Parra,
who won a Gold Glove as the Diamondbacks’ starting left fielder in
2011, became the Diamondbacks fourth outfielder and backup at all three
spots when free agent was Jason Kubel.
“My first reaction … I
know Kubel. I saw him when he played with Minnesota. Great player. Great
hitter," Parra said. "I feel good. I’m happy because the team looks
strong, and the point is to go the World Series. It’s my team. I feel
right.”
Kubel averaged 19 homers and 79 RBIs with Minnesota the
last five seasons, and he was 4 of 14 with a homer and three RBI when
the D-backs swept the Twins in a three-game series at Chase Field last
May. His two-year deal is worth $15 million.
The signing came a
month after Parra won the Gold Glove in his first season as a regular
left fielder. Parra hit .292 with eight homers and 48 RBIs, winning the
job outright in May.
“That’s baseball," Parra said. "You need to
stay ready for everything. One day you stay here. The next day you are
with another team.”
“Last year I played every day. This year,
maybe no. I’ll be ready for ‘Gibby’ (manager Kirk Gibson) when he needs
me. Pinch-hitting. Playing every day. I’m ready for everything.”
