Christian Yelich Primed for Breakout?

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It sounds like Christian Yelich is ready for spring training to start sooner, rather than later. Joe Frisaro is reporting that Yelich has been working since before Christmas to prepare for spring training, which starts February 20th for him. Here is what Yelich had to say about his offseason regiment so far.

"“I feel like it’s good work,” Yelich said. “I did all that before I came to Spring Training last year, and I felt like I was ready. I felt good. It’s a good thing to get you going, and getting you ready.”"

As Frisaro goes on to point out, Yelich had a monster spring training, playing out of his mind and forcing the Marlins front office to reconsider placing him on the big league club immediately. Ultimately, they decided against it and extended club control on another year for Yelich.

I am wanting Yelich to do exactly what he did last offseason this offseason. If he can come out of the gate with guns blazing, it can provide a great start to the season and will set a great example for the other young players. Whether Yelich is aware or not, he will be a leader on this team, regardless of his age.

I am expecting a breakout year for Yelich. He acquitted himself nicely during his call-up last year, and I believe that the seasoning that he experienced in 2013 will translate positively in 2014. The Marlins should project him for the 2-spot in their lineup.

I always get asked who players most favorably compare to from the past. I believe that Yelich has a lot of Wade Boggs in him. He has a lot of plate discipline, and is a spray hitter. Now he probably won’t reach Boggs’ batting averages, but he should provide a little more pop than Boggs did, as well as more speed.

What do you expect from Yelich this offseason? Who do you think he compares to? Let us know in the comments below!