Last year’s improbable pennant run was a blast for Diamondbacks’ faithful, but rest assured — Arizona fans haven’t seen anything yet.
The players on the 2012 snakes squad are the real deal. They’re focused. They’re talented. They’re experienced. And most importantly, they’re hungry.
“Sometimes guys get complacent after they win the division,” outfielder Chris Young said. “I’ve seen that with other teams, where they just expect it all to happen again. I don’t think we have that mentality in (this clubhouse).”
I admit, most teams enter spring training with this kind of optimistic attitude about the season ahead. Players will talk the talk and tell reporters how this year is going to be their squad’s year to shine.
In reality, only a handful of clubs end up living up to the romanticism of these spring training days.
The Diamondbacks are in this elite category, and those who don’t believe it are only adding fuel to Arizona’s fire.
“Everyone’s eager to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke and that we can duplicate it, and do some more things as well,” outfielder Cole Gillespie said.
With the ultra-competitive Kirk Gibson at the helm, it’s no surprise this team isn’t satisfied with 2011’s first-round playoff exit. The Diamondbacks are focused on maintaining the discipline they displayed last fall in order to play deeper into October this year.
“I think we’ve had enough bad seasons to understand how much it takes to have a good season and to never take anything for granted,” Young said. “The goal going through the season is to make it to the playoffs. The ultimate goal is to win the World Series, no doubt.”
Arizona plays in a division that’s up for grabs just about every season, and there’s no question that the other four National League West members will be gunning for the defending champs come April.
Still, this is a team that’s well equipped to defend their division crown. In addition to returning the bulk of its personnel from last year, Arizona added a number of key additions in the offseason. Right-handed starter Trevor Cahill will bolster the rotation, Takashi Saito will improve the bullpen and Jason Kubel will add more power to an already stacked outfield.
“(Management) added some parts that I think are going to make us better as a whole, and now the bull’s-eye is on our back,” right-hander Josh Collmenter said. “I think this is a team that will really embrace that, and it won’t really change our style in the way we attack each day and each game.”
Collmenter also believes the Diamondbacks will be putting more butts in the seats because of last season’s performance, and aside from the division-leading Coyotes, Arizona’s other professional sports teams haven’t exactly been at the top of their game.
“I think there’s definitely a buzz about the city,” Collmenter said. “Especially with the Suns being a little bit down this year and the Cardinals (being) kind of mediocre. I think any time you’re playing well and you’re the hot team and the hot ticket in town, it really shows with the fan support.”
One of the main reasons for Arizona’s success last year was that there seemed to be a different hero for every dramatic win. Sure, the team has stars — Young, slugger Justin Upton and ace Ian Kennedy — but this season, like last, will require a total team effort in order to produce another playoff appearance.
“This is a team sport,” Ryan “Tatman” Roberts said. “It’s not individuals. As long as we keep it that way and we keep that mentality just like we did last year, then the numbers will speak for themselves at the end of the year.”
It’s refreshing to hear this kind of mindset embraced within a professional franchise, as it doesn’t seem like the team comes first all too often nowadays. For example, it’s hard to find many humble star players like Young, who was quick to admit that success won’t come from just his, Upton and Kennedy’s efforts.
“To win, it doesn’t take the superstar guys,” Young said. “It just takes a group of players that are all dedicated to the same goal and prepared to be in the spotlight in that given moment.”
That’s the beautiful thing about the Diamondbacks this year: Nobody’s afraid to step up and seize the moment when the game’s on the line. The high level of confidence is palpable throughout the entire organization.
“We definitely have the talent,” first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said. “The front office has done a great job, the coaching staff is prepared, and the players are going to work hard, so hopefully we’re there at the end of the year at the World Series and possibly winning it.”
Opening Day is Friday, April 6, at 4:10 p.m., when the Diamondbacks take on rival San Francisco at Chase Field. I’ll see you there for the official start to a World Series run.
Reach the columnist at kjnewma2@asu.edu
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