The Miami Marlins have been working out in Jupiter and will start to play some games on Tuesday when they host the Miami Hurricanes.
After pitchers and catchers report, teams begin to count down the days to game action. Workouts and fielding drills can only do so much, as players seek the opportunity to face live opposition. The exhibition schedule allows the team to make crucial roster decisions, and also get its stars into playing shape.
In what has become a tradition, the Marlins will welcome some talented youth to the field at Roger Dean Stadium. The Hurricanes undoubtedly count down to this game more than the big league team does, and should be on the top of their game. Thus far in the NCAA this year, the Hurricanes have a 5-1 record and are ranked sixth in the nation.
Manager Don Mattingly has revealed that the starting pitcher on Tuesday will be prospect Jake Esch.. After that, Miami should empty its bench after one or two at-bats for each player. This early in the schedule, its just as important to stay healthy as it is to get a rhythm going. Mattingly is well experienced in this after spending several seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The game against UM will not be part of the Grapefruit League standings, but it will be watched just as closely as every other game by the coaching staff. This is the first opportunity for players to open eyes, and position themselves for roster spots later in the season.
After Tuesday's game, Miami will take a day off and then officially begin the Grapefruit League schedule. It will be a busy start as the Marlins will play the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees all over the first week. Miami will play St. Louis three times and Washington twice during the first week of play.
Every starting rotation member will see time over the first week and should go a couple of innings each in their first starts. With only Jose Fernandez, Wei-Yin Chen and Tom Koehler assured spots, there will be plenty of competition for the other two jobs.
