Marlins' Truck Day signals camp's imminent arrival

The wheels were set in motion on Monday, which was Miami's "Truck Day." Two 24-foot trucks were loaded at Marlins Park, and by mid-afternoon they were unpacked at the team's Spring Training facility.

Bats, bins, bags filled with baseballs, helmets and crates of uniforms were among the items transported. Also squeezed on the truck were pitching machines and refrigerated coolers.

Truck Day for the Marlins is a bit different than for most clubs, which are traveling from other states to either Florida or Arizona.

With its proximity to Jupiter, the team already has plenty of gear in both locations. Still, Monday was a day of heavy lifting.

After enjoying one of their busiest and most productive offseasons in years, the Marlins are now getting ready for some baseball. In 11 days, pitchers and catchers take the field, with full-squad workouts to follow on Feb. 24.

Miami has made an number of high-profile additions during the Hot Stove season, acquiring second baseman Dee Gordon, right-handers Dan Haren and Mat Latos and infielder Martin Prado in trades. They've also signed free agent outfielders Michael Morse and Ichiro Suzuki.

The Marlins set the tone for their busy offseason by signing Giancarlo Stanton to a record 13-year, $325 million contract.

"We're very happy with what we were able to accomplish this offseason," president of baseball operations Michael Hill said recently. "We're looking to starting our Ayudan [Caravan] Week, and Spring Training shortly after."

Ayudan Week begins on Sunday, and the Winter Warm-Up is Feb. 21 at Marlins Park. Individual game tickets go on sale that day.

Players are starting to filter into South Florida, with several pitchers and catchers already training in Jupiter.

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Marlins' Truck Day signals camp's imminent arrival