Fans, Bradenton step up to plate

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- A crowd of 5,336 that attended today's 2008 spring-training finale against the Twins at McKechnie Field raised the Pirates' total attendance for 15 games to 81,067, the second-highest figure since the team started tracking spring attendance figures in 1988.
The Pirates celebrated their 40th year in Bradenton this month.
This year's average of 5,404 was the highest ever and represented a 5.5 percent increase from 2007, when a record total of 81,967 streamed through the turnstiles in 16 games.
There were seven sellouts at McKechnie, tying last year's record. The Pirates also demonstrated their commitment to the community, hosting the inaugural Pirates Charities Spring Training Golf Classic that benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.
"We want to thank all of our fans who helped us celebrate the club's 40th anniversary of holding spring training in the city of Bradenton," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said in a statement.
"With the grand opening of the new Pirate City, the first night game at McKechnie Field (March 19 against the Yankees) and our numerous community initiatives, the 2008 spring-training season was in many ways symbolic of the ongoing partnership between the Pirates and the city of Bradenton."

Sanchez, Morris ready to go

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- It's official -- Freddy's ready.
After a vigorous workout before today's 5-4 loss against the Twins, Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez confirmed he is ready to start the season at second base when Pittsburgh opens the regular season Monday night in Atlanta.
Sanchez, who did not play in the game, turned double plays, fielded ground balls up the middle and in the gap and made throws to first base this morning, reassuring himself and the team his shoulder is up to the stress. Although he batted .364 (16-for-44) this spring, he played only two games in the field because of recurring discomfort. Sanchez took the field for a Triple-A game Friday at Pirate City and played in the field Thursday at the complex.
Sanchez underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder in September.
"It's alright. We'll see how it goes during the season," Sanchez said. "It's definitely gone a lot better than I've expected. I got a full workout in today and I'm ready to go. I'm happy, excited to get started."
So is manager John Russell, now that he's assured of having the 2006 National League batting champion on board.
"Having him in the lineup with the energy he brings and the kind of hard-nosed player he is, it's obviously a benefit," Russell said."His work at Pirate City has been great and he had a great workout today. There is no reason he can't play second base. He feels real good."
More good news: Veteran Matt Morris turned in his strongest outing since March 3, allowing six hits and two runs in six innings against Minnesota.
It was a solid outing for the former 20-game winner, who struck out three and walked three while allowing a solo home run to Delmon Young.
"Today was a step in the right direction," the right-hander said. "It's good to end pitching better, but it's hard to compare spring training to the season, when everybody is focusing on results.
"Obviously, to be as efficient as possible is what you like. I threw a couple of curve balls that were too big and one got hit out, but I threw some that were tough to hit."
Russell believes Morris has the know-how and savvy to carry today's outing into the season.
"It was very positive today. He mixed speeds well and threw some changeups, which he's been working on," Russell said.
"He's continued to get a little better each start, and that's usually what you see out of a guy who has been around a while pitching."
The Pirates finished the spring 13-17, their fifth consecutive non-winning spring.

Pitching match-ups set for Atlanta

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- The scheduled starting pitchers in Monday night's season-opening game between the Pirates and Braves in Atlanta have combined for 327 career victories.
Pittsburgh right-hander Ian Snell, who has 24 of that total, goes up against 303-game winner Tom Glavine at 7:10 p.m. on Monday.
Snell was 9-12 last season with a 3.76 ERA. Glavine, who returned to Atlanta via free agency, was 13-8 for the Mets with a 4.45 ERA.
Snell, who signed a three-year contract recently with a club option for two additional seasons, is 2-3 with a 4.01 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings this spring.
The teams have an off day Tuesday. On Wednesday, 2007 14-game winner Tom Gorzelanny will start for Pittsburgh against Jair Jurrjens. The following night, Zach Duke starts for the Pirates against Mike Hampton.
Matt Morris and Paul Maholm will start the Pirates' first two games at Florida on Friday and Saturday, assuming Maholm rebounds from the lower-back stiffness that caused him to be scratched from his scheduled start Friday in Fort Myers.
Snell gets the start at Florida on April 6, with Gorzelanny pitching the home opener at PNC Park on April 7 against the Cubs.

