Castro warming up to new environment

JUPITER, Fla. -- The introductions will continue for at least a while longer as the collection of new Marlins players get acquainted with each other, their surroundings and the organizational system.
Among the new faces is a player who is no stranger to the big leagues, big markets and playing in big games. Starlin Castro, whose 2017 season ended in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, now is one of the veteran leaders on a youthful Marlins' squad.
• Marlins' Spring Training information
Castro was acquired from the Yankees as part of the blockbuster Giancarlo Stanton trade.
"It was kind of tough at the moment," Castro said when he learned he was going to the Marlins. "[The Yankees] were one game from being in the World Series. Now, I feel pretty good. We have a lot of talent here. A lot of young guys. They can be good players in the Major Leagues. I'm here to work hard, to do my best and give 100 percent on the field."
:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::
Shortly after the December trade came down, Castro's representatives sent out signals the 27-year-old second baseman didn't want to be part of a franchise building. He had experienced that before, during his days playing for the Cubs.
Since then, Castro has made it clear he is committed to being with the Marlins, as long as they want him. He's under contract for two seasons, and he could be a potential trade candidate, perhaps by the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
"That's one of the things I'm trying not to put in my mind," Castro said. "The only thing I can control is to come here strong. Come here healthy. To play hard, and whatever happens happens. I don't have any control over that."
For now, the Marlins are counting on Castro, a four-time All-Star, to produce in the top or middle of their order. With New York, he had a slash line of .300/.338/.454 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs.

Before Spring Training, the Marlins helped put Castro at ease. He spoke with manager Don Mattingly and president of baseball operations Michael Hill.
"I just made contact with him, just to welcome him," Mattingly said. "Not really to really indoctrinate him. More than anything, just welcome him. To tell him, I'm glad he was here. I know he can hit."
The Marlins began full-squad workouts on Monday, and Castro is still familiarizing himself with his new teammates and coaches. Around him, he sees young, talented players eager for the opportunity to impress.
"I talked to a couple of coaches before I got here," Castro said. "I talked to the manager and GM. When I got here, I talked to a lot of guys, especially, the guys I don't know. I think we have a good group here."
After a couple of days on the field, it's still early to tell how the club will come together.
"Not yet," Castro said. "We're starting to meet each other. We're meeting all the coaches and players that we've never met. It's the second day for me here. We have a lot of time to get to know each other and to show these young guys how it is to be in the big leagues."