ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ GM weighs in on Ryan Roberts’ ups and downs

Jun 21, 2012, 3:31 AM | Updated: 4:41 am

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Ryan Roberts has been through his share of highs and lows this season.

After struggling through an abysmal April, Roberts has seemingly found his stride offensively over the past two months. While his contributions with the bat haven’t gone unnoticed, D-backs General Manager Kevin Towers has been concerned with the decline of his third baseman’s play at the hot corner.

“I think probably the one area I’ve been most disappointed in is the defense went a little bit south from last year,” Towers told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Show Wednesday.” Last year he played a very good third base over there. I think offensively he’s been very good the last four to six weeks. So the defense could continue to improve.”

While Roberts’ seven errors in the field have certainly cast a shadow over the third baseman’s improved production at the plate, Towers knows the effort and tenacity is there.

“He plays hard,” Towers said. “I think that’s what you love about his style of play. That’s the way he was last year, too. Ryan plays with his hair on fire, hard as he can, sometimes to his detriment.

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

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ lack of execution spoils Jordan Montgomery outing vs. Cardinals

Jordan Montgomery's quality start gave the Arizona Diamondbacks every opportunity to break Wednesday's series finale at the Cardinals open.

8 hours ago

Arizona Diamondbacks logo...

Haboob Blog

Diamondbacks minor leaguer accomplishes rare 5-strikeout inning

D-backs RHP prospect Jhosmer Alvarez struck out five hitters in a single inning for Single-A Visalia against the Inland Empire 66ers.

10 hours ago

Corbin Carroll swings and breaks his bat...

Arizona Sports

Corbin Carroll slides to 7th in Diamondbacks’ batting order vs. Cardinals

The Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking up the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals with Corbin Carroll sliding down the batting order.

13 hours ago

D-backs assistant GM Mike Fitzgerald joins Wolf & Luke to discuss recent injuries to the team, incl...

Bailey Leasure

Assistant GM Mike Fitzgerald: It’s hard to read the Diamondbacks due to injuries

D-backs assistant general manager Mike Fitzgerald admitted judging Arizona has been difficult considering the rash of injuries.

13 hours ago

Pavin Smith drives in six runs as the D-backs beat the Cardinals 14-1....

Associated Press

Pavin Smith drives in 6 runs as Diamondbacks rout Cardinals

Pavin Smith hits a grand slam and drove in a career-high six runs to help the Diamondbacks to a 14-1 win over the Cardinals Tuesday.

1 day ago

D-backs put up 14 runs in six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday....

Bailey Leasure

Diamondbacks drop Cardinals with home-run party

Pavin Smith hits a grand slam as the D-backs swung early Tuesday, putting up 14 runs as they beat the Cardinals 14-1.

1 day ago

D-backs’ GM weighs in on Ryan Roberts’ ups and downs