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Jordy Mercer Talks Relationship With Clint Barmes, Perception That He's A Poor Fielder

BRADENTON, Fla. (93-7 The Fan) – Pirates SS Jordy Mercer sat down with The Fan Morning Show at Pirates spring training this week to chat about his offseason work and the upcoming 2014 season.

Here is some of what he had to say:

On his relationship with fellow shortstop Clint Barmes:
"I don't think you can ask for a better teammate, a better guy that you come into a situation where you're fighting for the same position, you're battling for the same spot, but to have a guy with open arms, to just come in and invite you in. It's pretty amazing how great of a teammate he is and how much he has helped me, whether it's on the field, and off the field, too ... he's always willing. His door is always open it seems like, and I'm constantly talking to him, constantly picking his brain -- we throw all of our egos out the door, and we became really, really close. It's really something special to have him on this club, and to be able to have a guy to go to anytime I need to."

On the perception that he's a poor fielder:
"It's amazing how one play can kind of label you. Obviously it was a play against Cincinnati, where, you know, it just happens. It's one of those things where it happens. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. But the good thing about it is I've learned from that, and I think that can mold you as a player. When you make mistakes, all you can do is learn from it,  that's the way I'm looking at it, I'm going to become a better player from that."

On his goals for this season:
"I want to stay healthy. I want to play as many games as I can. I want to stay on the field, and I want to do whatever it takes to help this team win."

The interview can be heard here:

Jordy Mercer

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