Gerardo Parra was one of many important cogs to the Arizona Diamondbacks success in 2011, but may be transitioning into a new role on the team now that free agent Jason Kubel has joined the team. Kubel and Parra will be vying time for action out in left field, though Parra is a consumate professional, and when asked about he and Kubel, Parra had nothing but good things to say about him:
Per Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piecoro:
Parra: "I know Kubel. I saw him when he played with Minnesota. He’s a great player, a great hitter. I don’t take it personally."
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) February 22, 2012
Parra: "Kubel is a great player. I’m happy because the team looks strong. The goal is to get to the World Series. I’m ready for anything."
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) February 22, 2012
Parra may be giving up left field to Kubel, even though he started 117 games in left field for Arizona last season, making 12 outfield assists and only two errors while riding his .993 fielding percentage to a Gold Glove Award in the process. Kubel won't have the ability to DH anymore, so finding a spot for him in the batting order means he'll have to fill some space in the outfield. He started 57 games in the outfield for Minnesota last year, but only nine in left field.
Kirk Gibson said on Sunday that he hasn't yet talked to Parra about where he'll be playing, but it will be likely that he'll split time in all three positions. Either way, Gibson isn't stressing about the situation:
"He's got a great attitude. He's Gerardo Parra."
For more on the D-backs, check out AZ Snake Pit.