Former D-backs molding current D-backs

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In his battle to win the No. 5 spot in the D-backs rotation, Robbie Ray has found a formidable ally.

Hall of Famer Randy Johnson has taken the young pitcher under his wing this spring.

“Randy watches a lot of the bullpens,’’ said manager Chip Hale. “He’s taking a real liking to watching Robbie Ray and trying to help him with his mind and the things that he can do. He kind of sees himself in Robbie.”

Both left-handed pitchers, Ray said he and Johnson tend to focus more on the mental aspects of the game.

“We just talk about the mental side of baseball, not a whole lot about pitching like mechanics, but mostly about mentality,” Ray said. “He has told me that one thing that worked for him was going out there and pitching like it was his last time going out for a game. I think that’s huge if you go out there like it’s your last time, you’re going to give it all you got every time.”

Johnson isn’t the only former D-back sharing his experience and knowledge with a generation of younger players.

Recognizable names from the 2001 World Series championship team are Reggie Sanders; Matt Williams, who coaches third base; Mark Grace, the assistant hitting coach; and Luis Gonzalez, who assists in the executive office along with Johnson.

Other former D-backs players working in the organization are Mike Fetters, J.J. Putz and Orlando Hudson.

Ray embraces the advice from Johnson. “He has a lot to offer. Obviously, he did it for over 20 years so he was doing something right. Any chance I get to talk to him and work with him is great,” Ray said.

Before he was sent to the minors, pitcher Archie Bradley took advantage of the array of talent around the clubhouse.

“Obviously, everyone in here knows what they did for this organization, team and for the city. To have guys like (Johnson), it’s pretty special,” Bradley said. “I don’t know if a lot of teams have that, but we really try to embrace it and use it our advantage and constantly ask questions and just try to retain knowledge from them.

“O-Dawg” Hudson played for the D-backs from 2006-2008, earning his third Gold Glove award and a ticket to his first All-Star Game in 2007. He has returned this spring to help the middle infielders at shortstop and second base.

“I show them different tactics of the game and how to control a game. You know, keeping everyone intact, especially the whole field, outfield and infield,” Hudson said. “Everybody is important but the middle infield keeps everybody going.”

Hudson said he’s been having fun working with the players and hanging out with the coaches.

“I’m definitely enjoying the coaching staff. Most of these coaches I played for when I played here. The front office guys were here when I was here, so it’s like coming back home,” Hudson said.

Hale said he likes having Hudson around because he understands and knows the importance of fundamentals.

“Well, first of all, just the physical part of it, whether it’s how to turn a double play from the second base side, O-Dawg has done it, and done it at the Gold Glove level,” Hale said. “He’s able to take guys like Phil Gosselin, Brandon Drury and Jean Segura and really clean them up and that’s huge.”

Hale enjoys the experience and knowledge the former players can give to current D-backs.

“I think all of the guys that are here, Reggie Sanders, J.J. Putz, Luis Gonzalez, they just add guys who have all been there and done it. We talk about it, we want to be back in the World Series, we want to be champions,” Hale said. “I told them to ask questions on anything, on the mental and physical (aspects). They’re all just great to have around.”