Gerardo Parra had himself quite the year in 2011. He hit .292 with 46 RBI and earned himself a Gold Glove for his play in left field. None of that was expected, but most would have to say that after a year like that, he should be ready to go the next season and get rewarded with some confidence.
What did the Dbacks do to thank him? They went out and signed another left fielder in Jason Kubel, whom they are paying over $7 million in 2012.
A lot of guys would be upset and hurt. Parra? He's not letting on if he is upset.
"I know Kubel," Parra said. "I saw him when he played with Minnesota. He's a great player, a great hitter. I don't take it personally. That's baseball. Last year, you play every day. This year, maybe not. My thing is that I'm going to be 100 percent ready for whenever Gibby needs me. I'll be ready to pinch-hit or to play every day."
You love to see guys like this on your team. Sometimes they say stuff like this but act differently. That probably is not the case with Parra. Said his manager, Kirk Gibson:
"You know who Parra is. He's going to have the same attitude. You know last year he came here and he wasn't a starter either. He earned his time. When it comes down to it, we're going to try and win ballgames. You know last year he came here and he wasn't a starter either. He earned his time. When it comes down to it, we're going to try and win ballgames. So he starts out as the fourth outfielder just like he did last year, but he's arguably the best left fielder in the game."
That is the sort of attitude that will get him playing time and will get the team some wins. You end up needing every player and then some on your roster in the National League. Parra is on the right track and hopefully he will be a big contributor this year like last.