PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Former Red Sox and Dodgers prospect Jerry Sands said he was surprised when he was traded for the second time in three months.

Sands, a first baseman/outfielder was shipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates by Boston as one of the key components in the Joel Hanrahan-Brock Holt deal this offseason.

He’s one of many first baseman/outfielder types that the Pirates have in big league camp, but many believe is the front runner to head north with team in April.

Sands mentioned he was surprised, but excited to hear he was coming to Pittsburgh because of the last two years of first half success the Pirates have had.

He also reveals some of the conversations he’s had with Pirates management and where he feels most comfortable defensively.

One big item Sands believes to be most pressing in his development is hitting the fastball, which he discusses in depth his efforts on how he’s improving.