for this year.”