SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Carrying a Sedona-red jersey with “D-backs” emblazoned on the entrance, Evan Longoria acquired a modest ovation Wednesday as he was launched at Scottsdale Stadium, then as he stepped into the batter’s field for his two plate appearances.
It was the primary time Longoria, 37, had confronted the Giants because the membership declined his choice and he signed with Arizona in free company.
“It’s good to be again,” Longoria stated after his duties for the day had been over, grounding right into a double play and placing out in two plate appearances as a chosen hitter. “Nothing however love for these guys over there. I miss being round them every day.”
Whereas Longoria’s remaining three years in San Francisco could also be outlined by the point he wasn’t on the sector, he helped the Giants win a franchise-record 107 video games on their option to an NL West title in 2021 and completed his tenure with a .251 common and 70 house runs over 5 seasons.
There was a time, Longoria stated, when he thought he would play his whole profession in Tampa Bay. His life modified when the Rays dealt him to San Francisco in December 2017 for a bundle of 4 gamers. However whereas he admitted it was a troublesome adjustment early on, after which spent his remaining three years residing lots of of miles other than his spouse and younger youngsters, Longoria stated he got here to understand his time in San Francisco.
“5 years of your life just isn’t a brief period of time,” Longoria stated. “It’s undoubtedly time in my life that I’ll cherish, for certain.”
Whereas Longoria stated he believed there was an opportunity for a reunion, these talks pattered out because the deadline for the Giants to decide on his membership choice neared. San Francisco held a $13 million membership choice however opted to purchase out Longoria for $5 million as an alternative.
It didn’t take lengthy for Longoria to discover a glad touchdown spot.
As soon as restricted to telephone calls and FaceTimes along with his household, whose everlasting house is situated in Scottsdale, Longoria now has a 25-minute commute to Chase Subject in downtown Phoenix. His new spring digs are 5 minutes from his home. He wakes up each morning subsequent to his spouse, Jaime, and ship his three youngsters — Elle, Nash and Lou — off to highschool.
“This,” Longoria stated, “is house for me.”
There’s one draw back to further household time.
Extra publicity to sick youngsters.
Longoria missed the primary few days of camp with a case of strep throat, which he traced again to his youngest one.
“Now everyone in the home is battling the identical factor,” Longoria stated. “I’m good now. Robust option to begin but it surely’s all good.”
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Autor Evan Webeck
