BRADENTON, Fl. - Elias Diaz has no shortage of mentors during Spring Training.
Everyday, the young catcher meets and talks with Pirates' legend Manny Sanguillen in the bullpen. And everyday he catches alongside Pirates' starter Francisco Cervelli, who has taken Diaz under his wing since he was called up to Pittsburgh last September.
I've noticed for at least the last two years that Diaz is talking to Sanguillen on a daily basis. Last year I talked to Manny about Diaz, and he praised the catcher's defensive abilities, highlighting his "quiet glove". But it's not just the bullpens that Manny watches.