Maholm scratched from start

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

FORT MYERS -- Pirates left-hander Paul Maholm has been scratched from today's scheduled start at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers against the Twins because of stiffness in his lower back.
His spot in the lineup is being taken by left-hander Phil Dumatrait (0-0, 3.27 ERA this spring), who learned this morning he will be a member of the 25-man roster for the opener Monday in Atlanta.
"In talking with Paul, (manager) John (Russell) and (pitching coach) Jeff Andrews, if this was the regular season, (Maholm) would have started," said general manager Neal Huntington. "He threw long-toss today and he'll throw a bullpen session on Sunday in Atlanta and a simulated game on Tuesday."
As a precautionary measure, the Pirates are moving left-hander Zach Duke up to start the third game in Atlanta on Thursday. Maholm will start the April 5 game at Florida.

Get ready, National League--here come the Buccos

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Here is a breakdown of the 25-man Pittsburgh Pirates roster for Opening Day on Monday in Atlanta:
Starting pitchers: Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, Zach Duke, Matt Morris, Paul Maholm.
Bullpen: Matt Capps, Damaso Marte, John Grabow, Tyler Yates, Franquelis Osoria, Phil Dumatrait, Evan Meek.
Infielders: Adam LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson, Jose Bautista, Doug Mientkiewicz, Luis Rivas, Chris Gomez.
Outfielders: Jason Bay, Nate McLouth, Xavier Nady, Nyjer Morgan.
Catchers: Ronny Paulino, Ryan Doumit.

Pirates roster set for Atlanta; Burnett reassigned

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Evan Meek was so excited, he called his father with the news even though it was 5:30 a.m. in Seattle.
For Sean Burnett, the disappointment may have been cushioned by the birth of his son, Sebastien Drew, on Thursday.
In the competition for the final bullpen spots on Pittsburgh's 25-man Opening Day roster, Meek, Phil Dumatrait and Franquelis Osoria learned this morning from manager John Russell they'll be accompanying the team to Atlanta for Monday's opener.
Burnett, who is in Wellington with his fiancee Jessica and their newborn, wasn't as fortunate. Despite hurling eight consecutive hitless innings, the left-handed starter-turned-reliever was reassigned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
"As you'd expect anyone would be who'd been told they weren't making a major-league team, he was angry, he was frustrated, he was disappointed," said general manager Neal Huntington. "But Sean is a professional. He wants to work his way back to Pittsburgh, and that's where we want to see him."
Huntington said the organization wants its 2000 first-round draft choice to further develop the skills and psychology a relief pitcher needs to be successful.
"We're very excited with what Sean has done this spring. Nobody has outpitched him," Huntington said. "But it's not just about 12 spring-training games. We're excited about his progress -- he's healthy and the ball is coming out of his hand great.
"But there are some durability and resiliency questions that we have to answer -- can he go three innings and 50 pitches and come back two days later; what happens if he warms up in the sixth and doesn't come in until the eighth?"
Meek, a 24-year-old Rule 5 selection from the Rays' roster in December, has never pitched above Double-A. He said he was on pins and needles after a so-so two-inning outing Wednesday against the Tigers, but the Pirates like his power arm and would lose him by dropping him from the major-league roster because of his Rule 5 status.
"I'm just glad they saw enough before that outing to believe in me," the right-hander said. "With everything that has happened over the past five years of my career, for this to happen is amazing.
"It still hasn't sunk in yet," Meek said. "This is one of the best days of my life, but it doesn't stop now. I have to keep going."
Meek said his father was crying when he told him he'd made the roster.
In another roster move, outfielder Chris Duffy was put on the 15-day disabled list to start the season. Duffy, who is rehabilitating from left shoulder surgery last summer, will remain in Bradenton for extended spring training before receiving a rehab assignment.
"The game plan is for him to continue his progress down here," Huntington said.
"I'm trying not to set a timetable for myself," said Duffy, who threw the ball about 110 feet today without discomfort. "I don't want to feel like I have to meet a certain date and be pushing myself faster than I should."
Huntington said second baseman Freddy Sanchez feels good and will be on the opening day roster, barring a setback with his shoulder. Sanchez's time in the field has been limited because of throwing pain, and he will again see action at Pirate City on Saturday after working out with the team at McKechnie Field.
In other roster moves, pitchers Jaret Wright and Casey Fossum were granted their unconditional releases.

