Callihan opening eyes in camp: 'He's a ball player'
As spring training winds down and roster decisions draw near, it seems fair to assume the Pirates will devote two of their four bench spots to a backup catcher and fourth outfielder. That means there are still two opportunities for guys to fight for. TylerCallihan seems to be in that mix.
Callihan hasn't lit the world on fire since being acquired from the Reds earlier this month, but he has opened some eyes with his versatility and at-bats. He's drawn four walks and scored six runs in his seven games with the Pirates, all while collecting four hits, including his first homer with his new team in tonight's 3-1 win over the Tigers here at LECOM Park.
"He's a ball player," Don Kelly said on Tuesday. "I'm really pumped about him. A guy that can play multiple positions, versatility, being able to go -- we've had him at second and third, we know that he can play outfield, too. His left-handed swing has looked good. Like the way he's getting his swing off. That's a hard thing to do in the middle of spring training, to switch organizations, switch teams, and come in, and I think he's done a really good job."
In transitioning over to a new team mid-spring, Callihan said he feels like he has something to prove to his teammates and the organization. His on-field production will be what it is, but he's determined to show that his work off the field is what can set him apart.
"I know my abilities, I trust in my abilities. I know it's just a matter of time," Callihan said. "Day in, day out, putting in the work and preparing for the game is all you can do. And I feel pretty confident that I did a good job, and I'm continuing to do a good job."
THE ASYLUM
Callihan opening eyes in camp: 'He's a ball player'
As spring training winds down and roster decisions draw near, it seems fair to assume the Pirates will devote two of their four bench spots to a backup catcher and fourth outfielder. That means there are still two opportunities for guys to fight for. Tyler Callihan seems to be in that mix.
Callihan hasn't lit the world on fire since being acquired from the Reds earlier this month, but he has opened some eyes with his versatility and at-bats. He's drawn four walks and scored six runs in his seven games with the Pirates, all while collecting four hits, including his first homer with his new team in tonight's 3-1 win over the Tigers here at LECOM Park.
"He's a ball player," Don Kelly said on Tuesday. "I'm really pumped about him. A guy that can play multiple positions, versatility, being able to go -- we've had him at second and third, we know that he can play outfield, too. His left-handed swing has looked good. Like the way he's getting his swing off. That's a hard thing to do in the middle of spring training, to switch organizations, switch teams, and come in, and I think he's done a really good job."
In transitioning over to a new team mid-spring, Callihan said he feels like he has something to prove to his teammates and the organization. His on-field production will be what it is, but he's determined to show that his work off the field is what can set him apart.
"I know my abilities, I trust in my abilities. I know it's just a matter of time," Callihan said. "Day in, day out, putting in the work and preparing for the game is all you can do. And I feel pretty confident that I did a good job, and I'm continuing to do a good job."
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