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Coonelly: Harrison Starting Third Baseman, Alvarez At First Base

PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- Pirates President Frank Coonelly joined Bob Pompeani Saturday at PirateFest.

Coonelly addressed where Pedro Alvarez will play in 2015.

"Josh Harrison's got to be the third baseman, given what he did last year," Coonelly said. "He thinks that he can get the throwing issues under control, and would like to be a third baseman. Having said that, he understands that Josh is going to be our starting third baseman, and he's going to be able to help us by being a power bat at first base."

Coonelly added that there is no internal Plan B.

Pompeani asked Coonelly about the contract status of Neil Walker.

"Neil is a player that we would love to have here in Pittsburgh the rest of his career. Rarely happens anymore, even in the large markets," Coonelly said. "We'll continue to have discussions with Neil and see whether we can do something more than just an arbitration, one year contract."

Coonelly has confidence in new catcher Francisco Cervelli, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees.

"We believe Francisco Cervelli can be a very good catcher for us, can be an everyday catcher. We have got to keep him healthy," Coonelly said. "What we really love about Francisco is the energy that he brings to every single ballgame, every single at-bat, every single pitch."

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