Catching Up with David Winfree

In the latest edition of “Catching Up With…” we caught up with outfielder David Winfree, who put up big numbers in limited action for the Aces last season. Winfree was a key cog in Reno’s potent lineup before injuries sidelined him for much of the season.

Winfree finished 2011–his first in the Diamondbacks organization–with a .321 batting average, nine home runs and 37 RBIs in just 39 games. In October, the D-backs added the Virginia Beach native to the 40-man roster.

We talked to Winfree about his first season in Reno, Duke basketball and reaching the big leagues.

 

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You were having a great 2011 season before injuries really set you back. How tough was that for you to deal with, both physically and mentally?

David Winfree: It was definitely a long year. I think I was more mentally tired after the 2011 season more than any other season. There was just a lot of sitting around watching games and being frustrated that I wasn’t out there. Nobody likes not playing, and when you’re hurt, you feel like you’re not very important to the team. Physically I felt great after my injuries were healed. I didn’t play a whole lot of games so my body felt pretty fresh. To me, my injuries and rehab were minor compared to what so many players face. I just tried to use the time to study the game and watch how other guys handle themselves in situations and go about their business.

 

NJBA: Do you approach your offseason differently after having an injury-plagued 2011?

DW: To a certain extent I think it has. I haven’t made any major changes to my workout routines or anything. I am just really eager for next year so I think that makes me get after things a little more. The injuries that happened to me were out of my hands; it wasn’t like I could stretch better or take care of my body better for them to be avoided. I’m just really looking looking forward to staying healthy this year, and seeing what this year has to bring.

 

NJBA: What did you think of Reno in your limited time here?

DW: I loved Reno. I liked it when I was with Tacoma in 2010 and we came there to play. From the city, to the field, the staff, it is all first class. It is a great atmosphere to play in no matter if its a week day and a weekend. The park is one of the best you will find in the minor leagues. Probably the best field crew also–the field is by far the best playing surface in the PCL. When it comes to how you are treated as a player, there isn’t a better place. Like I said, everything is first class in Reno.

Winfree registered 15 extra-base hits in just 39 games for Reno in 2011.

NJBA: The D-backs are your fourth organization, and third in the last two seasons. How do the D-backs compare to other organizations you’ve played for?

DW: I have enjoyed and am thankful for my time with all of the teams that I have played for, because they gave me an opportunity just as the D-backs did. The D-backs organization is second to none. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the D-backs and was very excited when I learned that I was going to be back with them this year. From the time that I spent in big league camp, to minor league camp, to my time in Reno. The attitude and goals were all the same. They expect to win and they expect you to play the game the right way. It may sound cliche but they didn’t leave anything on the field this year. Watching the games, I don’t think there was a team that played harder and for whole nine innings night in and night out like the D-backs did. With me being injured the whole year, I was rehabbing a lot and the staff down there was awesome. They wanted to get you back on the field and worked hard every day to do that. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to be with. I’m really looking forward to the 2012 season.

 

NJBA: You’re only 26, and were so close to breaking through in the big leagues this season before getting hurt. Is 2012 the year you get your shot at the next level?

DW: Obviously, I am hoping it is. All I can do is prepare myself the best that I can mentally and physically and go out and play hard, and the rest will take care of itself. I can only worry about the stuff that I can control. You get yourself in trouble when you start to worry about the all the moves and stuff that happen throughout the season.  I’m not going to look at this year any differently. I am going to prepare myself and play like I always have, and the rest is out of my hands. If that time comes, I know I will be at a loss for words, but would be very excited to do whatever they need me to up there.

 

NJBA: What kind of non-baseball activities are you involved with this offseason?

DW: In the off-season I work for my dad for a couple of months. He is in the solid surface business, granite and corian countertops. My brother law and I normally go to a couple mud bogs, which our wives aren’t too thrilled about attending. A lot of college basketball is watched in my house. I am a huge Duke Basketball fan. My wife and I try to go down to a couple games a year. I am very close with my family so mainly the offseason for me consists of a lot of family time. No matter what we are doing, if we are all together it’s going to be fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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