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Tacos, uniform numbers and work visas. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Josh Bell
If Bell and new hitting coach Rick Eckstein end up clicking this season, it could all be traced back to tacos.
Bell went to Newport Beach, California this winter for his offseason training, and Eckstein made the trip out west shortly after being hired. One of their first meetings was going to a Taco Tuesday.
“We talked about hitting and hung out. It’s a great way to build trust,” Bell said. “We also watched videos of [Bryce] Harper and [Barry] Bonds. Seeing those guys and their approach was helpful. That’s the type of impact I want to have.”
Jung-Ho Kang
One of the first moves the Pirates made this offseason was declining the club option on Kang’s contract, but they quickly re-signed him. While he had a chance to sign with any team, he always had Pittsburgh in mind.
“He’s always been thankful to Pirates, so he definitely wanted to come back to the Pirates instead of considering other places,” Kang said through interpreter Jeffrey Kim.
Kang’s work visa is in order for 2019 and should be easily renewed, barring any more legal trouble.
Lonnie Chisenhall
Ok, what would you rather hear about? The calf injury that has hampered him the last two years, or how the new guy is taking is Josh Harrison’s old number?
Yes, Chisenhall is going to don number five this season. He said he prefers single digits because “Chisenhall” takes up enough space on the back of the jersey.
”I wore 8 for a couple of years That one is taken here,” Chisenhall said, smiling.
Ultimately, Chisenhall let his seven and four year old kids pick the number.
As for the calf, he said it’s the best it’s felt in years.
Daily Links
In case you missed it, RHP Brandon Maurer and OF J.B. Schuck signed minor league deals with spring training invitees yesterday.
The Diamondbacks don’t have a center fielder, but they are going to try to create one.
And to wrap it all up, here’s a thread about major league players who have the same hair as Pokemon.