Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Roster Report: Infielders

SHORTSTOP

Sep 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop

(16) throws to first base during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Starter – Chris Owings
Backup – Didi Gregorius

Chris Owings vs. Didi Gregorius will be the most interesting matchup to watch during Spring Training. The club tried to give the reins to Gregorius last year, but he didn’t do nearly enough with his opportunity. Currently, they’re going with Owings as the starter after playing just 20 games last year.

Owings was drafted in the first round (41st) of the 2009 amateur draft by the Diamondbacks and saw his first time in the majors last September. He hit .291 with five doubles and  two stolen bases in just 61 plate appearances. Defensively, he was solid but unspectacular, making one error and turning four double plays in 93 innings.

Gregorius appeared to have the tools to become the everyday shortstop, but his 103 games in 2013 were below expectations. He hit .252 with a ghastly .373 slugging percentage. He showed some good speed in getting three triples, yet only attempted to steal two bases, getting caught both times. Defensively, he was worse than average, committing 13 errors for a .971 fielding percentage. He’s still young, but he needs to put it together quickly.