Day one of Pirates mini camp

Some notes from day of of the Pirates mini camp:

• Evan Meek is noticeably trimmer this year, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Trib.
• Steve Pearce took grounders at first base on Monday and seems to have recovered fully after suffering a knee injury in August.
• The Pirates players had three hour drills on Monday. It also marks the first time many of the players have had practice with new manger Clint Hurdle.

“It was a good day,” Hurdle said. “It was efficient. We were able to get on the field, move them around a little bit, work on some technique and play a little defense. There was some on-field hitting. It’s good to get back on the field and hear the crack of the bat and the smack of the ball in the mitt.”

Manager Clint Hurdle preached the basics during day one of the Pirates mini camp. He focused on: preparation, planning and execution.

“Many good men have gone before me,” Hurdle said at the Pirates’ weeklong voluntary minicamp at Pirate City. “And we are not going to be teaching a whole lot of revolutionary ideas. We just have to get better at the basic fundamentals of the game.”

Early morning work outs, followed by motivational messages by Hurdle –something that he believes is very important.

During batting practice, Hurdle was heard telling Second baseman Neil Walker, First baseman Lyle Overbay and Steve Pearce, “championship teams make good outs, make your at-bats count, every one of them.”

• As I’ve discussed before, the Bucs currently do not have any left-handed relievers with any major league experience. Daniel Moskos, who is in attendance at the mini camp, has a chance to make the big league staff. The 24-year-old, and former first round pick in the 2007 draft, combined to go 3-6 with a 4.14 ERA with Double-A and Triple-A last season. Moskos picked up 22 saves in 58.2 innings pitched, striking out 61 while walking 36.

“Whether it is about left-handed pitching or right-handed pitching, you have to go out there and compete for a spot,” Moskos said. “You are always having to compete. You can either thrive on it or shy away from it. Yes, there are lefty spots open, but nothing is going to be handed to anyone. You have to earn it.”

• Charlie Morton chatted with Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette on Monday.

On minicamp: “I think the whole idea is for everybody to come in and get accustomed to the new faces. Just really carry on what we’ve been doing the offseason; in terms of getting stronger and getting in shape. I think it’s good for team chemistry, especially when it changes.

On Clint Hurdle: “He’s been pretty outgoing, talking to us, making us feel comfortable.”

 

Jose Tabata at Pirates mini camp (via @BucsInsider)

Lyle Overbay brakes the first bat at the mini camp. “Aw, I got all of it, too” (Via @RobBiertempfel)

 

Manager Clint Hurdle, second baseman Neil Walker and first baseman Lyle Overbay during batting pratice (via @RobBiertempfel)

“You wear helmets during BP. Always. Every time. That’s non-negotiable. I’m old-school.” -Clint Hurdle

Pirates and Clint Hurdle at mini camp (Via @Colin_Dunlap)

Clint Hurdle chatting with  Neil Walker, Matt Diaz and Lyle Overbay (Via @BucsInsider)