Gorzelanny encouraged by strong outing

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

TAMPA -- With the regular season four days away, Tom Gorzelanny couldn't have been more encouraged by his outing against the Yankees today at newly-named George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The left-hander surrendered two hits -- a first-inning home run by Derek Jeter and a single by Alex Rodriguez -- in six innings of work in the Pirates' 5-2 victory. He struck out two and walked two while throwing 74 pitches, 41 for strikes.
A 14-game winner last season, Gorzelanny expects to take the mound brimming with confidence in his first start Wednesday against the Braves in Atlanta.
"It's good to go out like this, being the last start of the spring," Gorzelanny said. "I was able to throw my pitches where I wanted. I felt pretty good about it, and it came out to be a decent outing.
"You've always got to be confident about the season, no matter what. You prepare during spring training to have that edge and confidence, and we all do," Gorzelanny added.
Manager John Russell enjoyed what he saw of Gorzelanny from the dugout. "His pitch count was low, he was efficient in the strike zone and he had some life to his pitches. That was kind of what we were looking for.
"He can change speeds, move the ball around and keeps it down. He's got a lot of weapons and loves to compete, too, which is a good combination," Russell said.

Sanchez update

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

Pirates manager John Russell said second baseman Freddy Sanchez will test his right shoulder Friday in a minor-league game at Pirate City, an outing which could determine the 2006 National League batting champion's availability for the start of the regular season.
Sanchez played four innings in a camp game at Pirate City today, staying on the field for both teams. He took grounders Wednesday, and reported the discomfort has diminished, Russell said.
The source of the problem is inflammation in his rotator cuff, but a visit earlier this week to Dr. James Andrews confirmed there is no structural damage. Sanchez underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder last September.
Russell said a final determination has not been made whether Sanchez will start the season Monday in Atlanta at second base, be used in a pinch-hitting role or be placed on the disabled list.

Yates arrives in camp

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- At first, right-handed relief pitcher Tyler Yates was disappointed -- not to come to the Pirates, but because the Braves traded him for minor-league pitcher Todd Redmond.
But after realizing the possibilities that exist in Pittsburgh, Yates' mood brightened.
"It looks like I'll have a great opportunity to have a major role in this bullpen," Yates said after arriving at McKechnie Field this morning. "I think I can handle that, and I don't think they would have gotten me if they didn't think so."
His ability to harness a mid-to-high 90-miles-per-hour fastball and a hard slider will determine if Yates can become the right-handed set-up man the Pirates desperately crave.
"I'll do everything I can to help this team win," Yates said.
Yates had a good first half in 2007 with the Braves but tailed off, going 2-3 with two saves and a 5.18 ERA in 75 appearances. He made his major-league debut with the Mets in 2004.
Yates was inconsistent this spring with the Braves, posting a 9.00 ERA with nine walks, a hit batter and seven strikeouts in eight innings.

Waiting for the axe

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Wednesday's flurry of roster moves left Pirates general manager Neal Huntington and manager John Russell one move shy of finalizing their 25-man Opening Day roster for Atlanta.
Right-hander Hector Carrasco was reassigned to minor-league camp after Wednesday's 7-4 victory against the Tigers, despite striking out eight with no walks and compiling a 1.29 ERA in seven innings this spring.
After the release of Carrasco and the retirement of popular Japanese pitcher Masumi Kuwata, there are two extra players remaining in Pittsburgh's major-league camp, including injured outfielder Chris Duffy.
That leaves the Pirates' brain trust with essentially one decision: which three relievers to keep from among former Devil Rays prospect Evan Meek, Franquelis Osoria, Phil Dumatrait and 2000 first-round draft pick Sean Burnett.
Meek was a Rule 5 acquisition, meaning the Pirates must keep him on the 25-man roster throughout the year to retain his rights. The right-hander has made seven spring appearances, posting a 4.00 ERA in nine innings while striking out eight and walking five.
The right-handed Osoria, a former Dodger who made 25 appearances with Pittsburgh last season, going 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA, has solid major-league stuff, including a sharp sinker. But he's been hit this spring, allowing a .304 batting average with a 7.94 ERA.
Dumatrait has made three starts, showing good breaking stuff and command of the strike zone. He has a 3.27 ERA and six strikeouts in 11 innings.
Burnett, who is being switched to a relief role by the organization, has been the most effective this spring: a 0.90 ERA and eight consecutive hitless innings.
Burnett, who is in Wellington with his fiancee expecting the birth of their child, appears to have rebounded from injuries that threatened to derail his career.
"The biggest question mark with me the past couple of years has been if I'm healthy," he said, "and I've proved that I am. I've gone two years with not really feeling good and not being healthy.
"I've thrown the ball really well, so all I can do is sit back and I guess we'll find out if I'm going to Indianapolis or Atlanta."
At 25, Burnett knows wherever he starts the season isn't necessarily where he'll end it.

