The infield for the Arizona Diamondbacks looks to be set for a long time moving forward.
In the off-season the team acquired Martin Prado via trade and signed him to a new deal. Last season’s National League Silver Slugger second baseman Aaron Hill was signed to an extension as well. And the Diamondbacks dealt one of their top prosepcts in Trevor Bauer for shortstop of the future Didi Gregorious.
Right before the start of Opening Day 2013 for the Diamondbacks, they locked up their the last important piece to their infield. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt signed a five-year extension with the club worth a reported $35 million and has a club option for a sixth season.
“Obviously I am excited about how things turned out with the contract and everything and I am glad we got it done,” said Goldschmidt. “I am personally glad we got it done before the start of the season so that there are no distractions…I love being here and I am excited to start the year.”
In 2012, the 25-year old set franchise marks for a first baseman 43 doubles and a .497 slugging percentage while his 81 RBI at first base were the second-most all-time behind Adam LaRoche’s 100 RBI in 2010. He also became the only first baseman in Diamondbacks history with at least 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases in a season. Overall, he hit .286 with 43 doubles, a triple, 20 homers and 82 RBI in 145 games.
“You’re always motivated, you always want to win,” explained Goldschmidt. “Guys are here to go out and compete everyday and try to make the playoffs and try to bring a championship to Arizona.
While 2012 was a goos start, he is looking to build on that in 2013.
The former eighth round selection of the Diamondbacks out of Texas State in 2009 has made a great living hitting off left-handed pitchers. Now he is looking to sustain similar success against right handed pitching as well.
“You’re always learning in this game,” mentioned Goldschmidt. “It’s a game of failure. There are a lot of up’s and down’s but you’ve go to stick through it. It’s a long year. You’re always trying to get better and trying to improve. Hopefully I’ve gotten better and we will see what happens this year.”
