PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle checks in with Vinnie & Cook on Sportsradio 93-7 The Fan.

With Opening Day just around the corner, Hurdle is ready for the games to begin, and he tells why he thinks the Pirates are better on paper this year than they were last season.

Hurdle says Pedro Alvarez is “close,” thinks A.J. Burnett will be back sooner than later, and plays it coy with some of the personnel decisions that are still to be made. He also doesn’t hold back with his thoughts on whether Pittsburgh can win the NL Central.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview: