PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — In an effort to keep readers as informed of the Buccos moving through spring training I’ll be updating you with daily links from across the internet regarding the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Today’s start with third baseman Pedro Alvarez, a player most fans and critics look to as maybe the most important piece of the puzzle in 2012. Alvarez came into the 2011 season with big expectations after finishing 2010 on a tear.

Those expectations were far from filled, as he struggled with a quad injury and batted just .191 in 74 games with four home runs and 19 RBIs.

By all accounts, he has transformed his body and mental approach and is in a very good place to start spring training. According to Alvarez, he’s ready to play a big part in the Pirates lineup and bring another winning team to Pittsburgh.

“It’s just a matter of playing hard, and with dedication,” he said, according to a report on the Pirates official website. “It’s a great sports town. Football and hockey have been doing well, and it’s about time we gave them something good to cheer for.”

Click the link for a full report, including commentary from Alvarez’s teammates, manager Clint Hurdle and general manager Neal Huntington.

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On to the links:

• Center fielder Andrew McCutchen has adjusted his batting stance, which he hopes will pay off in 2012.
• Manager Clint Hurdle speaks after Monday afternoon’s workout.
• Outfielder Nate McLouth is back for his second stint as a Pirate and says this time around things feel more comfortable, yet the expectations are still there.
• The Pirates spent $48 million combined in the last four drafts because, president Frank Coonelly says, they saw changes to draft spending coming.
• The Tribune Review reports that the Pirates are still interested and willing to work out a multi-year extension with Andrew McCutchen.

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Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com