Right-hander Mike Leake sounded a philosophical tone on Friday afternoon, saying the desert has a “spirit” to it. Leake has lived in Arizona about half his life. He has always wanted to pitch for the Diamondbacks. After a wild trade deadline on Wednesday, he is finally getting that chance.
“It’s a little surreal,” Leake said. “Playing for my hometown team is a dream for me. So it’s nice to be here and have that opportunity. Right now, I’m a little bit on Cloud Nine.”
The Diamondbacks acquired Leake from the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday in a deal that gives them a dependable starter to soak up innings at a time when they subtracted another such arm in Zack Greinke.