ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Paul Goldschmidt is classic Goldy as he’s introduced by Cardinals

Dec 7, 2018, 10:41 AM | Updated: 10:42 am

(Screenshot)...

(Screenshot)

(Screenshot)

Paul Goldschmidt buttoned a red and white No. 46 jersey over his suit Friday as the St. Louis Cardinals introduced their new first baseman.

It was an odd sight for Arizona Diamondbacks fans who watched the franchise star blossom in the desert over the last seven years. Two days after he was traded by the D-backs to the Cardinals for three players and a draft pick, it was still uncomfortable.

Goldschmidt, in his introductory press conference, did as Goldschmidt does. He refused to discuss any thoughts of next year’s free agency or a contract extension with his current deal ending after 2019.

The low-maintenance star said he chose the No. 46 jersey because it was the closest to his No. 44 jersey with Arizona that was available.

No. 43 and 44 are already taken by current players, and No. 45 is retired for Hall of Famer Bob Gibson.

Not that he cared either way. Goldschmidt said his No. 44 jersey with Arizona was handed to him; the first baseman didn’t request a number when he first joined the D-backs in 2011.

In St. Louis, Goldschmidt said he was excited to play in front of a packed stadium and challenge for a title. He expressed regret that he didn’t bring a World Series home for the Diamondbacks.

“Got a couple chances to play in the playoffs over my career,” he said. “There’s nothing better than that. Those are my fondest memories with the Diamondbacks. It’s probably my one regret that we couldn’t bring a championship to Arizona while I was there.

“I loved everything about them, from the top, from ownership all the way down to all the coaches, to the employees to the people who took care of the family, who took care of my kids. It was amazing.”

The Cardinals had been pressing D-backs general manager Mike Hazen for about a month to acquire Goldschmidt, they said. Things took a turn this week as they put a trade on the table that Arizona felt was the best return they could find.

“I don’t really follow rumors to be honest with you, but of course around town people say something or someone texts you,” Goldschmidt said.

Goldschmidt rolled through the offseason knowing being traded was a possibility. The change of scenery he admitted is exciting.

But Goldschmidt is approaching it all the same.

“I think from the outside you think it’s a bigger change than it is,” he said. “I was pretty fortunate to be in Arizona that long, but there was always change, there was always new players.

“It’s just kind of the baseball life.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

2 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

4 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

5 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

8 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

12 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

13 hours ago

Paul Goldschmidt is classic Goldy as he’s introduced by Cardinals