Duke sharp; Sanchez throws

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Left-hander Zach Duke pitched five solid innings for the Pirates in Wednesday’s 7-4 victory against the Tigers in his final start before the regular season.

Duke (2-1, 3.32 ERA) allowed six hits and one run and struck out five. “He kept the ball down, and his off-speed pitches were working well,” said manager John Russell. “The command he was showing working the ball in and out was nice to see.”

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez took ground balls and made a number of throws Wednesday morning in his effort to be ready for the regular season. Russell said the 2006 National League batting champion looked fine as he continues to deal with shoulder inflammation and discomfort.

Kuwata to retire?

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Right-handed pitcher Masumi Kuwata will announce his retirement after today's Pirates-Tigers exhibition game at McKechnie Field, according to published reports.
The 39-year-old Kuwata, who became the first Japanese player to appear in a game for Pittsburgh last June at Yankee Stadium, will choose to retire instead of going to Triple-A Indianapolis to start the season.
Kuwata was 1-0 this spring with a 1.80 ERA and three strikeouts in five innings. Last season, he went 0-1 in 19 games for the Pirates with a 9.43 ERA.
Kuwata compiled a 173-141 record with Japan's Yomiuri Giants from 1986-2006.

Pirates trade for Yates; other moves

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- General manager Neal Huntington announced today the Pirates have acquired right-handed pitcher Tyler Yates in a trade with Atlanta for minor-league pitcher Todd Redmond.
Yates made a career-high 75 appearances with the Braves last season, going 2-3 with two saves and a 5.18 ERA in 66 innings. He held right-handers to a .213 batting average.
The 29-year-old Yates originally signed with Oakland as a minor-league free agent in 1998 and made his major-league debut with the Mets in 2004.
Huntington said Yates could be used as a set-up man in the Pirates bullpen.
"Tyler is a three-plus years service guy who could be with us the next three years," Huntington said. "He has some power stuff; he's been hitting 92-97 (miles per hour) this spring with his fastball and his slider has been 87-90. He can get a strikeout or overpower people, and we're excited to add him to our club."
The right-handed Redmond, 22, was 8-13 with a 4.39 ERA last season in 28 combined starts at Single and Double-A. He was rated by Baseball America as having the "Best Control" among all pitchers in the Pirates' minor-league system.
The Pirates made several other personnel moves as they continue to trim the roster to 25 for Monday's season-opener in Atlanta.
Veteran Doug Mientkiewicz was added to the major-league roster, with middle infielder Josh Wilson designated for assignment to clear space for Mientkiewicz, who can play first, third and the outfield.
Pitchers Juan Perez and Byung-Hyun Kim were unconditionally released. Perez has not pitched since March 7 after incurring structural damage to his elbow ligament. The Pirates hope he can be rehabilitated through exercise and light throwing, but he could face Tommy John surgery.
"Hopefully, we will re-sign Perez to a minor-league contract," Huntington said of the left-hander. "We're not sure how quickly he is going to be ready to go. He wasn't a definite 60-day disabled list guy, so we chose to take a tougher business approach and take the roster spot now."
Kim had a rough spring, going 1-1 with a 14.40 ERA and five home runs allowed in five innings as he struggled mightily to keep his pitches down.
The Pirates also reassigned infielder Jorge Velandia to their minor-league camp and informed right-handed pitcher Jaret Wright he will not be on the major-league team. Huntington said Wright will decide whether to go to Triple-A Indianapolis or take his release.
The designation of Wilson for assignment and the reassignment of Velandia seem to make it less likely second baseman Freddy Sanchez will begin the season on the disabled list. Sanchez has been limited in the field this spring because of shoulder inflammation, but is batting .364 (16-for-44).

