Arizona Diamondbacks: Jarrod Dyson could be a major contributor

Jarrod Dyson will likely emerge as the fourth outfielder carried by manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

At first glance, the thunder from Steven Souza’s bat received the bulk of attention this week in the spring camp of the Arizona Diamondbacks. While manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Souza will be the Diamondbacks everyday right-fielder, the skipper also took time to view Jarrod Dyson, whom the Diamondbacks signed to a two-year deal this week, as not just “a fourth outfielder.”

That would mean the lightning, which is Dyson’s speed, should figure as a major component of the Arizona offense.

Last season, the Diamondbacks were regarded as a marginal team in the speed department, but compensated with creativity and daring. What the club lacked in pure speed, that compromise was filled with picking spots and taking chances. Credit here goes to first base coach Dave McKay, whom San Diego manager Andy Green once called, “the best first base coach in the game.”

Because Dyson’s wheels are his signature tool, he also brands a certain characteristic. This week at the Cactus League media day, Kansas City manager Ned Yost told Call to the Pen that Dyson is simply, “fearless.” When Dyson arrived in camp this week, he quick to complemented Yost and then told Call to the Pen reasoning for his presence on the diamond.

“I was a low draft pick and had to fight for everything,” he said in the Diamondbacks clubhouse at Salt River. “Guys were always ahead of me and it was a struggle. But, I stayed with it.”

Over time, Dyson, at 33-years-old, developed into a quality outfielder and became a contributor to the Royals’ World Series title team in 2015 over the New York Mets. That promoted Dayton Moore, the Royals GM, to tell Call to the Pen during the Cactus League media day, “we would not have won the Series without Jarrod.”

More from Call to the Pen

Now, Dyson shows up in a crowded outfield. At the beginning of the week, Arizona G. M. Mike Hazen lamented his search for a corner outfielder was fruitless. Within a 24-hour period, he scooped up Souza and Dyson, and these moves appear to more than compensate for the loss of J. D. Martinez.

With Dyson setting the table for primarily Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb, his ability to manufacture ways to get one base should be noticeable. Throughout the season, Dyson may end up playing all three outfield positions and give center fielder A. J. Pollock, right-fielder David Peralta and Souza quality time off.

“At this point, they haven’t told me anything,” he told Call to the Pen. “I’ll just go with the flow.”

Last season, Lovullo went out of his way several times and explained players will not play in all 162 games. Yes, he reiterated, even Goldschmidt, as much as he would like, will not start all games. If that core philosophy is maintained, then Dyson’s playing time should not be compromised.

Utilized at the bottom of Yost’s line-up as another lead-off hitter, that will not happen in his time. Dyson is now in the National League and with no DH, his value will like resided at the top of the batting order. So far this spring, Lovullo told Call to the Pen has not thought about the construction of his lineup.

At this point, Lovullo clearly has options with Dyson and his speed. That’s not to mention the disruptive nature when reaching base and his ability to take an extra base.

Next: Owings, Marte top second base candidates

Moving forward …

The Diamondbacks open their Cactus League slate Friday afternoon against the Colorado Rockies at the Salt River facility. Because they share the complex with the Rox, Arizona will be the visiting team. The Diamondbacks’ opening three spring games are scheduled for Salt River, and that includes hosting Cleveland Saturday and Milwaukee on Monday.

The first bus trip is Monday to Goodyear and a date with the Cincinnati Reds.

Home / Arizona Diamondbacks