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Everybody but Kang returning to the Pirates’ camp

Commentary

BRADENTON, Fla. — The World Baseball Classic is history, and, because some Pirates played, I watched some of the games on MLB Network, even though they were on late and past bedtime.

Seven Buccos participated in the WBC, including Andrew McCutchen and Josh Harrison, who were members of the champion USA team. Harrison played in only two games for the Americans while Cutch was the right fielder and made some key contributions, particularly in the last couple of rounds.

Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco were on the Domincan Republic squad that bowed out in the semifinals, Francisco Cervelli caught for Italy, while former Curve players Eric Wood and Jared Lakind were on the Canadian and Israel squads, respectively.

Polanco was one of the stars of the WBC, with 11 hits in 19 at-bats (.579), including one homer, two doubles and a stolen base. Those numbers earned him a spot on the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

“It was something I will never forget,” Polanco said on his return to Pirate camp earlier this week. “It was so intense. Every game was like the playoffs or World Series. It will help me for my career, not just this year.”

Polanco said teammates Robinson Cano and Jose Bautista were particularly helpful to him at the WBC.

“They watched me in the (batting) cage and told me how to adjust,” Polanco said. “I was impressed by their work ethic and used it as a model. I learned a lot in the time I was there. The season is coming and I know it will prepare me.

“It was an honor to represent my country,” Polanco added.

No Kang

Unable to get a work visa from his native South Korea because of three DUI offenses, Jung Ho Kang still is not in camp and could miss all of the 2017 season, which will take a big bat out of the Pirate lineup.

That means veteran David Freese, who has had a solid camp, will open the season at third base.

Roster shaping up

With recent roster cuts, utility roles are all but locked up by Adam Frazier, Phil Gosselin and Alen Hanson. Frazier, who has played six positions — 2b, ss, 3b and all three OF spots — has been the star of the camp. As of Friday, Frazier led all Grapefruit League hitters with a .442 average and 14 runs scored. Hanson is out of options, but has looked good with 15 hits in his last 35 at-bats.

The odd man out in the battle for the utility jobs appears to be ex-Curve first baseman Jose Osuna, who leads the Grapefruit League in slugging percentage (.857), homers (5) and RBI (14), but is not as good a defender as the others.

Sign here, please

Jean and Joan added these signed cards to their collections: Ezequiel Carrera, Steve Pearce, Justin Smoak and John Gibbons of the Blue Jays; Rocco Baldelli, Curt Casali, Nick Franklin, Erasimo Ramirez, Steven Souza, Rickie Weeks, Cory Dickerson, Logan Morrison, Brad Miller of the Rays and Josh Bell and Jordy Mercer of the Pirates.

Faces in the crowd

Faces from home seen recently at LECOM Park included Hogan’s Heroes (Al, Jess, Eve and Nick), Joe and Trish Antesberger, Dave and Marcia Dravis and Duane Bordell’s bus of 40-fans.

Diet Cokes, too

Restaurants and other sights visited included St. Armand’s Circle, Joey D’s Italian favorites, South Philly, Boston Market, Primo’s Ristorante and the Bridge Tender Inn on Bradenton Beach.

Until next week…

Lane, the retired sports editor of the Mirror, writes from Florida in February and March.

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