SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- In some ways, it didn't take first baseman Paul Goldschmidt long to get back into the swing of things when he returned to D-backs camp on Friday after helping Team USA to its first World Baseball Classic championship, but it did take him a while to get into his locker thanks to teammate David Peralta.
While he was with Team USA, Goldschmidt did an interview with MLB Network's Intentional Talk and playfully took some shots at Peralta's social media presence. Peralta responded by using athletic tape to seal Goldschmidt's locker. He added a life-sized cloth photo of Goldschmidt over the top of the tape and then plastered it with pictures of himself.
"It took me a little time to get in there," Goldschmidt said. "That was a good one. I didn't have a chance to defend myself, but I guess I didn't give him a chance to defend himself in the interview either. It's all in good fun. I had to take that one. He got me there."
:: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::
Goldschmidt raved about his time in the World Baseball Classic, which culminated with an 8-0 win over Puerto Rico on Wednesday night in the championship game at Dodger Stadium.
"It was like a combination between an All-Star Game and the playoffs, so as a fan, I would want to be there," Goldschmidt said. "I was watching the other games. I usually never watch baseball when other teams are playing, but just seeing the other teams playing -- the intensity, the competitiveness -- they really did a great job with the event.
"It will hopefully encourage other guys to go play, because I had a lot of fun, and talking to my teammates and guys from other teams, they all had a blast. So hopefully it will continue to grow."

Goldschmidt was initially part of Team USA's starting lineup, but after starting 1-for-13 at the plate, his playing time diminished, and he did not play in the final three games.
That's quite a role change for a player used to being the No. 3 hitter in a big league lineup and a regular at All-Star Games, but true to his nature, Goldschmidt took to the role without complaint.
"It's a little different than playing every day, but everyone has their role on a team, and that's what mine ended up being," Goldschmidt said. "I just tried to be ready if I had to pinch-hit. I didn't so just tried to do a good job on the bench and bring some energy that way. Just like here the guys who aren't playing every day try to bring energy and stay positive and help the guys out."
When he wasn't playing, Goldschmidt did what he could to stay sharp. He took extra rounds of batting practice and stood in during bullpen sessions to get a look at live pitching.
With more than a week left before the April 2 opener against the Giants, Goldschmidt is not concerned about his preparedness.
"I'll be ready," he said.