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Bill Brink On Pirates' First Base Situation, Francisco Cervelli

PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- The Pirates designated first baseman Ike Davis for assignment on Friday.

That leaves Pedro Alvarez as the likely first baseman entering spring training.

Tab Douglas asked Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette what the club will do if Alvarez continues to struggle in 2015.

"I think right now, they're just going to worry about him getting over there and getting at first base and kind of cross that bridge when they come to it is my guess on how they're going to handle it," Brink said. "He's one of the hardest workers on the team, so if he doesn't work out over at first base, it's not going to be for lack of effort by him."

Douglas asked Brink if new catcher Francisco Cervelli will make Pirates fans forget Russell Martin.

"He won't make people forget about Russell Martin just because Martin was so good. But if he stays healthy, he can be an adequate replacement," Brink said.

Douglas asked how Edinson Volquez and Francisco Liriano fit into the Pirates plans. Brink said that while the Pirates could afford Liriano if they chose, Volquez seems to be more likely to return.

"I think Volquez is probably a more realistic possibility for the Pirates just in terms of their track record and what they would prefer to do," Brink said.

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