BRADENTON, Fla. -- Jordy Mercer was once like Kevin Newman, a young shortstop trying to establish himself and fortunate to have a mentor at his position.
Early in Mercer's career, that player was Clint Barmes. And manager Clint Hurdle can remember Walt Weiss, a former Rockies shortstop turned special assistant, guiding Barmes during their time in Colorado before that. Now, Newman is learning from Mercer in his first big league Spring Training with the Pirates.
"It's just a beautiful part of the game for me," Hurdle said. "I really appreciate those types of relationships in baseball and how that transcends.