Mental approach key for Pollock's success

PHOENIX -- D-backs outfielder A.J. Pollock is riding a hot stretch these days, but it hasn't all been smooth sailing for him this year.

A little more than a month ago Pollock was hitting just .235 and the biggest challenge for him at that point was keeping his mindset positive.

"Every player is kind of working on their mechanics and sometimes they forget to look at the mental part of the game and that's the biggest part of the game I think," Pollock said. "That's what separates the good hitters from the best hitters."

That's where D-backs mental-skills coach Peter Crone comes in.

Crone, who works with a number of professional golfers as well as actors, has helped a number of D-backs over the years including Pollock, Aaron Hill and Paul Goldschmidt.

"He's been a big part of what a bunch of us have done here as far as molding our routines and teaching us how to think about each day," Pollock said. "He's been a big help. You come in here and you do your routines in the cage and you do your routines on the field, but you have to also be doing your routine mentally.

"You play the game and then mentally kind of have a routine to get past the game and let it go. Good or bad you don't want to bring the game into the next day. It sounds simple, but it's been a big help for me."