Leading off: Aki ... For the other team

Posted Mar 11, 2010 by Tribune Sports

Updated Mar 11, 2010 at 12:24 PM

BRADENTON—Akinori Iwamura has gold streaks in his hair. The look almost almost matches his new Pittsburgh Pirates uniform.

He’s wearing that uniform for the first time today against the Rays, the team he helped win the American league pennant in 2008. The Rays, becuase they had other options at second base, declined to pick up Iwamura’s $4.5 million option after last season and traded him to Pittsburgh.

Where, of course, it’s very cold in the winter.

“Before I flew down here, I took some time to look around for a place to live in Pittsburgh and I saw a lot of snow,” Iwamura said. “But I’m sure I’ll be able to like the city.”

Iwamura got to catch up with some of his old friends on the Rays before the Pirates took batting practice and infield.

“I’ve been able to see my old teammates on the field, and I’m so happy to see they’re doing well,” Iwamura said through interpreter Toshi Nagahara.

Iwamura didn’t say what Rays first baseman George Hendricks said to him, but he let out a hardy laugh when asked if they’d seen each other.

Incidentally, Hendricks is here for the Rays’ first split squad game of the spring and will coach first base. It looks like Durham Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo will coach third base.

Iwamura, who is off to a slow start at the plate this spring, will lead off.

He said he’s adjusting to his new team and thinks Ben Zobrist would do fine as an everyday second baseman, if the Rays eventually decide to make him one.

I’m sure he will be able to do very well as a second baseman. Me as a second baseman, I want to be able to compete with him.

GM…