ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Young and Johnson bring determined mindset into spring training

Feb 21, 2011, 10:27 PM | Updated: 10:32 pm

While spring training signals the end of the offseason for all players, Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Chris Young and second baseman Kelly Johnson acknowledge that a determined mindset is the most important thing to bring with them to Salt River Fields.

“I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what kind of year you had last year,” Young said on Sports 620 KTAR’s Doug and Wolf Monday morning. “By all means you come into spring training with the mentality of having to win a job and having to prove yourself all over again.”

For Johnson, having to prove himself in spring is no change from an offseason that almost resulted in a salary arbitration hearing. A one-year contract was agreed upon, saving both player and club from more distractions than either would have liked.

“[Arbitration] is one of those things you just don’t want to go through,” Johnson said, also on Sports 620 KTAR’s Doug and Wolf. “As an athlete everybody knows its business, but at the same time it gets brought up in some way or another. But it’s nice to get it done before camp.”

Coming off an embarrassing season, the D-backs are coming into spring training with the goal of putting losing as far into the past as possible.

“Just trying to right that ship has been on my mind all year [and] all offseason,” Johnson said. “Coming in here, that’s all I want to do: Just get this thing turned around.”

Young is approaching this season knowing that he needs to be more controlled mentally because the season is a marathon and the team that survives it will be on top. Staying consistent throughout the season is Young’s top priority and that approach starts in the spring exhibition games.

“I’ve learned not to get down on immediate results,” Young said. “You just kind of go with the flow of spring training and try to prepare for the season.”

In an attempt to turn a new leaf and bring in a higher maturity level, the D-backs have added veterans and coaches with winning experience into the mix.

“I’ve learned that it does make a difference,” Young said. “In ’07 we did have some veteran players and they did kind of put us in check when we needed [it].”

“You’ve got World Series Champions at every coach on the board,” Johnson said. “It makes it real easy to buy into what these guys are saying, doesn’t it?”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

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.

1 hour 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.

3 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.

3 hours ago

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

4 hours ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

5 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

7 hours ago

Young and Johnson bring determined mindset into spring training