Standing near the batting cage on Monday morning, Ketel Marte waved to the small group of reporters allowed inside Salt River Fields for the Diamondbacks’ first full-squad workout of spring training. Over the next 10 minutes, Marte alternated between blasting balls out to right field and dancing to the music blaring across the practice fields.
It was a scene that encapsulated what spring is about for a baseball club: Despite coming off a disappointing season, Marte was upbeat, an embodiment of hope. He also is a poster child for a roster filled with players looking to rebound.
The Diamondbacks finished 25-35 and in last place in the National League West last year.