Diamondbacks spring training: Who has been impressive so far?
2B Buddy Kennedy
Albeit, the D-backs have only played 6 spring training games thus far. There are some players however that have stuck out like a sore thumb…
Exhibit one, Buddy Kennedy. To be fair with a name like Buddy, it is already hard not to notice him. But Kennedy has wasted zero time making his name known with his production at the plate. In 4 games this spring training, Buddy has 6 hits in 10 at-bats; 3 singles, 2 doubles, and 1 triple as well as 1 RBI and 1 walk. Pretty impressive stuff from the 24-year-old infielder. Buddy played 30 regular season games with Arizona last season. Through 30 games he hit 1 HR, 12 RBIs, and recorded an OPS of .612. He was mediocre at the plate but finished the season with a 1 OAA which is above average. Like so many D-backs players, Kennedy is young and it is only up from here for him. Maybe this spring is an indication of what he can do in the box…
IF Emmanuel Rivera
Rivera is preparing for the WBC where he will be representing Puerto Rico as their starting first basemen (most likely). In 4 ST games, Rivera has been lights out. His numbers read; 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 1.344 OPS in 9 at-bats. Is that good? I think that is good…
Last July, Rivera was traded from the Royals to the D-backs for pitcher Luke Weaver. In 92 career games with the Royals, Rivera hit 7 HRs, 27 RBIs, and scored 37 times. With the D-backs Rivera has played 39 games and has hit 6 HRs, 18 RBIs, and has recorded 22 runs. Rivera will provide the D-backs with some great infield depth. Truthfully, Rivera could start at 3B for a lot of other MLB teams, Arizona is fortunate to have him…
SP Drey Jameson
I know some people think spring training is boring since the games don’t technically count, that being said, I think all of us Diamondbacks fans were excited to watch Jameson pitch. In 4 innings thus far, Jameson hasn’t given up a single run, has only given up 1 hit, and has only walked one batter. Once again, I think that is pretty good…
In 4 starts with Arizona last season, Jameson went 3-0 with a 1.48 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He is battling this spring training for the 5th spot in the starting rotation. The teammate he is battling directly, Ryne Nelson, has struggled so far. He has given up 8 hits, 4 walks, and 7 earned runs in 2.2 innings. If things continue this way, don’t be surprised if Jameson makes the cut, and becomes the 5th starter for the Diamondbacks in 2023…