Stanton says he's past anger over Marlins purge

He called the offseason "interesting."

Irate fans have used even more colorful adjectives, and shortly after the Marlins' blockbuster trade last November that culminated their purge of players, Stanton tweeted he was angry about it.

On Friday, as the downsized Marlins prepared for their first full-squad workout of spring training, Stanton said he's ready to turn the page.

"You're not going to linger on something and cry about it all day. You let it be known how you feel and push forward," he said.

"There's no reason to be mad. I'm healthy. I'm ready to play and be part of the team. All the other nonsense, let it be what it is. There's not going to be any pouting."

The comments about the trade were Stanton's first to the South Florida media since All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes and four other players were dealt to Toronto. The deal left Stanton as one of the Marlins' few established players, and there were offseason questions about whether he might soon join the exodus.

He declined to say whether he would be willing to sign a long-term contract with the Marlins.

"I haven't been offered one, so that decision isn't ready yet," he said.

Stanton will be eligible for arbitration in 2014 and free agency after the 2016 season, when he could sign with one of the big-spending teams in his native California.

He said his relationship with Marlins management isn't beyond repair.

"There are always ways to look past things," he said. "It can be rebuilt. There's time."

He had only one communication during the offseason with owner Jeffrey Loria, he said.

"One text," Stanton said. "It was 'Merry Christmas' or something quick."

Reyes, speaking at Blue Jays camp, said Friday he feels sorry for Stanton. When the comment was relayed to Stanton, he laughed and said other players have expressed sympathy to him.