Former Yankees great David Cone gives Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Corbin Carroll huge praise - "Reminds me of Derek Jeter in 1996"
Arizona Diamondbacks youngster Corbin Carroll has looked more like an established veteran than a rookie. He is the clear favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award this year.
In 147 games, the slugger is slashing .284/.361/.507 with 25 home runs and 50 stolen bases. He is also tied as a league leader for triples (9) with Gunnar Henderson, Ketel Marte and Bobby Whit Jr.
With the New York Yankees heading to town for a weekend series, one former Yankees player gave Carroll huge comparisons. David Cone spoke to the media, saying that the rookie reminds him of a young Derek Jeter.
"(Corbin Carroll) reminds me of Derek Jeter in 1996... By this time of the year he was already a leader in that clubhouse."
That is a huge comparison for Corbin Carroll. Cone sees that Carroll's impact goes far beyond his abilities on the baseball field. He has turned into a true leader that the team respects in such a short amount of time.
It is a reason that the Arizona Diamondbacks are sitting pretty in the postseason race. They hold the second National League Wild Card spot with their 81-72 record.
Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks could be a problem in the postseason
Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks are capable of making a run in the postseason this year. They have a strong team full of sluggers that can instantly change the game.
Ketel Marte is having a good season this year. He is hitting .279, the best average he has seen in two seasons. He has also surpassed his career high in walks this year as he has taken a different approach at the plate.
Rookie catcher Gabriel Moreno is another player that is having a stellar season. In 103 games, he is slashing .292/.342/.419 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs. Defensively, he has been a brick wall behind the plate for Arizona.
On the pitching side, the Diamondbacks have a stable of arms, with the two top starters being Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Gallen has been one of the league's top pitchers, compiling a 16-8 record with a 3.60 ERA. Kelly, a step behind Gallen, has a 12-7 record with a 3.37 ERA.
While this team does not have a roster of stars, they have players who can step up and finish the job.