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AP: 04322802-aa53-4722-88f2-57441953224b
Arizona Diamondbacks stretch at a spring training baseball workout on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
listen Listen: Eric Chavez, D-backs 3rd Baseman
From Salt River Fields Burns & Gambo talk to D-backs new 3rd baseman Eric Chavez.

After the dust settled in the desert following the offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks were pleased with their new veteran acquisitions.

One of those new faces was infielder Eric Chavez, who was picked up as a free agent after leaving the New York Yankees.

The 15-year veteran was brought in to provide depth on the left side of the infield.

The layout of the D-backs is something that attracted Chavez to the Valley, and says the team presents a lot of upside.

"What they're trying to do here is build an atmosphere of playing the game right: show up to play every single day, play hard ... build a good nucleus (and) a good clubhouse," said Chavez.

Cody Ross, Brandon McCarthy, Martin Prado and Eric Hinske are all new additions that bring a team-first mentality, and Chavez said that's what makes a winning team.

"The personalities here are very selfless," said Chavez. "We're going to play for one another, we're going to have each other's back (and) hold each other accountable. That's the atmosphere they're trying to build here ... to surround that around Gibson, the way he played.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Chavez, a third baseman, will find playing time at the hot corner hard to come by after the acquisition of Prado in the Justin Upton trade with Atlanta. But that does not matter to him, as Chavez has the utmost respect for the former Brave.

"It doesn't matter," said Chavez. "Prado is a stud. He's one of the top 20-25 players in the game.

"Within the game, he's got a lot of respect. I think the fans here in the Valley are going to be very happy he's here."

Chavez knows and respects the role manager Kirk Gibson has for him.

"I'm not the type of guy ... I don't need anything," said Chavez. "Gibby asked me how many at bats I want, and I said 'Gibby, I don't care.'

"I'll be ready to go every single day. I know I'm going to pinch hit a lot, (and) I'm looking forward to that."

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    ShawnBronald wrote...
    Extremely Excited
    I'm really looking forward to this season. So many 'fans' are b*tching and moaning about who's gone, but they're not looking at who's still here. These guys want to play hard, every at-bat, every defensive play.... they won't take any time off. They also want to win. The guys that are gone didn't play this way and that's a shame. This team is as good as any in baseball and I'm confident it will reflect in the standings. Is it Opening Day yet???
  • Abuse
    DbacksFan24 wrote...
    Cant Wait
    People keep asking on who can produce runs this year....but they keep forgetting that we still have Goldy and Miggy. Goldy has the potential to hit 30 homers and drive in at least 100 RBIs. I think they will be just fine when it comes to scoring runs...and plus they have one of the best bullpens in the MLB....i think the only question will be the rotation...if they can hold there own i think they will be just fine and be right there till the end.
  • Abuse
    CreepyBrian wrote...
    I'm all in (yet again)
    As much as I hated to see J-Up go, I'm all in on this upcoming Dbacks season. As far as pitching trade risks go, I am fine seeing Bauer leave (his antics will make him a career minor leaguer, but I understand after the Parker/Cahill debacle...only we still also have A TON of pitching prospects ready for the big leagues). If you assume that our top four starters are set, then we have Skaggs, Corbin, and Delgado fighting for that last spot...with Huddy in the wings after the All Star Break. To see this team add legit bench guys AND Martin Prado AND ditch multiple prima donnas...
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    sayswho wrote...
    personally,
    I am looking forward to seeing a little more speed and aggression on the basepaths this year. For all the talk about Upton being a 5 tool player, he stole over 20 base only twice in 7 years, and Young exceeded 25 only once. Maybe with Sax coaching first and some new speed on the team, we can get back to stealing bases on a regular basis.
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