How much has your role changed since Don Kelly became manager?

It’s really not that much different. Prior to the series, I’ll go in and talk to Donnie about what the (opponent) will do, what they have done, what to be on the lookout for, what do you think about this? That there’s certain areas and opportunities to do this. Just more advancing the other team. In the dugout during the game, a little more dialogue with regards to tactical play. I always tell him I miss half the game because I’m (at third base). It’s a very nice, clean line of communication with Donnie.

What are the main duties as third base coach?

You’ve got to constantly know where all nine of those guys are (on defense). If they move an inch, you’ve got to let them know. Where is the ball? You don’t want a hidden ball trick. You don’t want guys throwing behind runners. Base hit to left, for instance with the Mets, don’t take your eye off (Francisco) Lindor because he’ll whip the ball right to Pete (Alfonso) on the bag. Just super, super heightened awareness at all times when you’re out there. Just the little things: the number of outs, the count, where the guys are, who’s holding you. With regards to run-scoring opportunities, are we going to run this guy on contact? Yes or no? Are they going to bring a new arm in? Are we going to pinch-hit? It’s a constant dialogue with Donnie, trying to get out in front of things and be prepared the best you can.

How do you know when to give a base runner the stop sign versus the green light?

Generally, as a baseline, if there’s a play at the plate, if he’s a step before the bag before the fielder touches the ball. That’s the generic rule. A lot of guys are different. There’s a lot of quick exchanges. You’re playing against some guys with big arms — Fernando Tatis is a bit different — where it’s not set in stone. (Consider) the score of the game, who’s on deck, are we going to pinch-hit? There’s a lot of factors. Sometimes, you’ve just got to roll the dice. If you’re facing an ace and there’s one out, you’re going to roll the dice and hope for the best.

How much different are the rules for Oneil Cruz?

He’s the easiest guy ever. I had to hold him up one time in San Diego and he ran right through it, and he was right just because his speed is ungodly. He gets on you fast. Put it this way: When he’s on second with two outs, I’m in a good spot.

Guessing you don’t give him the stop sign very often?

No, it gets a little challenging late in the game if you’re down. You don’t want to roll the dice when you’re down. But there’s times you’ve just got to roll it, like, ‘Hey man, this is our chance.’ When it works out, good. When it doesn’t, you’re always going to be second-guessing yourself. But he has what I call ‘eraser speed,’ where he can erase a lot of stuff because of his speed.

Being a third base coach is similar to being a placeholder in football, that people only notice when a guy gets thrown out at third base or home plate. What’s it like to have that role?

One hundred percent. This is what we sign up for. You have to make tough decisions, and you’re really the only guy on the field that can impact the game as a coach. You’ve got to roll the dice. Anybody can stand there and hold everybody up. I’m trying to score runs for the Pirates. When guys run hard to me, it makes my decision a little easier. We’re always going to be aggressive, within the extent of the game, the score and the situation.

How much did playing catcher help you know what to expect as a third base coach?

It’s about the tactical: These are the base runners and this is what may or may not happen. On the offensive side, when are they going to back-pick? A leadoff triple is probably a good time to back-pick, so you tell the runner on third base to be on the lookout for this. A lot of times when we’re going to try to steal a bag, we’re guessing along with the catcher. ‘He’s probably going to spin the ball here, so it’s a good time to run.’ Catching has definitely helped me as a coach.

Do you have aspirations of being a bench coach or manager someday?

Yeah, I would like to throw my hat in the ring for that. For the time being, I love what I’m doing, and I love the people I’m around. So I’m cool right now.

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