A pitching machine whirs on the back fields of the Diamondbacks’ spring training complex, alternating between firing fastballs and breaking balls at hitters. On an adjacent field, hitters stand on a mat a few feet in front of home plate, where they take batting practice thrown by a coach.
Coming off a disappointing season at the plate, the Diamondbacks' offense is looking for ways to improve. One approach the club is taking is to change the speed at which it practices.
“What it’s allowing our guys to do is see things quicker, faster, more game-type situations,” Diamondbacks hitting coach Darnell Coles said.