BRADENTON, Fla. — Alen Hanson considered it coincidental that when he reported to Pirate City earlier this week, the first person he saw was Kimera Bartee, the Pirates’ new first-base and baserunning coach. Hanson’s future with the organization might hinge on his work with Bartee.
“Right away, [Bartee] embraced me with a lot of joy and a big hug,” Hanson said through interpreter Mike Gonzalez. “He was very clear. He said, ‘Hey, we’ve got a lot of work to do, man.’ “
Hanson, 24, a utility player with speed in spades, is out of minor league options.