D-backs’ GM weighs in on Ryan Roberts’ ups and downs
Jun 21, 2012, 3:31 AM | Updated: 4:41 am
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Ryan Roberts has been through his share of highs and lows this season.
After struggling through an abysmal April, Roberts has seemingly found his stride offensively over the past two months. While his contributions with the bat haven’t gone unnoticed, D-backs General Manager Kevin Towers has been concerned with the decline of his third baseman’s play at the hot corner.
“I think probably the one area I’ve been most disappointed in is the defense went a little bit south from last year,” Towers told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Show Wednesday.” Last year he played a very good third base over there. I think offensively he’s been very good the last four to six weeks. So the defense could continue to improve.”
While Roberts’ seven errors in the field have certainly cast a shadow over the third baseman’s improved production at the plate, Towers knows the effort and tenacity is there.
“He plays hard,” Towers said. “I think that’s what you love about his style of play. That’s the way he was last year, too. Ryan plays with his hair on fire, hard as he can, sometimes to his detriment.
