So the Marlins All-Star shortstop put himself through a stringent workout program, lifting weights and swimming four to five days a week. After hitting the scales on Sunday afternoon, Ramirez said he weighed 224 pounds. He is listed at 200 pounds in the team's season in review guide for 2008.

Ramirez said by Opening Day on April 6, he expects to be about 210 to 215 pounds.

"I don't feel heavy, I feel good," Ramirez said.

Now 25 years old, Ramirez has packed more size on his 6-foot-3 frame. Getting bigger, he claims, will not impact his quickness or range in the field.

"I don't think it will hurt my motion," Ramirez said.

Marlins position players take their physicals and full-squad workouts begin on Tuesday at Roger Dean Stadium. Ramirez has been in camp early, getting in some work.

Ramirez felt the need to add some size for a few reasons -- to strengthen his left shoulder, and to prepare to bat in the heart of the order.

Shortly after the 2007 season, Ramirez underwent surgery to his left shoulder. It didn't bother him for the most part last year, but late in the season, he tweaked it.

Asked if the shoulder bothered him at all in 2008, Ramirez said: "After the surgery, not at all. I got hurt in the last month, but it was nothing like the year before when it was like I couldn't do anything."

Actually, Ramirez had a remarkable 2007, because he played most of the second half with a slight tear in his shoulder and still batted .332.

Once last year ended, Ramirez added: "I just went home. I was tired of that [shoulder pain]."

In years past, Ramirez didn't spend much time in the weight room. That changed in recent months, where he swam more regularly, too. He feels the extra size will help him stay strong for the entire season.

Ramirez also is preparing to move from the leadoff spot to third in the batting order, where he will be counted on to drive in more runs.

"It's not about power, it's about feeling good," Ramirez said.