Final thoughts on Pirates-Twins

By Alan Dell

Pedro Alvarez had a good day at the plate getting two hits including an RBI triple. But Pirates manager John Russell said don’t read too much into that as far as the organization bringing the highly touted 23-year-old prospect to the big leagues this season. He did drop a foul popup.

“We are looking at him to continue to develop,” Russell said after the Pirates 15-5 victory over Minnesota on Sunday. “He has some development to do and he knows it. He will continue to work at third base and pick up on the position. He is a young player who needs to continue to develop in all areas.

“He has done a good job, is working hard on all areas and on the total package. We are not going to rush him. When we feel he is ready to play in Pittsburgh that’s when he will be there. He has to continue to check off things that he needs to get better at. I know everyone wants him to be there (in Pittsburgh) on day one, but it might not be the best thing for him.”

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Bobby Crosby, the shortstop hopeful, had a big day with the bat driving in four runs on two hits, including a three-run homer. But Russell was just as pleased with his play at first base. The free agent signee from Oakland is trying to make it as the Bucs primary infield backup.

“For me, the toughest thing is second,” Crosby said. “We haven’t recently gone over second a whole lot. I have been mainly working at shortstop, but I am sure at some point they are going to say let’s work at second and I will. Whatever they want me to do, I am all for it,” he said.

The outfielders for both teams struggled with several fly balls, but Russell said that is to be expected this time of year.

“With a high sky in Florida and the wind blowing, it’s an adventure for a lot of guys,” Russell said. “You will see that every spring. They have to get used to the sun, the high sky and the wind. I’ve seen gold glove outfielders struggle down in Florida. You realize it’s going to happen and you saw some of that today on both sides.”