D’backs Set Goals to Remain Focused

 

When the D’backs return to Chase Field from their first showdown of the season against their division rivals, the Colorado Rockies, they will have 9 games marked off of their calendar and 153 games left to play in 26 weeks. Phew.

Not quite a walk in the park.

In a sport considered to be more mental than physical, the long season can take a toll on any caliber of player from rookies to veterans. Players must find ways to remain focused through the long haul and one way is to set goals for each season.

“There are a lot of guys that start the season with goals,” said D’backs ace Ian Kennedy. “You have to make them achievable too. You don’t want any unreasonable ones.”

Kennedy put together a stellar season in 2011 posting a 2.88 ERA and earning 21 wins. He also found himself a finalist for the 2011 Cy Young Award.  This season, the D’backs ace has set some personal goals that will help him focus and be successful on the field.

“Personally I’m trying to make sure that my work ethic stays the same and I’m trying to do the best that I can to stay healthy, said Kennedy”  “Staying healthy in this game is almost more important than the ability because we have to go out there and throw two hundred innings.”

From the ace to the bullpen, setting goals has become a trend throughout the clubhouse admits D’backs reliever David Hernandez – who found his niche on the mound last season.

“A personal goal of mine is not o give up more than four runs without getting an out,” said Hernandez. “I did that I think only three times last year.”

While most of the D’backs set personal goals for the season, the franchise’s star has his eyes set on the prize.

“Winning a World Series, said Justin Upton. “That’s the only goal.”

In 2011 the right fielder helped Arizona win their fifth division title and he earned his second All-Star nod. He was also a candidate for the National League MVP Award.

Luckily for Upton, he has the supporting cast this season to make his goal feasible.