BRADENTON, Fla. — Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was very impressed with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen and Jared Hughes.

He even spent some of his visit to the Pirates’ spring training camp Monday jokingly trying to persuade the two to play at the other stadium in Pittsburgh.

Tomlin lobbied Jared Hughes, a 6-foot-7 reliever, to consider playing tight end. He had a more high-profile plan for McCutchen, the 20013 NL MVP.

“I’ll take Cutch, too,” Tomlin said. “I’ll bet you he can settle under a punt.”

Tomlin is friendly with Pirates manager Clint Hurdle. The two exchange emails and often chat.

“He’s a guy who’s right-minded,” Tomlin said. “We share a lot of philosophical thoughts on how to lead men. It’s been fun to watch him develop these groups over the years and I’m excited to watch him do it again this year.”

Steelers lineman Maurkice Pouncey threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Pouncey, who grew up in nearby Lakeland, said he didn’t know Tomlin was at McKechnie Field until they bumped into each other while touring the facility.