Paul Goldschmidt Debuts for Diamondbacks
By Editorial Staff
The Diamondbacks called up prospect Paul Goldschmidt Monday and immediately plugged the slugger into their starting lineup at first base.
Though Goldschmidt wasn’t named as one of Arizona’s top 10 minor leaguers entering 2011, the 23 year old had put up numbers that had certainly caught the attention of Diamondbacks’ coaches and front office.
Drafted in the 8th round in 2009, Goldschmidt combined to hit over .300 with 57 home runs and 170 RBI’s in his first 212 games between Rookie level and High-A.
He started 2011 with the Diamondbacks’ Double-A affiliate, where his production earned him Monday’s call. Goldschmidt hit at a clip of .306/.435/.626 with 30 home runs and 94 RBI’s this year in the minors.
A spot for the slugger was opened this weekend when Arizona sent young first baseman Brandon Allen to the A’s in exchange for reliever Brad Ziegler. Allen had solid minor league numbers and was still only 25, but knowing Goldschmidt was waiting in Double-A made him expendable to the Diamondbacks.
Goldschmidt was thrown right into the action Monday, not only seeing his first start come against NL West rival San Francisco, but facing top right hander Matt Cain. Goldschmidt was able to go 1 for 4 as the Diamondbacks pulled out the 5-2 victory to cut the Giants’ lead to a single game.
Things won’t be getting much easier for Goldschmidt, as Tuesday he’s rewarded with one of the game’s best lefties, Tim Lincecum.
For more on the Diamondbacks, be sure to check out Venom Strikes.