Paul Goldschmidt: Intimidating, friendly, the guy you want at the plate

Quick, what’s the first word you think of to describe Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt?

Is it “intimidating”?

Well, when he’s in the batter’s box, multiple players in the MLB call him the most intimidating player in the game.

The Athletic conducted a survey of more than 240 baseball players to glean insight into their opinions of peers throughout the league. The anonymous survey asked questions ranging most intimidating hitter to which manager would you want – and not want – to play for, and which ballpark is the most fun to visit.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Angels outfielder Mike Trout won the tally for most intimidating hitter, garnering 37.9 percent of the vote.

Arizona fans likely wouldn’t disagree with the “intimidating” moniker for Goldschmidt when he’s at the plate.

But they might first think of an antonym, like the word “friendly.” Goldschmidt tied for third in the vote for the friendliest person to chat with at first base.

Most fans in the Valley, though, would jump to the word “underrated.”

The league agrees with that.

Goldschmidt was voted the most underrated player in the game, winning 10 percent of the vote. The Athletic writer noted there was no clear consensus, except in the National League West.

That division has the most experience facing America’s First Baseman.

He also got love in a question about the World Series.

“Game 7 of the World Series, game on the line – who do you want at the plate?”

Again, Trout won handily with 31.7 percent of the vote. But Goldschmidt was one of 11 players to receive multiple votes in that section.

Goldschmidt isn’t the only D-backs hitter shown appreciation on this list. Well, “hitter” might not be the right term, but this peer did win a Silver Slugger award.

Which pitcher could make it as a full-time hitter?

Zack Greinke was a runner-up, garnering 12.5 percent of the vote. He’s actually hitting .270 this season, the fourth-best on the team, behind only A.J. Pollock, David Peralta and Goldschmidt.

Manager Torey Lovullo also received recognition from MLB players.

When asked “Which manager, aside from your own, would you most want to play for,” Lovullo came in third place behind Joe Maddon of the Cubs and Terry Francona of the Indians. The D-backs skipper was ahead of the Giants’ Bruce Bochy.

“Compared to the rest of the popular choices, who are all veterans, it’s a strong showing from Torey Lovullo in only his second year as a manager,” the Athletic wrote.

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