NESN

Pedro Ciriaco Appreciates ‘Genuine Interest’ From Red Sox, Wants to Keep Capitalizing on His Chances (Video)

Pedro Ciriaco has taken Boston by storm. Since spring
training, the utility man has evolved into a triple threat on the diamond,
sparking the Red Sox with his offense, defense and speed on the base paths.

With Will Middlebrooks sidelined with a broken wrist, Ciriaco had an opportunity to play third base on an everyday basis. While his bat has
cooled off recently, the 26-year-old still has impressed, hitting .301 with two home
runs and 17 RBIs.

Ciriaco took some time to speak with NESN.com Red Sox beat
writer Didier Morais to discuss his development and surprising tenure with the
Red Sox. The interview — conducted in Spanish — is translated below.

Didier Morais: Pedro, thanks for your time. Before anything,
this has been a huge year for you, so what are your thoughts on how the season
has gone for you? You started off with a strong spring, they sent you down, but
you're here with the team and having a lot of success.

Pedro Ciriaco: I'm just really happy to be here and I'm
trying to take advantage of the opportunity. I'm just trying to help the team
in whichever way that I can.

DM: So how exactly did you choose to sign with Boston? I
know other teams were interested in your services.

PC: I liked how they reached out to me and really showed a
genuine interest. On my end, it was really appealing to play for a team like
the Red Sox. It was the opportunity that I was waiting for and thank God, I'm
taking advantage.

DM: How are you adjusting to playing here? You know playing
in Boston comes with a lot of pressure.

PC: I'm just trying to enjoy myself and enjoy the game. I
don't want to put too much pressure on myself and I just want to play the game
because that's the most important part. This is a game, so let's have fun with
it, too.

DM: Everyone sees you bunting very often. How did you become
so good with your bunts?

PC: It took a lot of work. I'm a quick guy, so I want
to capitalize on the opportunities that [the pitchers] give me. That's part of
my game — put the ball in play, have the defense on their toes because when
they're playing up, maybe I can sneak through and get on base. But that's a
part of my game."

DM: Finally, how was it back [in July] when you guys were
playing the Yankees and everyone at Fenway Park was chanting your name? How was
that experience?

PC: It was an unforgettable experience for me. That was the
first time in my life, my career, that it's ever happened to me. And it's all
about taking advantage of the opportunity, trying to play well and stay
consistent.