Gregor Blanco wants to be an inspiration to new Diamondbacks teammates

Assuming Gregor Blanco wins a spot on the Opening Day roster, the Diamondbacks are expecting a competent fourth outfielder who can play solid defense at all three positions; a pesky, left-handed hitting option to help balance a right-handed heavy lineup; and a fundamentally sound player who can do the little things that can help win games.

But Blanco sees in himself another potential contribution. It is something he learned from his time with the San Francisco Giants, a mind-set he believes can be passed along to his new teammates. He thinks it’s one of the things the Diamondbacks were missing last season.

“We want to win,” Blanco said. “I can see it in their faces, and with the talent that we have. It’s just a matter of us deciding we want to win and really believe in our own mind that we’re going to do it. It’s not just that we have the talent and we’re going to show everybody. No, it’s got to be a little bit more than that.”

Blanco is soft-spoken and earnest, easy with a smile and seemingly always in a good mood. He conveys a sort of natural positivity. He believes wholeheartedly in its importance.

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Blanco was a part of two World Series-winning clubs during his five seasons with the Giants, and he thinks culture explains their success as much as talent. He points to Hunter Pence as a prime example.

“He really started everybody to believing that we can win when I was there,” Blanco said of the outfielder known for his fiery, pregame speeches. “The Giants might not have the best talent, the best players. They have good players, but I don’t think they’re all All-Stars. But they find a way to win. That’s what we need to find.”

Leaving San Francisco was not easy; Blanco felt a connection to the city, the organization. But the Giants, he said, apparently wanted to go a different direction. He said he understands.

Blanco said the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles showed interest, but he instead opted to sign with the Diamondbacks, whose style of play he found appealing.

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“I just liked the way they do everything,” he said. “They try to do the little things, especially their running game. I’m so excited about that. They’re pretty aggressive. That’s part of my game. I want to be on a team like that.”

With outfielder Socrates Brito out with a hand injury, Blanco seems even more likely to crack the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster. If he does, his contract guarantees him $1 million and includes another $3.55 million in incentives.

During a game last May, Blanco jammed his shoulder diving back into first base. He was told he had a sprained rotator cuff. He tried to play through it. He wishes he hadn’t.

Blanco believes the injury explains why he hit just .224 in 241 at-bats in what ranks as the worst season of his career. But after an offseason of rest, he said the shoulder feels 100 percent.

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He started Cactus League play 0-for-12, but he had an eventful game on Tuesday, making an impressive catch at the wall in the top of the first, then lining a triple into the right-field corner in the bottom of the inning.

Blanco said he prides himself on being a thorn in the side of the opposing pitcher, whether it’s being annoying at the plate or on the bases. But more than anything he sees himself as more than just a player, and he thinks his time with the Giants has him well prepared.

“I want to bring that winning attitude, the positive talks, the happiness,” Blanco said. “I was blessed to be able to play on a team like that and win two world championships. My goal is to do that here.”

Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.