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Freese ready for challenges with Pirates

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

David Freese arrived at Pittsburgh Pirates camp Saturday welcoming the uncertainty of his new job.

The third baseman, who signed a one-year, $3-million deal with the Pirates on Friday, told reporters that he understands his role with the team right now is that of placeholder, and that the third-base job is only his until Jung Ho Kang returns from the disabled list.

"When (Kang) gets back, he'll be the third baseman," Freese told reporters. "And I'm all for it."

Pittsburgh has envisioned Freese transitioning into a utility infielder role once Kang is healthy. In addition to eventually spelling Kang at the hot corner, general manager Neal Huntington said Friday that the soon-to-be 33-year-old could form part of a first-base platoon with John Jaso, despite both players' lack of experience at the position. Jaso and Freese have combined to play just 26 career innings at first, and Freese hasn't played there since 2011.

That inexperience on the right side of the infield isn't fazing the former World Series MVP, who explained that he spent his winter taking grounders at first to prepare himself for a possible change. Freese credited his manager in St. Louis, Hall of Famer Tony La Russa, with preparing him to fully embrace the challenge that's now presenting itself in Pittsburgh.

"I learned playing for Tony that I don't have the lineup card," he said. "There were days I'd go in there and say, 'Why am I not playing?' He'd say, 'You want my office?' That didn't end very well. I get it. I understand it.

"Whatever my role is, I'm here to do that. If it's to play third, play first, pinch-hit, I'm all for it."

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