Joc Pederson Excited To Fit In With Young D-backs
The D-backs' left-handed DH has arrived at Spring Training. In his introductory press conference, Pederson cited his excitement to work with this young Diamondbacks squad, noting that they played the game "the right way," and that he felt like Arizona was the right fit for him and his family.
Pederson spoke to the media today at Spring Training and echoed that sentiment, now that he's had a chance to get involved with the team and coaching staff.
"[It feels] awesome. I’ve been here a couple of days now, and I'm excited to get going. It's a great group and I want to fit in and do what I can to help the team."
Pederson had previously said he felt as if the standard with which the D-backs played the game and ran their organization was one of the appeals of joining the D-backs during his free agency period. Now that he's in Arizona, his preconceived notions of how the team appears more evident than ever to him.
"Just the standard that they play baseball at, that they hold themselves to. It’s a young group of guys that you can tell show up ready to play. They like each other, they’re pulling on the same string. They play the game the right way, and I’m excited to be a part of it and do what I can to try to help."
But it's not just the appeal of the team environment that Pederson is looking to benefit from. The lefty outfielder noted that Arizona's young, hungry core of talent was "definitely" an inspiration for him to improve his game and play at his best possible level.
Pederson noted the D-backs' distinct desire to run it back and create another opportunity to win a World Series in 2024.
"I love playing in the playoffs, and I've been fortunate enough to win a couple World Series, and this team in here is definitely hungry to do the same, and I think it could be a really good fit."
Pederson had mentioned before the positive reputation that follows manager Torey Lovullo around the league, and how he was excited to work with him as a member of the D-backs. Now, the lefty praised Lovullo's efforts to help him fit in and find his footing as a D-back.
"He’s super laid back and chill, had some good conversations with him. Just trying to do what he can to help me feel as comfortable as possible, and come in ready to make an impact.”
While some might wonder about the clubhouse fit with Pederson, it seems as if the veteran outfielder is fully bought into the Diamondbacks culture, and is ready to be a part of the Arizona way.
Pederson frequently notes his admiration of the way this young team plays the game, and, although he is looking to win over as large of a role as possible, is adamant that he wants to be able to help in any way that he can and continue to improve alongside the coaching staff.
