SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks were a last-place team two years running entering spring training a year ago, with manager Kirk Gibson cracking the whip to create an attitude of winning.
The difference on Sunday was palpable, when pitchers and catchers reported. These are the NL West champions, and after a couple of offseason additions, they are aiming higher this year.
Gibson, the NL manager of the year after the D-backs’ worst-to-first run, says success can be dangerous, though, and he’s out to keep that culture he helped create alive and well In the desert.
Players were mostly absent on Sunday at the team’s swanky Scottsdale facility. Some phoned in. Others have been around for days. The first workout is Monday.
