Results tagged ‘ spring trainign ’
Alvarez’s weight gain causing problems?
The main topic at spring training still continues to be Pedro Alvarez’s offseason “weight gain”.
“I’m not sure what it is,” Alvarez said in a quiet, terse voice as he pulled on layers of workout clothes at his locker. “I haven’t weighed myself in the past few days. I don’t think it’s relevant right now.”
Although General Manager Neal Huntington has never confirmed an exact number (rumors range anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds) the issue remains, will the added weight effect his defense at third base?
“He’s got work to do defensively at third base, no question,” Huntington said. “But he’s shown us the physical tools to be an average third baseman, and that’s what we need him to be.”
“Pedro Alvarez is stronger than he’s ever been,” Huntington said. “We’re looking forward to a very productive season out of Pedro. He looks big. He looks strong and ready to do some damage with the bat.”
According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Trib, the added weight gain may be affecting his swing as well. He reports:
During situational hitting drills today on Field 1, Alvarez was awful. There were swings and misses. There were balls hit toward the wrong spot at the wrong time. Alvarez’s body language in the cage was not happy — and neither was that of manager Clint Hurdle, who watched from a few feet away. At one point, after Alvarez fanned on a pitch, Hurdle grimaced and shook his head.
The good news is that it’s only five days into spring training. And there is still 41 days until opening day.
Kristy Robinson
Recent Comments