SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- D-backs manager Chip Hale bounced between fields watching his pitchers and catchers go through routine drills and throw bullpen sessions Saturday morning.
Just what is it exactly that Hale is looking for this early in camp?
"Effort," Hale said. "I want to make sure no one is limping around and if they are, to grab them and ask them if they're OK, because sometimes guys will try to be a hero at this point. When I look at the guys throwing [bullpens], just making sure they're throwing the ball down in the zone and the bunters are getting the bunts down. Just trying to look at everything a little bit and let the guys know that I'm out there watching and I want this stuff done right."
That attention to detail is important given the high goal that has been set by the organization.
Hale is fortunate in the fact that his message is reinforced by the example set by some of the team's best players. Ace right-hander Zack Greinke is known for his meticulousness in drills, while hitting leaders Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock both are sticklers for being focused and doing things the right way.
"We want to be the most fundamentally sound team/organization in baseball from the Dominican League to Chase Field," Hale said. "That's going to take some work, and they know that."