Bob Pompeiani

He has the ability to get on base and steal bases.

Speed is one of his best assets.

So Austin and I have run back and forth.

I think ultimately he's a leadoff hitter, and he should be.

You know, he can give you the power that George Springer does when he bats leadoff or in his heyday.

Where do you think they'll bat him tomorrow, and where do you think ultimately he will be in their Pirate lineup?

Yeah, I think he also could be that guy in the leadoff spot.

How many times in a batting order, you're not going to get one hit leadoff maybe only once in a game, and that's the first inning.

After that, you're going to come out most likely with people on base or in a position to set up people who bat behind you.

So that's why I never underestimate the RBI production of a number one hitter in the lineup.

I think there are plenty of opportunities.

Do you agree with that, or do you think batting him later will give him more of those kind of opportunities to drive in runs?

So we heard all along that before this call-up, which only took a week, that he needed some time down to work on some things.

And I'm sure the same will take place, Matt, because you're always trying to improve and you're always going to have pushback no matter who you are.

So what can you realistically expect?

And what are the things he's going to have to work on as a rookie, a 19-year-old kid, facing some of the pitchers he's going to face?

And I remember people would say, well, you're a general manager.

You have Sidney Crosby.

Who else are we going to pick?

You had Mario Lemieux.