Rich On The Road: 1-On-1 With Pedro Alvarez
BRADENTON, Fla. (KDKA) -- We are experiencing a cold spell here in Bradenton but I really shouldn't complain about the weather. Plus, I'm sure nobody in Pittsburgh will feel bad for me!
KDKA-TV is the only television station with the Pirates in Bradenton for the start of Spring Training. So if you have Bucco fever, I would advise you watch.
One of the bigger stories this Spring Training will be Pedro Alvarez's move to first base.
Alvarez was one of the first guys I ran into today. He told me at third he didn't have to think of what to do.
"It was kind of instinctual because I've played there so long," he said. "The first couple times at first, you kind of have to run a check list in your head of things you have to do. It hasn't come as natural yet but those are things that will come with time."
Alvarez also wants to put the past behind him. It's a new year and he told me he's looking for a fresh start.
"Just focusing on what's ahead, what's in the present right now and that's getting ready for the season," he said. "You know I never like to dwell on the past that was then and this is now and the focus is now."
I also asked Pedro if he feels he has anything to prove, to himself, to his manager or to the fans.
"My job is the same as its always been," he said, "to try to help this organization as best as I can and help my teammates at the end of the day to win a game." He added, "every day just get better and better."
Alvarez led the Major Leagues with 25 errors and he only played in 99 games last season.
I'll be back at Pirates City tomorrow bright and early at 7 p.m. Watch for my reports all weekend and all week long next week only on KDKA-TV.
By the way tomorrow we are expected to hit 77 degrees. I hope everyone is bundled up at home.
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