It had to feel like old times for a few young players on Friday night. Youngsters Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock and Patrick Corbin were all teammate in the minor leagues just a season ago. They played for the D-backs AA farm team, the Mobile Bay Bears.
On Friday, Corbin pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, notching the victory. Goldschmidt had three hits, including a two-run homer -- his first homer since his first at-bat of the season. Pollock had two hits, including his first major league home run.
Their play was a flashback and also possibly a glimpse into the future. In any case, they felt good to be at the major league level and contributing.
Corbin talked about having his former teammates behind him.
We were in Mobile. We had a great team there. Those guys are awesome -- great teammates and definitely good players. Having them out there behind me is definitely something good, and that they're up here too and doing well today.
Goldschmidt hit .306 with 30 home runs and 94 RBI before being called up to the D-backs. Pollock hit .307 with 36 steals and 41 doubles. Corbin won nine games.
Together, they were the Southern League champs.
The organization is hoping that the success they had together in the minors and their play on Friday can be a predictor of the type of success they may have individually and as a team in the years to come. For now, it would be even nicer to have them be part of some success in the present for the 2012 season.