Miami Marlins Good News: Giancarlo Stanton is an Adult

Feb 12, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (left) talks with outfielder Juan Pierre (right) during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In opening up to the media about his now-legendary tweet from last fall, Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton said exactly what most folks were hoping he’d say; the trade and the off-season are over and in the past.  Now it’s time to play ball as hard as he can. Joe Frisario, writing at the Fish Pond, has the following report:

Regarding the level of effort that will be necessary to win back fans alienated by the fire sale:  “The team, in general, has never stopped playing hard. To win back those fans we may have lost, it’s more of just showing how hard we’re out there playing and fighting every night.”

About the low-expectation roster:  “We’re going to have to play it out and see how it goes.  We obviously know the rosters of everybody now. We have guys who are here, and guys we’re not too sure about.  It’s more about how we bring them all together, and how we’re going to come as one.”

Stanton also commented about how his knee issues are behind him, and that there have been no discussions about long-term contracts with the front office.

He also doesn’t want fans feeling sorry for him. He reiterated his commitment to play his hardest.

From my standpoint, it’s a relief, as I didn’t want to watch him hit this year, knowing he had a chip on his shoulder. I had enough of that watching Hanley loaf after shallow fly balls two years ago.