Arizona Diamondbacks fans eager to see Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, other young players at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

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Ideal conditions for Spring Training baseball at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Preston Grace, Reporter

MLB Cactus League spring training games got underway Feb. 25.

It’s a chance for teams to bring in players from their major league roster, and minor league systems to potentially create the best possible roster before Opening Day.

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a lot of noise this offseason when they traded outfielder Dalton Varsho to the Toronto Blue Jays, and gave the current No. 2 prospect on MLB.com Top 100 Prospects list, Corbin Carroll, an eight-year $111 million extension.

Jess Pfisthner, who’s been a Dbacks fan for 15 years, enjoys being able to see the minor league prospects.

“My favorite part is seeing the guys that you know are going to be on the roster get dialed in, but also seeing the guys that are fighting for the last roster spots,” Pfisthner said.

Pfisthner is also looking forward to following a young and energetic Diamondbacks team.

“I’m excited to see the new catcher (Gabriel) Moreno, and I’ve been stoked on Rojas for a while,” said Pfisthner. “Corbin Carroll is really good. I know Vegas has the odds on him to win Rookie of the Year. With the new rules this year, I think it’ll help out the Diamondbacks, who are a young and fast team.”

25-year Diamondbacks fan, Dusty Schleier savors the opportunity to travel to Arizona and watch his favorite team play.

“I live in Nashville, Tennessee, but I grew up in Arizona. I’ve been gone for almost 20 years. My family still lives out here so I come for a week every year, enjoy the sunshine and get to watch my team in a pretty great environment,” Schleier said.

Schleier, along with many other Dbacks fans, is excited to see the new young outfielders.

“Carroll obviously is going to be great. He’s projected to win Rookie of the Year, so I can’t wait to see what he can do. (Jake) McCarthy too, I’m excited about,” said Schleier.

Colton Marchesseault, who started supporting the Dbacks four years ago, loves being able to be a part of a great baseball atmosphere.

“There’s a lot of things that are nostalgic about it. I grew up playing ball when I was a kid and I love being out here with other people, the sounds, smells, and the game,” Marchesseault said.

Dave Miczek, who has held season tickets for the Diamondbacks since 1998, is looking forward to seeing the young talent on the roster.

“I like Alek Thomas, definitely Pavin Smith, I think he’s going to have a good year. Our entire starting pitching rotations will be better,” Miczek said. “I’d like to see a little more offensive production out of (Christian) Walker, but I like him as well.

Garret Klavitter was born and raised in Arizona, and relishes his time watching spring training games.

“I was born and raised loving baseball. I just love the atmosphere — and the weather of course,” Klavitter said. “Just being out here, and watching them play, my eyes are just glued to the field.”

Klavitter wants to see pitching prospects in the minor league system play in the big leagues.

“Pitching is the biggest factor in being a good team,” Klavitter said. “My philosophy is, if we get them up here as quickly as they can, they can experience top quality batters and also get the experiences that they need down the road.”