Second helping of Marte gives D-backs lineup another boost

Starling Marte has fond memories of his eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, especially the stretch from 2013 to 2015 when the franchise made it to the playoffs three straight seasons. A few minutes of research revealed his new team has a great chance to get him back to the postseason.

“When I looked at their roster I was like, ‘Wow, this team has a chance to make the playoffs and win it,’” Marte said Friday after reporting to camp a few days early. “So I’m coming here to do my best and help the guys as much as I can and play hard.”

“He’s got a presence, he’s got a very good baseball personality,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “He knows what it takes to win. He’s been in an organization where the Pirates were very good for a long time. We just want him to come over here and be himself.”

Marte's most valuable asset might be his ability to play center field on an everyday basis. His presence likely bumps last year's breakout star Ketel Marte — no relation — back to second base for the majority of his playing time. Ketel Marte moved to center for a big chunk of last season and played well, but has said he prefers the infield. Bumgarner threw to catcher Stephen Vogt, another of the D-backs' offseason signings. The two played together with the Giants last year. Vogt projects to be this year's backup behind starter Carson Kelly.

“It's fun to watch (Bumgarner) go about his business,” Vogt said. “He's such a pro and has his routine down and how meticulous he is, it's always fun to watch.”

Leake throws too

Right-handed pitcher Mike Leake threw his first bullpen Friday, two days after Leake said the session went well and that he's still planning to be ready for opening day. Lovullo said he had a good conversation with Leake and remains cautiously optimistic. “We feel like he's going to do everything he can to be ready by opening day," Lovullo said. “So I'm not going to totally eliminate that thought. But as I explained to him, I'm not going to put him in a situation where he's going to go out there, hurt himself and take a step backwards.”