ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Diamondbacks looking to exceed expectations

Feb 11, 2013, 8:24 PM | Updated: 10:53 pm

The Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t even had their first workout of spring training yet, but according to SI.com, they’re already behind the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

During the offseason, the D-backs acquired Martin Prado, Cody Ross, Brandon McCarthy and Heath Bell to name a few, but dealt Justin Upton, Chris Young, Trevor Bauer and Chris Johnson in the process.

But as far as the D-backs are concerned, preseason predictions mean as much last year’s third place finish: nothing.

“It’s a new year, new players in the clubhouse — a lot of good players,” D-backs catcher Miguel Montero said. “We got really good pitching and I know we have a really good group of guys. I know they’re good teammates and good clubhouse guys.”

One of those clubhouse guys is Ross, who stated a lot of things went into his decision to be a D-back.

“This team is being built and shaped to be winners,” Ross said. “This is a really good team with some really good young pitching. They’re trying to get back to that Gibby way of playing the game — go as hard as you can for 27 outs and leave everything on the field. I couldn’t fit that mold any better.”

That Kirk Gibson mentality of giving it your all while on the field is shared by a majority of the new D-backs, including Prado.

“I want to do whatever they want me to do,” Prado said. “My goal is to make my teammates understand that I’m going to be there for them and for the team.”

Unlike Prado, who’s only been with one team throughout his career, McCarthy is now with his fourth franchise in eight seasons. However, the seven-year veteran is aware of Arizona’s deep rotation and understands what he needs to do to play his part for the team.

“It’s my job to fill in and hold up my end of the bargain,” McCarthy said. “It’s my job to make the best of that.”

The 6-foot-7 starting pitcher was part of last year’s American League West division champion Oakland Athletics, who won the division for the first time since 2006. However, McCarthy doesn’t feel any added pressure of leading the D-backs to a similar result.

“I don’t think you can do anything more than what you’re capable of,” McCarthy said. “It’s trying to pitch as well as you can every time you go out there.”

McCarthy also reiterated Ross’ statements, crediting Towers for assembling a team that he believes should turn some heads.

“The way the team is set up, there’s no glaring weak points,” McCarthy said. “It’s a collection of guys that if you’re playing at your potential … with as much talent as there is, it’s going to be pretty hard to stop.

“The way the team is put together I really like it.”

Diamondbacks outfielder Cody Ross. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks pitcher Josh Collmenter throws a pitch to a young fan. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) A broad view of the 2013 Diamondbacks Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks outfielder Adam Eaton gets a photo taken with some fans. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel signs an autograph for a young fan. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) A couple Diamondbacks fans take give karaoke a shot. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) A young fan takes a swing at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks pitcher Ian Kennedy answers some questions at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) A look at Diamondbacks Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall (left) and general manager Kevin Towers (right) answer questions at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero talks to the media at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero is interviewed at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks pitcher Ian Kennedy answers media questions at Fan Fest. Diamondbacks pitcher Ian Kennedy answers media questions at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks broadcaster Greg Schulte is on stage with president Derrick Hall and general manager Kevin Towers. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports) Diamondbacks outfielder Adam Eaton talks with the media at Fan Fest. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

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

Aaron Judge...

Alex Weiner

Aaron Judge belts 3 home runs in Yankees win over D-backs

Yankees star Aaron Judge slammed three home runs to the opposite field to bury the Diamondbacks Friday at Yankee Stadium.

2 hours ago

Lourdes Gurriel Jr...

Alex Weiner

D-backs’ wild card tiebreakers primer, postseason magic number

With no more games against NL opponents, the D-backs' head-to-head tiebreakers are set in the postseason race.

4 hours ago

Miguel Castro...

Alex Weiner

D-backs place Miguel Castro on paternity list, bring back Slade Cecconi

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed veteran reliever Miguel Castro on the paternity list and recalled Slade Cecconi from Triple-A.

7 hours ago

Ketel Marte...

Arizona Sports

NL Wild Card standings: Diamondbacks fight for postseason berth

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a playoff hunt for the first time in years. After a cold July and early August, they are back in the race.

10 hours ago

NL Wild Card logo...

Arizona Sports

How does the NL Wild Card format, standings work for D-backs to make the postseason?

How many games are in an AL or NL Wild Card series? How many teams get in? And how does MLB playoff seeding work?

1 day ago

Corbin Carroll...

Stephen Gugliociello

Diamondbacks president raves about Carroll, has zero concern on Hazen

After winning five-straight games at home, Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall talks about the team's hot play, among several topics. 

1 day ago

Diamondbacks looking to exceed expectations