Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin discounted trade rumors, works on location
Left-hander Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks put trade rumors behind and look forward.
The sound hit the baseball world like thundering drums. Perhaps, it was more of the trade winds, but not from the tropics. Instead, the rumblings were directed at left-hander Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks and began as early as elimination from post-season play last October. Perhaps the club which expressed the most interest in Corbin was the New York Yankees.
During the winter meetings last December in Orlando, the Bombers made it known their sights were directed directly to the Diamondbacks. Not only was Corbin on their radar screen but infielder Brandon Drury also occupied their attention.
When Drury was eventually dealt to New York early in spring training, Corbin has remained in Sedona Red and remains an integral part of the Diamondbacks rotation. All of which seems to be more an inconvenience than a distraction.
At the advent of spring training, Corbin told Call to the Pen that while he heard the rumors, there existed minimal concern.
“If there was anything to that, my agent would have contacted me with serious stuff,” he said. “I’m excited to be here and the same team is basically back from last year.”
Behind Zack Greinke, who remains the titular head of the staff, and lefty Robbie Ray, Corbin slots neatly as the number three starter. Coming off a 13-14 season a year with a 4.03 ERA for 32 games started, the native of Clay, N. Y. is not far removed from an All-Star season.
That was during the 2013 season, which included a 14-8 mark and strong 3.41 ERA in 32 starts. During that year, Corbin opened the season with nine straight wins, a club record of at least six innings and two runs allowed or less per start.
Then, Tommy John surgery just before the commencement of the 2014 and a grueling rehab program. Corbin responded with diligence and an affirmation to toe the rubber again. With his return to the mound on July 4, 2015, against the Colorado Rockies, Corbin marked the occasion with gusto and passion.
With a return to the top of a rotation, Corbin has enough experience to understand the methodology and respond to manager Torey Lovullo’s open door communication policy.
After his initial outing of this spring against the Rockies on Feb. 28, Lovullo skipped Corbin’s next start against NL West-rival San Diego in Peoria Monday night. Not to show his hand against a division opponent, Corbin instead started an inter-squad game on a back field of the Salt River complex Monday afternoon.
According to team officials who tracked his velocity with the ubiquitous radar gun, Corbin was consistent in the 92 to 93 miles per hour range. During the inter-squad game, Corbin threw 47 pitches and 34 for strikes. In three innings, he allowed one hit. That was a double by Kevin Cron, and Corbin also struck out three.
The plan for spring games is simple, Corbin told Call to the Pen. It’s all about preparation and gaining the proper frame of mind.
“I want to make sure the ball is consistent,” he said. “The goal is to gradually to build up the pitch count and innings. I feel good and throwing all of my pitches.”
Of the priority, Corbin told Call to the Pen, “I’m working to keep the slider down.”
Because Corbin surrendered 26 home runs, tops on the Arizona staff last season, location becomes a significant issue. Now, a principal goal this spring is to work his inventory lower in the strike zone.
Next: Zack Greinke skips Rox, opts for B game
On Tuesday, the Diamondbacks return to Salt River and engage the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Zack Godley, who has yielded no runs in two spring starts thus far, opens for the Diamondbacks. Right-hander J. C. Ramirez will start for the Halos.
For the Wednesday, the Diamondbacks have the first of two off days during the spring training schedule. They resume their slate Thursday with a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryville.