Counsell gets it done
Performing at plate and in field

Jason Grey
MLB.com
April 23, 2005

PHOENIX -- The chances are there that a few Diamondbacks fans didn't miss Craig Counsell when he departed for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004 as part of the Richie Sexson trade. Now that he has returned to calling Bank One Ballpark his home this season, those few are now starting to realize what they missed.

Counsell has roared out of the gate, not just as the team's leadoff hitter, but also with stellar defense in the field.

After Friday's game, he was hitting .269, but that doesn't tell the whole story. He has been the catalyst the Diamondbacks have been looking for at the top of the order, ranking second in the Major Leagues in walks, sporting a stellar .435 on-base percentage, and helping to run up the opposing starter's pitch count.

"I'm comfortable with taking a lot of pitches and hitting deep into the count, so I think that batting leadoff plays more into what I'm good at," said Counsell. "If you're asking me to bat third and hit home runs, that's not going to happen. For me, taking a lot of pitches is always kind of how I've hit anyway, and most consider that to be a good leadoff hitter quality."

After a year as the Brewers starting shortstop, the Diamondbacks asked Counsell to be their everyday second baseman this season, and he has responded with his glove as well as his bat.

As manager Bob Melvin succinctly put it: "He makes (spectacular) plays out there that almost look routine that really affect the outcome of the game."

Diamondbacks shortstop Royce Clayton is excited to be manning the same infield as Counsell.

"It's unbelievable. To tell you the truth I didn't know he was that good until I got to play with him day in and day out," said Clayton. "I think we're just going to get better as the season progresses and hopefully become one of the best double-play combos in the National League and really help this pitching staff."