Schumaker's first camp defined by energy, respect and food trucks

JUPITER, Fla. -- For 13 years, Skip Schumaker entered Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium from the right-field side for Spring Training. That changed this week, as the longtime Cardinal opened his first camp as Marlins manager at the complex the two organizations share.

"It is different," Schumaker said. "We texted a couple of the staff members over there to turn down their music. They said the same thing to us. It's definitely different taking the right turn and the wrong turns on the way here. But it's a very similar layout."

Though the Marlins' first full-squad workout isn't until Tuesday, nearly everyone has arrived. Pitchers and catchers have teamed up for bullpens, while regulars including Jazz Chisholm Jr. have worked on outfield drills. The next progression will occur on Sunday, when live batting practice is scheduled for the first time.

"There's just a different energy in the air, and [I] have heard from guys on the outside that it's a different look, so pretty excited," general manager Kim Ng said. "I know that Skip and his staff have stayed in touch with the players throughout the offseason. So I think everyone's just raring to go. I think the guys have a sense of what's going on, so I think they're excited."

Schumaker and his staff emphasized building relationships with players early. Catcher Jacob Stallings recalls his playful advice for his new manager: Leave reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara in the game as long as possible.

"With the conversations I've had with him, I think he's just set a really good tone, along with the staff, of just being energetic and upbeat and excited for the year," Stallings said. "Along with that, also holding guys accountable and that sort of stuff."

When Miami holds its first full-squad workout on Tuesday, Schumaker plans to set the tone with his negotiables and non-negotiables. He intends to have organic conversations throughout spring rather than constant team meetings. So far, Schumaker has bounced around the back fields -- doing everything from hitting ground balls during infield drills to chatting with the catchers.

As a first-time skipper, Schumaker must adjust to rule changes and five players competing in the World Baseball Classic. Saturday marked the first step: Introducing the pitch timer.

"Skip brings energy, he brings youth, he brings experience coming from a great organization that did things the right way," said pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr., one of two returning coaches from the 2022 staff. "He's kind of a no-nonsense guy. I love that. He's not afraid to call people out. He's not worried about feelings if you get them hurt. It's like, 'Move on and get better.' And I think the players will relish that. He's going to be around in the clubhouse. He's knowledgeable in pitching. He had a great pitching coach over there in St. Louis [with Mike Maddux]. He was around some veteran pitchers. So he brings a lot to this organization. I'm excited to work with him."

As an 11-year MLB veteran, Schumaker knows how tough the spring grind can be: The early mornings and long days in the sun contrast with the nocturnal lifestyle of the regular season. He has catered lunch from local food spots and has ensured music blasts on the back fields.

"As a player, he was very serious going about his business, very professional, always working really hard," former teammate and current Marlins right-hander Johnny Cueto said via interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. "I'm very proud having him as a manager and looking forward to working for him. It's all about matter of respect. I respect him as a manager. It's a mutual thing. He respects me as a player, I respect him as a manager."

So what does Schumaker hope to accomplish this spring?

"For our staff to get to know the players -- not only on the field, but off the field -- and understand what makes them tick, what motivates them, and have an understanding that we're here to win and to get ready to win Day 1," Schumaker said. "I think once they figure out that they can trust us, we're teachers here. That's what we signed up to do, is to teach the game, and hopefully we can get the buy-in from them and kind of that all-in mentality. It takes time for them to understand what we're about. But I think the quicker we can make that happen, the better."