Redmond hopes to establish winning culture in spring

JUPITER, Fla. -- Spring Training records may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but to the Marlins, the start of Grapefruit League play is the first step in establishing a winning mindset.

After successive last-place finishes, the organization is trying to change the culture.

Building a consistent winner may take some time because the roster has been overhauled and filled with a number of players with minimal or no big league experience.

"I think sometimes you have to teach guys how to win," first-year manager Mike Redmond said. "I think that starts in the Minor Leagues. I know the teams that I've managed, we talked a lot about winning.

"You can develop and win. As a competitor, maybe I'm different. I don't know how you can turn that on and off. If you're a guy who competes and likes to win, I don't know how you go through the motions. I think if you're a winner, you try to win every game, no matter what you're doing, no matter what's the situation."

The Marlins enjoyed a successful start to their Grapefruit League season, beating the Cardinals, 8-3, at Roger Dean Stadium on Saturday.

For many of the 73 players in camp, there is plenty at stake in the Grapefruit League season.

"I like guys who play with energy, and I like guys who like to compete," Redmond said. "That's what I'm looking for. I think we've got a lot of those guys.

"You really get a good feel of what you've got when they draw those white lines out there. That's when you really find out about your players."