Mientkiewicz added to roster

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Confirming what has seemed apparent since the start of spring training, the Pirates added Doug Mientkiewicz to their major-league roster, adding a veteran presence in the clubhouse and a valuable left-handed bat and role player to the lineup.
Mientkiewicz enters today's game against the Tigers at McKechnie Field batting .268 with three doubles, two RBIs and five walks. To clear a roster spot for the versatile first baseman, the Pirates designated middle infielder Josh Wilson for assignment.
"Doug fits in as a versatile bench bat right now," said general manager Neal Huntington. "He's come in and played very well and has actually been better than we anticipated in the outfield. He made a play in right field the other day in Clearwater that a lot of major leaguers don't make.
"He's shown good athleticism and probably is in the best shape he's been in in years. He's given us quality at-bats off the bench, and in that role he can be serviceable at third base and as a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman were something to happen to Adam (LaRoche)."
Mientkiewicz, who played last season with the Yankees and was a member of Boston's 2004 World Series champions, said he has adjusted to his new role coming off the bench.
"It's a little different for me," said the 33-year-old Mientkiewicz. "Every other year I've been a starter, and it's pretty much been a given when I got to camp I was going to make the team. This is definitely a challenge.
"You still have to prepare, and I learned a little bit about how to prepare to not be an every-day guy last year, little tricks of the trade that worked for me. The good thing about the National League is you may not get four at-bats in a game, but there's a good chance you'll get one (because of double switches and pinch-hitting for the pitcher)."
Manager John Russell knows he can use Mientkiewicz at first or third base, at either corner outfield spot or at catcher in an emergency.
"This is the first time I've played right field, but it gets back to having two center fielders (Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan) who can go get the ball," Mientkiewicz said. "I think I look comfortable out there because they cover a lot of ground.
"I don't think I'll be a Brooks Robinson at third, but I can hold my own if (Jose) Bautista needs a day off or we're facing a tough right-handed pitcher."
Mientkiewicz believes the Pirates have a chance to be better than the experts are predicting. Pittsburgh has not had a winning regular-season record since 1992.
"I know there is going to be at least one point in the season when people around the Pirates say 'Here they go again,' and how we respond from that will determine how this team looks at it -- 'OK, here we go again,' or do we turn the page and say we're not settling for this any more," Mientkiewicz said.
"Guys have worked extremely hard this spring to change the outlook of this franchise, and I think we're excited for the challenge. We know it's an uphill battle, but you know what -- guys are tired of feeling sorry for themselves in here," he said.
Josh Wilson, a Pittsburgh native, was batting .189 with only one extra-base hit in 37 at-bats.

McLouth claims job; Snell on track

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates manager John Russell called both of his speedy center fielders, Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan, into his office after today's 7-3 victory against the Twins at McKechnie Field.
Both emerged smiling.
Russell informed McLouth he will be the starting center fielder when the season begins Monday in Atlanta. Morgan also will be on the roster, and Russell intends to make sure he sees plenty of playing time.
“Nate swung the bat extremely well this spring, and he gives you a dimension with his power,” Russell said. “He finished the year real strong last year (13 home runs and 22 stolen bases from 329 at bats).
“We wouldn’t keep Nyjer if we didn’t think he was going to get plenty of opportunity to play. We’ve said since Day 1 of spring training we feel fortunate to have two guys out there who are pretty good players, but we feel Nate is the guy who has earned the starting spot,” Russell added.
Russell said both could be in the lineup together on occasion, since left fielder Jason Bay and right fielder Xavier Nady will need occasional days off.
McLouth is batting .311 with six doubles, a triple and two home runs after going 0-for-3 today. He made a diving catch of a drive in the gap off the bat of Minnesota left fielder Jason Kubel in the fourth inning.
“I walked in his office and (Russell) said ‘You’re the opening-day center fielder. Congratulations,' ” McLouth said. “He’s a no-nonsense type of person, and I was out of there.
“Coming into spring training, everything you heard was the competition between us was pretty equal. When you go out and compete and win something, it is definitely gratifying,“ McLouth said. “How many opening-day center fielders are there in the big leagues?”
Morgan, who is batting .228 this spring but has dazzled with his speed and defense, was also ecstatic at the news he will be going to Atlanta.
“I’m not used to being a pinch-runner or a defensive replacement, but it doesn’t matter as long as I can be beneficial and help the Pirates get off the schneid,“ Morgan said.
Last year’s opening-day center fielder, Chris Duffy, is rehabilitating after shoulder surgery last August.

Snell on track for opener: Pirates right-hander Ian Snell pronounced himself ready for Monday’s season-opening game in Atlanta after pitching six innings of Tuesday’s 7-3 victory against the Twins. He allowed six hits, including a solo home run to Jon Knott, while striking out four and walking one.
“I threw good. The defense really helped me,“ Snell said. “I think I’m definitely ready for the season.“
A 2008 McKechnie Field-high crowd of 6,020 enjoyed the game, the Pirates’ sixth sellout.

