Diamondbacks' Jake Lamb credits renewed focus for defensive gains

(Photo: Jennifer Stewart, Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports)For years, defense had always come naturally to Jake Lamb. Coming up through the minors and into his first seasons in the majors, the Diamondbacks’ third baseman was generally regarded as a solid – and potentially above-average – defender.

But after consecutive below-average years in the field, Lamb has adopted a new approach to that side of the game. It seems to be working.

“I can honestly say I want the ball hit to me every single time,” Lamb said. “The past couple of years I can’t say that. I didn’t really want the ball because I didn’t have confidence in myself.”

Lamb is still not a perfect defender. He probably won’t be wresting…