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New manager introduces Diamondbacks Way

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Friday, Feb. 20, 2015
By Zach Holland
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – Chip Hale got a look at his new team Friday and his players got a taste of his new Diamondback Way.

Kickstarting the first day of spring training with a circuit of workouts for his pitch-ers and catchers, the D-Backs new manager took a step back as an observer to see how his coaching staff and players worked together.

He preached the trickle affect of creating a new team mantra. “I wanted to make sure the players are doing it the way we want to create it. We want to create a Di-amondback Way and I was really impressed by their work ethic.”

His second order of business: Connect with each of his players regardless of their ranking in the organization. “My thing is to connect with each guy and just let him know I’m behind him. I think anybody, whatever you’re doing, if the person that’s your boss believes in you, you play better, it helped me.”

Hale wasn’t the only new face as the offseason saw a huge turnover of the front of-fice and roster. Jeremy Hellickson, the presumed new ace of this young D-Backs staff, and much-talked about Cuban pitching prospect Yoan Lopez created a buzz.

Lopez threw a bullpen session that drew attention from pitching coach Mike Harkey and Chief Baseball Office Tony La Russa. “He’s getting after it for a guy who has come over to this country for the first time,’’ said Hale. “It’s very impres-sive.’’

One familiar face Diamondback and Sun Devil fans will recognize is returning catcher Tuffy Gosewisch. The former Sun Devil is the No. 1 catcher this spring but knows nothing will be handed to him.

”I want to be the starter. I don’t expect anything, but I’m ready to work towards that,” he said.