Pirates notes

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Lakewood Ranch resident and acclaimed ESPN basketball announcer Dick Vitale took a break from March Madness to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before today's game between the Twins and Pirates at McKechnie Field.
The game-time temperature was 61 degrees as a cold front swept through central Florida on Monday night.
The Pirates hope for warmer weather Wednesday when they play host to the Tigers at McKechnie Field. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. Zach Duke is expected to start for Pittsburgh against Dontrelle Willis in a match-up of left-handers.

Burnett: Healthy, rarin' to go

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Left-handed pitcher Sean Burnett feels so good this spring, he almost won't mind if the Pirates want him to begin the season in Triple-A Indianapolis.
That's an exaggeration, of course. But it's also a sign how far Burnett has come since left elbow irritation forced him to miss the second half of 2007 with the Indians after going 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA.
Burnett -- who pitched in the Venezuelan League this past winter -- has not allowed a hit in his last seven outings, covering eight innings. He has a 0.90 ERA and eight strikeouts in 10 innings.
"With me, the biggest question mark the last couple of years has been if I'm healthy or not," said the 25-year-old Burnett, the team's first-round draft selection in 2000.
"I think I've proved that I'm healthy and I've thrown the ball pretty well. All I can do now is wait and hope I opened enough eyes and we'll see what happens," Burnett said.
Burnett missed the entire 2005 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. He was 8-11 at Indianapolis in 2006 and has not pitched for the Pirates since 2004.
"Now that I feel good, it makes baseball fun again," Burnett said. "You've got to be healthy to compete at this level, and I think I've competed pretty well."
Although only three of his 150 career professional appearances have been in relief, Burnett says it won't be difficult to adjust to that role if that's what the team has in mind.
"It hasn't been too much of an adjustment yet, because in spring training you know what innings you're pitching," he said. "But I've worked on getting warmed up faster, like a reliever would have to do, and so far I've adjusted pretty well."

Wright still in bullpen mix

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates non-roster invitee Jaret Wright remains in the running for a spot in the team's bullpen after agreeing to delay a contract provision that enables him to ask for his release.
"In his initial contract, Jaret had the ability to request his release by today if we had not added him to the (40-man) roster," said general manager Neal Huntington.
"After discussions with Jaret through his agent, he has extended that ability to request his release through Thursday."
The 32-year-old right-hander, who pitched only 18 innings in the Orioles organization in 2007 because of shoulder problems, has made eight one-inning appearances this spring. He is 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA, a strikeout and four walks.
Wright is expected to pitch Wednesday at McKechnie Field against the Tigers. He appears to be one of eight pitchers vying for four remaining Opening Day roster spots.
"I never try to think about who I'm ahead of or who I'm behind," said Wright, who has a 68-60 career major-league record and pitched for the Indians in the 1997 World Series. "I just try to stay focused to throw well and help the team."

Four cut; Rivas selected

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Infielder Luis Rivas, the biggest surprise of Pittsburgh's spring-training camp, was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis to be added to the Pirates' 40-man roster, general manager Neal Huntington announced this morning.
The move makes it nearly certain Rivas will be on the Opening Day roster when the team faces the Braves in Atlanta on Monday.
To make room for Rivas on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed pitcher Jonah Bayliss for assignment. Bayliss, who is out of options, could go to Indianapolis if he clears waivers.
Bayliss was 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA and two strikeouts in six spring appearances.
Also cut from the major-league camp were outfielder Kevin Thompson, who was optioned to Indianapolis, and pitchers Casey Fossum and Elmer Dessens, who were reassigned to minor-league camp.
The Pirates now have 33 players in camp -- 17 pitchers, two catchers, nine infielders and five outfielders.
Rivas is batting .348 this spring with a team-high 16 hits and has five doubles, a triple and two stolen bases. He has struck out only twice in 46 at-bats and has a .412 on-base percentage. He has made only one error.
Signed as a minor-league free agent in December, the 28-year-old Rivas last played a full major-league season in 2004 with the Twins. He made four late-season appearances with the Indians last season after batting .263 with 11 home runs for Triple-A Buffalo, where he made 59 appearances at shortstop and 49 at second base.
Chances are he will start at second base next week if Freddy Sanchez's ailing shoulder is still an issue. "Our thought is Freddy should be ready to go, but heaven forbid he has a setback -- we have a nice option sitting there in Luis Rivas," Huntington said.
"Earlier in his career, Luis was an aggressive early-count hitter who has really matured and begun to work deeper in counts," Huntington said. "He's begun to realize what type of hitter he is.
"He's leaner and more athletic than he was with Cleveland a year ago, and as a result, he has improved his ability to play shortstop. He's made every play we've asked him to so far this spring, and he's swung the bat better than anticipated."
Huntington said Rivas "has put himself in a great position" to be part of the 25-man roster when the Pirates break camp.
"It's a new beginning right now," said Rivas, who said the minor hitting adjustments he made this spring are paying off. "It was kind of hard being in Triple-A the last two years, but I just told myself to keep working hard and I would get back.
"I feel more comfortable. I trust that I can do anything they ask," Rivas said.
Thompson was batting .263 with three doubles and six RBIs.
Fossum was 1-2 with an 11.25 ERA. Dessens, limited early this spring with a lower back strain, allowed two hits and no runs in 2 1/3 innings.

