New D-back Adam Rosales talks about getting traded and his new team

The D-backs made a move by acquiring infielder Adam Rosales from the Athletics just before baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline.

In moving to Arizona, the veteran finds himself in a playoff race with the Diamondbacks, presenting a 180 degree turn for him after being with last place Oakland.

“This is awesome, this is exciting stuff,” Rosales told MLB Central. “Just got here on Tuesday and the guys all welcomed me into the clubhouse, just a great group of guys here in Arizona.”

Before the deadline, most of the trade chatter around the A’s surrounded other players, which meant Rosales did not necessarily expect to be dealt.

With his guard down and without much thought of leaving Oakland, he started preparing for, what he thought would be, his teammate’s departure.

“I like to get signed baseballs from guys I played with, so I was thinking that Jed Lowrie and maybe Yonder Alonso was going to go,” Rosales laughed. “So I’m like ‘hey, can I get a signed ball from you? I’m probably not going to see you tomorrow’ not knowing that I was going to be the guy that was gone.

“But it’s pretty cool for my family and me to have this opportunity.”

He was thrown into the fire right away in his first start Tuesday, batting third against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Rosales joked that he was ‘shocked’ to be batting third, saying it was either the first or second time he’s ever done so in his 10-year MLB career.

No matter how limited his experience was at hitting third, he didn’t show it Tuesday — going 2-5 with a double and 2 RBI in a D-backs loss.

A career .228 hitter with 44 home runs and 170 RBI, Rosales is not necessarily known for his bat. However, if and when he does hit his first home run in Arizona, his teammates will notice something very unique.

He doesn’t admire his long ball, but instead breaks out in a sprint around the bases and those in front of him should be aware.

“I’ve been doing that since I’ve been a little kid,” Rosales said. “And I told myself when I was about 12 that if I ever get a chance to play in college, to play in the major leagues, I’m going to play like I’m 12 years old and I’ve always kept that promise to myself.”

Last season, he had 10 of the top 11 fastest home run trots and already this season has broken his own record.

Run, @arosie7, run!

This trot clocked in at 15.88 seconds — topping his own #Statcast mark for over-the-fence HRs. https://t.co/PD5EaMW0V3 pic.twitter.com/9kEvGuO6da

— #Statcast (@statcast) June 25, 2017