Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt needs a day off

May 28, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) celebrates with third base coach Glenn Sherlock (53) after hitting a 2 run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Its one of the hardest things to do for a major league manager. Find days off for your star players, and Diamondbacks first basemen Paul Goldschmidt is one of those players. However, that is part of Kirk Gibson‘s job description. Being a manager means managing your assets, and that is what Gibson has to do. Goldschmidt established himself as an everyday elite player in the MLB last season hitting 36 HR, driving in 125, and batting .302. Simply put without Goldy last season, the Dbacks would have been much worse. He should have won N.L MVP that honor went to Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates, with Goldy finishing second. Now its hard for Gibson to sit him, especially considering the Dbacks dont have that many options at the position behind him especially with Mark Trumbo on the D.L.

Now, I know that Goldschmidt had a great day yesterday going 3 for 5, and driving in 3 runs including hitting a two run homer that hit his picture on the center field scoreboard, it was measured at 470 ft. So maybe Goldy doesn’t need a day off, and he is on pace to put up the same or more in 2014 when it comes to home runs, RBI’s, and batting average. However, when you look at the bigger picture, its a different story. In the last two weeks of watching Dbacks games, it just looks like Goldy is tired. He is swinging at pitches he normally doesn’t, he is not extending at bats like he usually does, and he is striking out more.

Every player even a player of Paul’s caliber need a day off for the case of their health and well being. Maybe that is the reason why the Dbacks purchased the contract of minor league star Nick Evans who can play first base. I know that Goldy will do anything to play every day because that is how he operates. He doesn’t want to sit as long as he is healthy, but the fact still remains that every player needs a day off. If the Snakes want Goldy to continue to produce the way he does, than they need to sit him every once in a while.