azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Veterans, youth get in gear
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 22, 2005 12:00 AM
TUCSON - Seeing is believing, and although new Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin hasn't seen the club's additions in any game situations yet, he liked what he saw Monday when the rest of the team joined pitchers and catchers for spring training.
"I'm excited," Melvin said. " . . . I haven't seen these guys, I've just heard about them, but to actually see them in uniform and see them out there taking ground balls and fly balls, taking some swings . . .
"This organization, from what it looked like last year to where it is right now, is completely different. We feel like we have a retooled big-league team that we like a lot, and we've got (younger) guys coming along the way. . . . In my mind, this is a good time to be a Diamondback."
For every established veteran like Royce Clayton or Shawn Green who arrived at the Kino Sports Complex, there is a top-notch prospect reporting - from infielder Sergio Santos to outfielders Conor Jackson and Carlos Quinton.
Though Melvin's Opening Day roster will sport primarily experienced players, he said youngsters would push some of the veterans in camp.
"When you've got guys banging on the door, guys who are hungry and aren't too far away, it gives you a little more urgency as a big-league player to go out there and be productive," Melvin said.
Most preseason prognosticators aren't giving the Diamondbacks, who lost 111 games last season, much of a chance to compete in the National League West, let alone reach the postseason.
"Even for a team that wins 80 games, it's tough to win 95," second baseman Craig Counsell said. "But this is a pretty different team now, and that's why you can say there's a chance."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/special3/articles/0222dbacksA0222.html
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 22, 2005 12:00 AM
TUCSON - Seeing is believing, and although new Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin hasn't seen the club's additions in any game situations yet, he liked what he saw Monday when the rest of the team joined pitchers and catchers for spring training.
"I'm excited," Melvin said. " . . . I haven't seen these guys, I've just heard about them, but to actually see them in uniform and see them out there taking ground balls and fly balls, taking some swings . . .
"This organization, from what it looked like last year to where it is right now, is completely different. We feel like we have a retooled big-league team that we like a lot, and we've got (younger) guys coming along the way. . . . In my mind, this is a good time to be a Diamondback."
For every established veteran like Royce Clayton or Shawn Green who arrived at the Kino Sports Complex, there is a top-notch prospect reporting - from infielder Sergio Santos to outfielders Conor Jackson and Carlos Quinton.
Though Melvin's Opening Day roster will sport primarily experienced players, he said youngsters would push some of the veterans in camp.
"When you've got guys banging on the door, guys who are hungry and aren't too far away, it gives you a little more urgency as a big-league player to go out there and be productive," Melvin said.
Most preseason prognosticators aren't giving the Diamondbacks, who lost 111 games last season, much of a chance to compete in the National League West, let alone reach the postseason.
"Even for a team that wins 80 games, it's tough to win 95," second baseman Craig Counsell said. "But this is a pretty different team now, and that's why you can say there's a chance."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/special3/articles/0222dbacksA0222.html
