ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson not concerned about outside perception of team

Mar 29, 2014, 9:44 PM | Updated: 9:44 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson is very perceptive. He’s well aware of the rumblings and grumblings surrounding his baseball team and their slim chances to make it back to the postseason after back-to-back .500 seasons.

But as Gibson detailed before Saturday’s final tune-up of the spring at Chase Field, he’s not too concerned with the outside noise.

“I know what we believe in,” Gibson said. “That’s the important thing. I understand that people ride the emotional roller coaster. But, being involved at our level, that’s not what you do.

“You write your own story and your own vision. That’s why you play the season.”

It’s understandable why expectations might not be too high when it comes to the Valley’s major league squad heading into Monday’s home opener.

The D-backs share the National League West with a team that boasts the league’s highest payroll and a bevy of star power to boot in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not to mention, the San Francisco also reside in the division and are just two seasons removed from a World Series title.

Add in season-ending arm injuries to de facto ace Patrick Corbin and eighth inning reliever David Hernandez, and it seems like writing off the D-backs would prove to be the easiest option.

But predictions are just that. Predictions.

“There’s going to be several predictions on who is going to win it,” said Gibson. “Obviously, I’ve asked you guys this before, but what percentage of you are right? Really. Nobody knows. We don’t know. You don’t know.

“That’s what’s exciting. We get to find out. We get to start the journey to find out. That’s the fun part about it. Players and athletes and people who compete and believe in themselves, they actually cherish people doubting them. So, that all begins on Monday.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Lourdes Gurriel Jr....

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks keep good times rolling with 14-run inning, Opening Day rout of Rockies

What the Diamondbacks accomplished in the third inning against the Rockies on Thursday night was completely new for those in the ballpark. 

2 hours ago

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. flips his bat during Arizona Diamondbacks' 2024 Opening Day...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks score 14 runs in a single inning to beat Rockies on Opening Day

The Arizona Diamondbacks set franchise marks with 13 hits and 14 runs in the third inning of their 2024 Opening Day game against the Rockies.

6 hours ago

Blaze Alexander...

Alex Weiner

Blaze Alexander did all he could to make Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster

Diamondbacks infielder Blaze Alexander put together a spring that made it too difficult for the team to send him back to the minor leagues.

9 hours ago

Ketel Marte celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Ketel Marte to lead off Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day lineup

The Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day lineup is set ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.

13 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery throws a pitch...

Tyler Drake

Hall: Diamondbacks’ addition of Jordan Montgomery ‘made a lot of sense’

The Diamondbacks' addition of Jordan Montgomery puts a bow on a rotation that should be in the conversation for the top spot across MLB.

14 hours ago

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable picks: One Diamondbacks young player to watch in 2024

Which Arizona Diamondbacks player should continue an upward trend in 2024? Gabriel Moreno, Brandon Pfaadt and Alek Thomas are possibilities.

15 hours ago

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson not concerned about outside perception of team