ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

New D-back Adam Rosales talks about getting traded and his new team

Aug 3, 2017, 1:42 PM

The D-backs made a move by acquiring infielder Adam Rosales from the Athletics just before baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline.

In moving to Arizona, the veteran finds himself in a playoff race with the Diamondbacks, presenting a 180 degree turn for him after being with last place Oakland.

“This is awesome, this is exciting stuff,” Rosales told MLB Central. “Just got here on Tuesday and the guys all welcomed me into the clubhouse, just a great group of guys here in Arizona.”

Before the deadline, most of the trade chatter around the A’s surrounded other players, which meant Rosales did not necessarily expect to be dealt.

With his guard down and without much thought of leaving Oakland, he started preparing for, what he thought would be, his teammate’s departure.

“I like to get signed baseballs from guys I played with, so I was thinking that Jed Lowrie and maybe Yonder Alonso was going to go,” Rosales laughed. “So I’m like ‘hey, can I get a signed ball from you? I’m probably not going to see you tomorrow’ not knowing that I was going to be the guy that was gone.

“But it’s pretty cool for my family and me to have this opportunity.”

He was thrown into the fire right away in his first start Tuesday, batting third against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Rosales joked that he was ‘shocked’ to be batting third, saying it was either the first or second time he’s ever done so in his 10-year MLB career.

No matter how limited his experience was at hitting third, he didn’t show it Tuesday — going 2-5 with a double and 2 RBI in a D-backs loss.

A career .228 hitter with 44 home runs and 170 RBI, Rosales is not necessarily known for his bat. However, if and when he does hit his first home run in Arizona, his teammates will notice something very unique.

He doesn’t admire his long ball, but instead breaks out in a sprint around the bases and those in front of him should be aware.

“I’ve been doing that since I’ve been a little kid,” Rosales said. “And I told myself when I was about 12 that if I ever get a chance to play in college, to play in the major leagues, I’m going to play like I’m 12 years old and I’ve always kept that promise to myself.”

Last season, he had 10 of the top 11 fastest home run trots and already this season has broken his own record.

 

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. 

8 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.

11 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.

15 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.

18 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.

20 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.

21 hours ago

New D-back Adam Rosales talks about getting traded and his new team