Feb 18, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Giancarlo Stanton (27) in spring training action at Roger Dean Stadium Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
If Miami Marlins star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has his way in 2014, the Marlins will not have to endure another losing season. Before Thursday’s first full squad workout, Stanton spoke with reporters and told them he is sick of losing:
"“I’m not a loser,” he said. “That’s not what I’m accustomed to. That’s not what I like to do. So this obviously hasn’t been ideal so far, and I don’t want a career like that. We’ve got to push it forward and start turning it around.”"
In his major league career, Stanton has not been on a team that has finished with a .500 or better record. The closest he has come was his 2010 rookie season, when the Marlins finished the season 80-82. The Marlins have actually finished with worse records in each Stanton’s seasons after that.
Since Stanton’s debut on June 8th, 2010, the Marlins have posted a 225-335 (.432) record. The team does have a slightly better record with Stanton on the field of 222-267 (.454). That is hardly anything to write home about either.
Stanton stated that he does not want to see as much turnover in player personale as he has seen in his time with the Marlins:
"“I don’t want to come in and always feel like everyone needs name tags, you know?” he said."
Since Stanton’s arrival in the big leagues, he has seen players like Dan Uggla, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Logan Morrison, and many others shown the door in the Marlins revolving-door roster
Stanton said he was happy with the Marlins roster moves from this past off-season, including acquisition catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. That is a step in the right direction, as Giancarlo continues to ponder his long-term future in Miami. Stanton wants to see the front office stabilize their roster before he thinks about any long-term extension with the team.
"“They’ve got to show me. I don’t want to hear it; I want to see it. I’ve heard everything in the book,” Stanton said. “If I see a secure setting and see that we’re going to push forward, we can talk. It’s not always about money. There are other things that go into it.”"
Stanton also addressed his desire to improve on his past performances in the opening month of the season:
“I’ve noticed I’m one terrible April player,” Stanton said. “I don’t want to be [known] as a slow starter.”
For his career, Stanton has a career slash line of .236/.327/.384, including a .227/.341/.387 in the opening month of the 2013 season. Stanton does own a .307/.383/.689 slash line in May, including a .296/.342/.577 in 2013.
A faster start for Stanton could lead to a better start to the season for the Marlins, which in could turn lead to a better chance of the Marlins ending their losing ways of the previous five seasons.
Stanton believes that his main issue with his numbers in 2013 had to do with his injury and lack continuity due to the injuries. When asked what he thinks he can do if he could stay healthy for the course of the 2014 season, Stanton responded:
"“Whatever I want. That’s one thing that hasn’t happened the last couple of years. I don’t like to talk numbers and all that nonsense. If I’m out there good things are going to happen for a long period of time.”"
In all likelihood, the Marlins 2014 season will likely be another losing season for the Marlins. This could prove very frustrating for Stanton, who has become upset with the team’s winning ways. However, any improvement that shows Stanton that the team is headed in the right direction could help a ton in the Marlins efforts to keep Stanton around for a long time.
As we have pointed out on the site before, scouts are excited about the Marlins future, with some even predicting that the team could potentially make some noise in 2014.
How do you guys feel about Stanton’s comments from yesterday? Sound off in the comments below.