ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

ESPN MLB insider: Paul Goldschmidt’s start in 2013 not an aberration

May 27, 2013, 2:05 AM | Updated: May 28, 2013, 5:30 am

52 games into the 2013 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are alone atop the NL West standings.

Although the D-backs have been hit hard by a litany of injuries, suffered notable late-inning letdowns from their bullpen and received inconsistent pitching from the top-end of the rotation, Kirk Gibson and Co. have been able to weather the storm in rather impressive fashion.

One big reason why: the all-around play of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

In his second full season in the big leagues, the 25-year-old has all but turned himself into a budding superstar.

Not only has he committed just two errors in 487 total chances, but Goldschmidt also ranks among the top 10 in the National League in batting average (.324), home runs (12), RBI (40), on-base percentage (.406), slugging percentage (.597), on-base plus slugging percentage (1.002) and wins above replacement (2.9).

Goldschmidt, who is in the first season of his new five-year extension with the D-backs, has matured into one of the better players in all of baseball, but also into one of the better bargains, as well.

And leave it to former MLB general manager and current ESPN insider Jim Bowden to take notice. In his Insider Only column, Bowden took a look at players and teams off to fast starts and dissected whether or not they could keep it up.

Not shockingly, Bowden believes the D-backs first baseman has earned a little long-term faith.

In spring training, ESPN analyst Aaron Boone compared Goldschmidt to Jeff Bagwell. I agreed with Boone’s power assessment, but I questioned Goldschmidt’s ability to hit for average.

“Boonie” was right. Goldschmidt is a legitimate hitter, not just a power hitter, and he understands the pitches he can handle and has the ability to spit the ball out of the zone. He’s a high on-base, high-slugging power hitter, and the Diamondbacks’ multiyear deal with him will prove to be one of the best long-term contracts of 2013.

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

Randal Grichuk...

Alex Weiner

Randal Grichuk returns to Diamondbacks on 1-year deal

The Diamondbacks have agreed to re-sign outfielder Randal Grichuk, who finished red hot in 2024, Mark Feinsand first reported on Tuesday.

3 days ago

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by the league on Monday over sports gambling...

Associated Press

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB on Monday for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.

4 days ago

Diamondbacks Kristian Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks announce spring training roster with Gino Groover, Kristian Robinson

The Diamondbacks released their spring training roster for big league camp on Friday, including prospects Gino Groover and Kristian Robinson.

7 days ago

Garrett Hampson...

Alex Weiner

D-backs signing stout defender Garrett Hampson to minor league deal, spring training invite

The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing utility defender Garrett Hampson to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation.

7 days ago

The roof of Chase Field is opened prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the Arizon...

Brandon Cadiz

Diamondbacks: Chase Field roof will be ready by Opening Day

Fans can rejoice, as the Arizona Diamondbacks will have their Chase Field roof fully functional for Opening Day for the first time in two seasons.

8 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks' Chase Field stadium lease ends in 2027...

Kevin Zimmerman

Derrick Hall: D-backs encouraged about Chase Field improvement bill

Derrick Hall expects the Arizona Diamondbacks to create more sales tax revenues to fund state initiatives alongside proposed improvements to Chase Field.

8 days ago

ESPN MLB insider: Paul Goldschmidt’s start in 2013 not an aberration