Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Prado wants lots of at-bats this spring

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It didn't take D-backs manager Kirk Gibson long to learn something about Martin Prado.

Prado likes to play during Spring Training. Often.

"Prado's a different guy," Gibson said. "He virtually wants to play all the time. We've scheduled a couple of off days for him where he can just totally go and workout and hit. He likes to play, he likes ABs. He doesn't take anything off."

Prado, who came over from the Braves in the Justin Upton trade, said he's averaged 70 to 90 spring at-bats during his career.

"I'd rather have a lot of at-bats and feel more comfortable at the plate as soon as the season starts," Prado said.

Prado also has a unique mindset for the way he looks at the grind of a season.

"I prepare myself like the season is going to be 200 games," Prado said. "I don't think 162. It just helps me go harder in my workouts and go beyond with them."