PHOENIX -- When Spring Training started, D-backs outfielder David Peralta and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt visited manager Chip Hale's office with a message.
"From day one of Spring Training, he came to me with Goldy and [said] they want to be leaders in the clubhouse," Hale said. "He and Paul both just felt like this is their time. We want those guys to be in charge of the clubhouse and be able to police it instead of coaches running in there every two seconds and talking to guys. We'll go in there when we need to, but it's their haven."
Peralta is more of an demonstrative leader and generally the first player to greet a teammate after a home run. He's also the one cheerleading from the top step of the dugout.
Teammates adore Peralta's attitude, and his love for the game and never more evident than in Monday night's game when his enthusiasm and persistence prompted Zack Greinke to eventually relent and give Peralta the "drive the bus" signal from first base after a big hit.
"The energy is very infectious," Hale said of Peralta. "There's one guy on the team I can always go to when I feel like we're in a little bit of a lull in the dugout and nudge him and say, 'Hey let's go,' and he'll get everybody going."
Peralta's next goal is to get Goldschmidt, who very rarely shows emotion on the field, to give the "drive the bus" signal. While Peralta may have finally got Greinke to crack, Goldschmidt is a far tougher case.
"No," Goldschmidt said simply.
Hale, though, has confidence that Peralta will eventually wear Goldschmidt down.
"He will," Hale said. "I think Goldy has come close to doing it coming in after a home run. At least I've seen Goldy smile more. Goldy will do it."