Constructive critique helping Lambo thrive at first

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Andrew Lambo continues to play an impressive first base for an outfielder. And why shouldn't he, said his manager, who is unwilling to give Lambo a pass for the slightest indiscretion.

"He's played first base before. That's what a lot of people seem to lose sight of," Clint Hurdle said. "The move, the feel for the bag, the footwork ... it's just a matter now of getting game-speed repetitions."

Lambo's latest moment of note came in the third inning of the Bucs' 7-6 victory over Boston on Monday: With a man on first and none out, former Pirates infielder Brock Holt ripped a hard grounder to Lambo, who whipped the throw to second to force the runner -- then appeared to show impressive instincts by being right in the spot shortstop Clint Barmes' errant relay throw ended up.

Hold the praise, said Hurdle, pointing out that Lambo's own feed to second had caused Barmes' wide return.

"A firmer throw to second might get a return throw for the double play," Hurdle said. "He could've finished the throw more effectively to second to set up the return throw."

Lambo did not disagree, saying he was in the flight path of the wild relay because he could see his own toss leading Barmes across the second-base bag.