Parra’s defense stellar as usual

There’s a legitimate reason that Arizona Diamondbacks left
fielder Gerardo Parra earned a Gold Glove last season, and
the fans at Phoenix Municipal Stadium saw that reason
Monday.

Parra made two diving catches, including a spectacular
snag to rob Oakland catcher Kurt Suzuki of extra bases to
end the third inning of the D-backs’ 6-5 loss to the A’s.
On the play, Parra charged and made an incredible diving
catch, losing the sunglasses off of his head in the
process.

“I mean come on, as always, what’s the deal. I don’t know
anybody else that makes that play, he’s that good,”
manager Kirk Gibson said following the game Monday.

“The diving catch coming in is really a tough catch. I
mean they’re both good catches but when you dive like that
and you hit the ground like that it’s very hard to keep
the ball in your glove, which he did.”

Gibson also said Parra works hard to be one of the best
outfielders in the game.

“Have you ever seen him in BP, the glove he uses? It’s
about as big as my hand. Real small glove, so he’s got
very good hands.”

In addition to his good hands, Parra has a cannon for a
throwing arm, as evidenced by his 29 outfield assists
since
2009. Only Hunter Pence (36) and Jayson Werth (30) have
more among National Leaguers, and both have played more
than 1,100 more innings in
the outfield during that span.

With the Diamondbacks’ signing of Jason Kubel, Gibson has
four quality outfielders to juggle on a nightly basis, but
Parra’s versatility and defensive skills will ensure he’ll
see regular playing time at all three outfield positions
in 2012.

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