D-backs' Peralta primed to break out in '16
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- David Peralta is one of the rare players who at 28 years old could just be scratching the surface of his ability.
Peralta started hitting barely eight years ago and owns just one full season of Major League experience.
But it's his background -- and the work ethic to convert himself from a failed pitcher -- that leads many, including Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale, to believe big things are in store for Peralta.
After the outfielder hit .312 with 17 home runs and 78 RBI last season, powered by a big second half, how much more can Peralta produce?
"I think he is going to be the guy this year that sort of blossoms like A.J. (Pollock) did last year," Hale said. "... He's a grinder and the way he plays the game -- I think one thing baseball fans are starting to get back to and appreciating is the way to play the game and that's why I think fans do care for our team and do really get into it, because we play the game the right way and we will continue to do that -- and David is one of those leaders. His nickname is the 'Freight Train' and he plays like a freight train."
"For me, every year I'm trying to take another step up. Three years ago I was in the (independent) leagues looking for my dream," David Peralta said. "So right now, to be here, in the big leagues, with a role, it's really exciting for me and makes me feel I'm on the right track."
Hale has heaped praise on Peralta since the former took over last season -- from his physique to the way he works to his improvements -- and Peralta notices.
"That shows he believes in me and has a lot of confidence in me and trusts me," the Venezuela native said.
That trust will extend a new direction this season. Peralta, a career .224 hitter against left-handed pitchers, will remain in the lineup much more often against lefties this year.
"All I ask for the opportunity," Peralta said. "Last year, they gave me the opportunity to play. Now they're giving me the opportunity against lefties; the more I do it the more comfortable I'm going to get. To hear I'm going to play no matter what, I appreciated that. I'm going to do my job.
"For me, every year I'm trying to take another step up. Three years ago I was in the (independent) leagues looking for my dream. So right now, to be here, in the big leagues, with a role, it's really exciting for me and makes me feel I'm on the right track."
In 237 Major League games, Peralta has a .301 batting average and an .842 OPS. He is working with new hitting coach Dave Magadan this spring to develop an approach against lefties to produce similar numbers.
"The bottom line is, you have to use the (whole) field," Magadan said. "If you go up there trying to pull everything, you put yourself in a position you don't want to be in. There's nothing physically that should keep him from hitting lefties. He hit them in the minor leagues. It's just about exposure, grinding though the tough at-bats against the good left-handed relievers that get paid to get good left-handed hitters out, and taking what's given to him. When he tries to do too much is when he gets into trouble, like most guys."
Peralta likely will bat cleanup behind Paul Goldschmidt in the D-backs lineup, like he did most of last season. But a premium role and big expectations won't get to him, Peralta said.
"Just because the manager says I have a job doesn't mean I don't have to compete," said Peralta, who will move from left field to right this season. "I have to compete because I have a lot of players behind me that want my spot.
"I'm not going to try to do too much. There's no pressure. The pressure is going to be (on) the guys who has to make the pitch. It's their pressure, not me."