Jake Mangum spent plenty of time this offseason working on his arm strength, long-tossing with his father, John, six days a week in preparation for his first spring training experience with the Pirates. 

"I know I was an older rookie last year, but you've still got to learn things," Mangum said following the Pirates' 6-4 win over the Twins here today at LECOM Park. "A lot of things I took in and went to work on this offseason, and I'd say my arm was a big one. I felt like that was somewhere I could improve." 

Mangum, who ranked in the 63rd percentile in arm strength (86.3 mph) last season, seemed to reap the benefits of his offseason routine on this particular day. Not only did he show off his range and speed in making a running catch in the first inning, but he also got to put his arm on display, racing to cut off a ball near the right-field line in the third inning before delivering a laser to second base to rob Alan Roden of an extra-base hit. 

"This is a weird game," Mangum said. "You can work really hard at things and it won't quickly show, but that was one of those things. It kind of came to fruition pretty early. So that was cool. This game doesn't give you that much. So that was one of those times."

With concerns surrounding outfield defense, Mangum could be an interesting contributor considering he was considered an above average defender in terms of fielding run value (4; 79th percentile) last season. The fact that he can hit -- he doubled to lead off the home half today -- and run the bases with intent and urgency, well, that's helpful, too.