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David Freese Makes Pirates Debut

PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- Signed on Friday to a one-year, three million dollar contract, David Freese made his Pirates debut on Thursday. It was the first time this Spring Freese has seen live pitching and went 1 for 3.

"Obviously got to camp a little late," Freese said, "but back home I was doing what I needed to do to prepare for this."

The former Cardinals and Angel, Freese has just a few games to get ready for the season and a chance to be the everyday third baseman. While making progress, Jung-Ho Kang is expected to be out until mid-to-late April.

"I think the big thing is just focusing, we got about 2 weeks to get ready for the season," Freese said. "You just got to focus every pitch and get your timing down and do what you need to do."

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Freese is also getting some work at first base during drills, which could be an option once Kang returns. The former World Series MVP has played six MLB games at first, making one start with no errors.

"I've played a little bit over there, not just a few innings, but I've worked a couple of days with Dean (Treanor) and Kevin Young is in town," Freese said. "We're getting comfortable over there."

"I've been around these guys for a long time, this core group", Freese said of being a Pirate now. "I kind of knew what I was walking into. You knew from other guys what type of manager and person Clint Hurdle was. This is a group that fights. They are a family and they attack the game together. That's what I wanted to be a part of."

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