Pirate Notebook

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

ST . PETERSBURG – Matt Morris was victimized by some poor fielding and a pair of big innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 13-4 Monday at Al Lang Field. Morris allowed eight runs, seven earned, and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Nyjer Morgan had two hits and Chris Gomez had two RBIs for the Pirates, who are now 9-16. The Rays, who have one more game left at Al Lang Field, are now 16-5.

BEYOND THE NUMBERS: While Morris didn’t do much to soften his spring stats – his record slumped to 0-3 while his ERA ballooned to 9.64 – Pirate manager John Russell was pleased with the veteran starter.
“I thought he threw much better (Monday),” Russell said. “It was a nice outing for him. Plus, we got to stretch him out a little bit.”
The Pirates didn’t do much to help him. After Akinori Iwamura reached on a bunt single in the fifth, second baseman Luis Rivas bobbled a double-play ball off the bat of Carl Crawford. Carlos Pena followed by hitting a wind-blown, three-run home run to left, giving the Rays a 5-2 lead.
In the sixth, a pop-up by Shawn Riggans fell between catcher Ronny Paulino and third baseman Jose Bautista. Originally ruled an error, Riggans was later credited with a single, and the Rays went on to score three more runs.
Morris, who has earned a spot in Pittsburgh’s starting rotation, has allowed 20 earned runs in 18 2/3 innings this spring – numbers which mean little to Russell.
“We tell the guys at the beginning of the spring, it’s not so much result-oriented,” he said. “We look at how they’re progressing, and (Morris) has been progressing better each outing, so that’s what you’re looking for.”

STREAK SNAPPED: Reliever Franquelis Osoria’s unblemished spring came to an end at the hands of the Rays.
Unscored upon in his first five outings (five innings), Osoria gave up five earned runs in 2/3 of an inning, taking his ERA from 0.00 to 7.94.
Osoria faced five batters Monday, and allowed five hits, issued a walk and served up a home run to Reid Brignac.
Opponents were hitting .125 off Osoria, who was elevating his sinker, Russell said.

STEADY JACK: Shortstop Jack Wilson continues to plug along, as he tripled in a run Monday.
The veteran is batting .326 with seven RBIs. That triple was Pittsburgh’s fifth this spring.

STREAKING: Gomez, who singled in two runs during his only at-bat Monday, is now 5 for his last 12 (.417).

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Spring training stats aren’t on the back of bubblegum cards.” Russell, who said Morris is progressing nicely despite an 0-3 record and a 9.64 ERA.

UP NEXT: The Pirates return to Bradenton on Tuesday to face the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m.. Ian Snell, already named the Opening Day starter, is slated to pitch against the Twins’ Kevin Slowey.

Sanchez update

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
ST. PETERSBURG – The Pittsburgh Pirates can breathe now.

Freddy Sanchez is OK.

Orthopedist Dr. James Andrews found no structural damage in the second baseman’s surgically-repaired right shoulder during Monday’s examination, putting Sanchez on track to be ready for Opening Day.
Sanchez, who underwent an operation in September, had trouble throwing in a game last week in Sarasota because of inflammation in his rotator cuff . Andrews examined Sanchez, as well as an MRI the Pirates took last week, and said everything looked fine, Pirate general manager Neil Huntington said prior to Monday’s game at Al Lang Field.

“(Andrews) feels that Freddy will be good to go for Opening Day,” Andrews said. “Structurally, his shoulder is sound.”
Sanchez, who is hitting .364 this spring, will take at-bats Tuesday at Pirate City, Huntington said.

“We’ll make a determination Wednesday, based on how Freddy feels, what he wants to do,” Huntington said. “But as of right now, Opening Day is on target.
“The good part, unlike last year, is he’s been completely active everywhere except throwing. So he feels pretty strong, like he’s ready to go.”

