Beckham ready to put injuries behind him

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Gordon Beckham's 2013 production was as hampered by a plethora of injuries as much as anything he did right or wrong at the plate. Those injuries included surgery to remove a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist, a second, unrelated left wrist problem after the All-Star break and a strained right quad that plagued him for the final six weeks.

It's hard to combat the freakish nature of injuries, such as the fracture taking place on a checked swing in Washington. But Beckham has done all he could to enhance the health aspect going into the '14 campaign.

"There are things I have done this offseason to kind of prevent some lingering stuff that I was dealing with last year," Beckham said. "But the hand feels good, everything feels a lot better and there is definitely more of an idea of how my body is working and making sure I have that ready to go for the start of the season."

Entering his sixth big league season, Beckham not only stands as one of the club's grizzled veterans but also understands more about how Spring Training works and what he needs to succeed -- especially offensively.

"Last year, I felt good about what I was doing and I think it was showing on the field," Beckham said. "I feel like I dealt with a lot and I felt like I had a pretty good year last year considering how healthy I was.

"To fight through that actually gives me more confidence for this year. I think I'm in a good spot and everything feels good. I just have stay healthy. If I can stay healthy, I can do what I am capable of."