Outfielder Steven Souza explains his new Arizona Diamondbacks teammates have their eye on the prize.
Though the transition is considered smooth at this point, the observation of outfielder Steven Souza of the Arizona Diamondbacks believes it’s almost perfect. That the reflection he advanced to Call to the Pen after his initial game of the spring on Wednesday.
Coming over from the Tampa Rays last week as part of a three-team deal, Souza’s transition to both the Diamondbacks and the National League appears seamless. With a healthy relationship with Jake Lamb from their familiar home in Washington state to help ease the hour, Souza seems ready to add lumber to the middle of what could be a very potent lineup.
Essentially replacing the thunder supplied by J. D. Martinez over the second of last season, Souza steps into an Arizona line-up filled with table-setters and table cleaners. That feeling was demonstrated by Souza after going 0-1 and a walk during an eventual 9-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Salt River.
"“Hitting behind guys like (David) Peralta, (A. J.) Pollock, (Paul Goldschmidt) and ahead of (Daniel) Descalso and whoever (manager Torey Lovullo) puts out there is exciting,” he said. “I’m excited to be here and everyone has been so accommodating. It’s my job to pass the baton to the guys behind me.”"
Souza’s power in the middle of the line-up may be the signature dimension of his game. With the Rays a year ago, the native of Everett, Wash. banged out 30 bombs and drove in 78 runs in a break-out season. At the same time, Souza went out of his way to tell Call to the Pen that one objective should not be apparent.
"“I want to hit the ball to all fields and keep the pitchers guessing,” he said. “I don’t want to be so predictable where I hit the ball.”"
In batting practice, Souza hits to all fields and usually drops soaring fly balls over both the right field and left fences. On Wednesday, his goal at the plate was to be practical.
Walking his first time up in the second, Souza took the first pitch in the fifth and flied out to right. Afterward, he told Call to the Pen there was a strategy and an approach.
"“For the first at-bat, I wanted to see as many pitches as I could,” he said. “This was my first game and wanted to get back in the flow. On the second time up, I liked the pitch and swung.”"
If Souza’s transition from both the Rays and the American League is flawless, that was undoubtedly noticed by his manager. After the game, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Souza’s presence in the dugout was also invigorating.
"“Exciting time for us,” he said. “(Souza) brought energy and we all could feel it. We know good things are coming.”"
Coming from the Rays, who finished at 80-82 and 13 games behind the AL East division-winning Boston Red Sox, Souza now steps into an environment where his new teammates are ready to propel their collective game. That, in itself, Souza told Call to the Pen, is a reason to come, with purpose, each night to the ballpark.
"“I was struck that the everyone here has one goal,” he said. “There is not ‘individual’ here, and but a collective eye on the prize.”"
On my own …
Reliever Brad Boxberger was scratched from his outing Monday against the Giants.
That was his choice, and manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen that he would like to delve further into his preparation.
Lovullo received word that Boxberger wanted another bullpen session before game action. Before Wednesday’s game with the Rockies at Salt River, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that it’s his goal to understand a player’s personal agenda further.
"“(Boxberger) wanted to listen to his own body,” Lovullo said. “I want to get to know him better.”"
Next: Robbie Ray solid in first spring start
The Diamondbacks remain at Salt River on Thursday and entertain the Milwaukee Brewers.
Right-hander Zack Godley takes the mound for Arizona in his first spring start, and Albert Suarez, Fernando Salas, Andrew Chafin and Jorge De La Rosa are expected to follow. The Brewers are expected to start former Diamondback Wade Miley, who signed a minor leaguer contract with Milwaukee at the start of spring training.