Pirates hire David Eckstein as special assistant

The Pirates announced today that they’ve hired former World Series MVP David Eckstein as a special assistant in their baseball operations department. Earlier this off-season, they hired Eckstein’s older brother, Rick, to serve as their hitting coach.

“David Eckstein brings intelligence, intensity and a unique drive and energy to the Pirates organization,” general manager Neal Huntington said in a statement. “David’s strengths will be an asset for our Major League team and player development system as a teacher and mentor. We are elated to add a quality person with an extensive playing background to our organization.”

Plus, he’s scrappy.