Diamondbacks Final Spring Training Battles
Aug 15, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Aaron Hill (2) forces out Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) during the sixth inning at Marlins Ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Most of the top rated prospects have had great springs like Jake Lamb and Yasmany Tomas. Here are my predictions on spots in the infield:
Catcher-Tuffy Gosewisch: Gosewisch is having a consistent spring hitting .294 and a .324 on base percentage. He spent most of last year in AAA Reno and backing up Miguel Montero who is now on the Chicago Cubs. He is more of a defensive catcher who can frame pitches and block balls in the dirt easily. Tuffy is a great add on to the team from the loss of Montero and is also an ASU alum. Oscar Hernandez will back him up.
1st Base-Paul Goldschmidt: Face it, Goldschmidt’s position is safe. He will be the opening day first baseman. He played in 109 games and batted .300 with 19 homers. He has got off to a slow spring only hitting .214 with 1 home run. But once the season gets started, I’m sure Goldy will get back in the swing of things.
2nd Base-Aaron Hill: Aaron Hill will be the teams opening day second baseman because of his consistency and experience. He had an off season last year hitting 10 home runs with a .244 average. He also has got off to a very slow spring only hitting .174. Although there are trade rumors going around about Hill, it doesn’t mean he wont help the Dbacks produce this season.
3rd Base-Yasmany Tomas: Tomas has came into his first spring training with a chip on his shoulder hitting .268 with 2 home runs. His two homers this season have been absolute bombs, showing the MLB his raw power. Although he came in an outfielder, he is now going to play third base. In my opinion it should be Jake Lamb at third and Tomas in the outfield but that’s not the Dbacks plan. Look for Tomas to tear it up this season.
Shortstop-Chris Owings: Chris Owings has not had many at bats this spring but has got off to a nice start. He is hitting .233 and has 3 stolen bases. Last season Owings played in 91 games and hit 6 homers and hit .266. His speed and defense is his strong suit as that will most likely make him the opening day shortstop.