Speed--the name of the game for Florida's Juan Pierre: Marlins center fielder works on using his running ability to offset the opposition's pitching and defensive strategy.(Baseball's Top "Pest")

WHILE MANY 21ST CENTURY players rely on muscle building and swinging for the fences, Marlins center fielder Juan Pierre takes a completely different approach.

Florida's leadoff man slaps singles, lays down bunts and steals bases like no other active player. His 29 bunt hits and 45 infield singles in 2003 look like a throwback to the dead-ball days. With just four home runs in 2,077 career at-bats, Pierre has no plans to change his approach to hitting at the plate.

"Line drives and groundball singles work anywhere," he said. "That's what I'm doing for the Marlins."

Bulking up isn't Pierre's goal in workouts. He would have to consume lunch and dinner at an all-you-can-eat buffet to reach his listed weight of 180 pounds.

"I train my body for running, quickness and speed skills," Pierre said. "I get a lot of infield singles and bunt hits, so I'm always running. The speed game definitely wears on your body, especially in south Florida with all the heat."

Pierre's 65 stolen bases led the majors in 2003, and it was the highest one-year total since 1999. He discussed what a speedy leadoff man can contribute to a team's success.

"You don't actually have to steal the base," Pierre remarked. "The threat of stealing is enough to be a distraction. Maybe the pitcher doesn't focus on the hitter as much, so the batter gets a better pitch. The speed game is diminished around the league. I'm trying to show that speed can still work in baseball."