BRADENTON, Fla. — John Jaso stood near first base on Pirate City’s Field 2, thinking about keeping his fingertips down. Full-squad workouts hadn’t started yet, but Jaso was working with infield coach Nick Leyva and special assistant Kevin Young, attempting to perfect an unfamiliar position.
Other infielders intentionally bounced balls in front of the bag, forcing Jaso to scoop the throws. “Do it, Jase!” Gift Ngoepe would yell when he snagged one. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!” was Jordy Mercer’s encouragement.
The Pirates once again are relying on a first baseman who lacks extensive experience at the position.