Kirk Gibson says Parra is up to the challenge

Diamondbacks Gold Glove outfielder Gerardo Parra was back
at Salt River Fields Wednesday ready to work and return to
his spot in left field. The only problem is somebody is
already there — newcomer Jason Kubel.

Nobody would have been surprised if Parra was upset about
the off-season acquisition of Kubel from the Twins. After
all, Parra hit .292 and played solid defense in just his
third full season in the majors.

Manager Kirk Gibson talked to Parra and was not surprised
by the 24-year-old’s response.

“He’s gonna have the same attitude. Last year he came here
and he wasn’t a starter either. He earned his time,”
Gibson said. “When it comes down to it, we’re going to try
and win ball games. He starts out as a fourth outfielder
just like he did last year but he’s arguably the best left
fielder in the game.”

So if Parra is the best left fielder in the game, why go
get another one?

“I told him that I want to see him work in center field,”
Gibson said. “If you just look at it, if CY went down it’d
be nice to be able to plug him in.

“That’s pretty good depth.”

Although Parra is once again battling for a starting spot,
Gibson doesn’t underestimate his player’s value on this
team.

“He’s very important to our team, no question about it.
He’s going to come out here and work hard, he’s going to
have a great attitude just like he always does. He’s not
going be pouting about it. I knew that would be the case.
When it’s all said and done, Parra is going to be a huge
part of this team.”

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