Miami Marlins morning news: Giancarlo Stanton watches pitches on first day of live batting practice

Marlins News

Giancarlo Stanton is healthy and ready to go, however he may not be prepared to face live pitching just yet. According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, Stanton took every pitch he saw on the first day of live batting practice.

It was a significant step, but it wasn't very exciting, as Stanton tracked all 10 pitches he saw. The slugger didn't swing at any of the five offerings from right-hander Henderson Alvarez in his first round and lefty Brad Hand in his second.

Dee Gordon has become one of the best base stealing threats in all of baseball, but that is not what he is thinking about heading into 2015. Instead, Gordon is rightfully focused on helping the team score runs in order to assist a young pitching staff.

Pitchers faced live hitters for the first time on Thursday. Stanton discussed his new helmet while the rest of the Marlins' hitters took some swings. Simulated games with umpires will come over the weekend.

Miami has one of baseball's best young outfields, and it should be notably productive again in 2015. Manager Mike Redmond wants to keep the outfield fresh, and is going to utilize Ichiro Suzuki in various situations throughout the spring.

Nick Masset is feeling healthy and could have the chance to make the team with a solid spring. Masset would be a notable addition to the bullpen if he can succeed as he did in Cincinnati a few seasons ago before getting injured.

Giancarlo Stanton. Body paint. Here is the result.

Fewer baseball games means less Stanton. And does anybody really want that?

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is hoping to bounce back in 2015. What can be expected of the veteran catcher?

Around the League

Adam Wainwright's injury does not appear to be serious. The Cardinals are thankful.

Felix Hernandez is excited for Seattle to compete in 2015. In other words, the king is ready.

The Pirates have a solid outfield. How does it compare to that of other clubs?

Texas has had a interesting offseason. What lies ahead for the Rangers?

At Fish Stripes

-Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki adds depth to successful outfield - Fish Stripes

The 41 year old arrives at spring training preparing to spend the 2015 season playing behind arguably the best outfield in the major leagues. How will this work for Ichiro and the Marlins?

-Miami Marlins Have Plenty of Young Pitching Prospects - Fish Stripes

While the farm system has been depleted recently through a combination of trades and promotions, the Fish have a number of promising young hurlers; particularly in the lower levels of the organization.

-2015 Miami Marlins Prospect Profile: Jose Urena - Fish Stripes

6'2" right-handed pitching prospect Jose Urena will start the season standing on the doormat of the big leagues for the Marlins.

-Miami Marlins' Justin Bour unphased by Michael Morse signing - Fish Stripes

Before the Marlins added Morse in January, Bour may have had a chance to win the first base job.

-Loss of eight games makes notable difference for Miami Marlins - Fish Stripes

Why losing only 8 game would make a huge difference in the MLB.