Pirates' Sunday notebook

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

RECAP: Paul Maholm threw six shutout innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates battered the New York Yankees 8-0 Sunday at McKechnie Field. Maholm allowed two hits, walked three and struck out two, improving to 2-0 in his three starts this spring. Maholm, who has appeared in five games overall, is 2-1. The Pirates (9-15) had 16 hits on the day, five of which were doubles. Xavier Nady and Jose Bautista cracked two doubles each, with Bautista driving in three runs.

THE LONGEST DAY: Maholm’s six innings were the most pitched by a Pirate this spring. And the lefty made the most of his time, firing 40 of his 74 pitches for strikes. His lone snag came in the fifth inning, which he opened by walking Jason Lane and Cody Ransom. But Maholm got Chris Woodward to ground into a fielder’s choice before Chad Moeller rolled into an inning-ending double play.
“It was the only time where I really struggled to get back into rhythm,” Maholm said. “But to get back into rhythm in the middle of an inning is good.”
Maholm, who lowered his ERA to 3.60, has one more start left before the regular begins on March 31. He said he wants to throw around 95 pitches, and continue to work on pinpointing his fastball and breaking pitches.
“You’re itching to get ready and get going,” he said. “But I still have one more (start), and I still have some stuff I just need to smooth out, and make sure everything is good.”

ROTATION SET: Pittsburgh manager John Russell said the Pirates’ rotation will be Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, Maholm, Matt Morris and Zach Duke once the regular season begins.

BACK IN THE SWING?: It has been a rough spring for Nady, who entered Sunday’s game batting .154 (6-for-39). But there was a glimmer of hope Sunday, when he went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored.
The performance raised his average to .190.

MAKING A RUN: Sean Burnett is making a pitch to get back to the big leagues.
Burnett, the Pirates’ first-round pick in 2000 who went 5-5 in 2004 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in September of that season, threw a perfect inning against the Yankees on Sunday, striking out one.
Burnett has appeared in a team-high eight games this spring, and has a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings. He’s allowed three hits, struck out eight and walked two.

RIVAS IS ROLLING: Infielder Luis Rivas went 2-for-2, upping his spring mark to .349. Rivas has reached base in 14 of 16 games this spring.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Either way you look at it, the Yankees’ lineup is pretty tough.” Maholm, when asked if the Yankees’ lineup was tougher without comedian Billy Crystal, who Maholm faced the last time he pitched against New York.

UP NEXT: The Pirates head back up to St. Petersburg to face the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in one of the final spring games to be played at Al Lang Field. The teams got two innings in Saturday before the game was called because of rain. Matt Morris is expected to go for the Pirates, while Edwin Jackson will throw for the Rays.
Game time is 1:05 p.m.

Sanchez note

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

ST. PETERSBURG - Inflammation on his surgically-repaired right shoulder has shut Pittsburgh second baseman Freddy Sanchez down for the next two days.
"The area of the surgery is fine," Pittsburgh Pirate general manager Neil Huntington said of Sanchez, who underwent surgery in September. "The not-so-good news is Freddy has inflammation in his shoulder, near his rotator cuff."
Sanchez, who felt sore after playing the field following Friday's game with Cincinnati, will see Dr. James Andrews on Monday. Huntington said Sanchez only feels discomfort when he tries to throw.
"Freddy's been able to hit all spring. He's seeing the ball well, he feels great the plate," Huntington said. "He's been able to take a lot of ground balls. The only thing he hasn't been able to do is cut loose with his throws.
“Conversely, a year ago, when Freddy went down with a knee injury, it shut him down,” Huntington said. “We can keep him as game ready as possible –we can keep his legs in shape, we can keep his bat going, we can keep him fielding the ball. The only thing we have to make sure we rest is the throwing.”
Huntington said it has not been decided who will play second if Sanchez isn’t ready for Opening Day, though Luis Rivas and Josh Wilson are likely candidates.
“We even haven’t discussed what our alternatives are if Freddy is to start on the DL,” Huntington said. “If we come back with some bad news on Monday, we’ll talk about it internally.”
Sanchez, who led the National League in batting in 2006, hit .304 last season with 81 RBIs. He is batting .364 this spring.

All aboard

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Before Friday's game at McKechnie Field, Pirates chairman of the board Bob Nutting and pitcher Tom Gorzelanny will present a $30,000 check on behalf of Pirates Charities to be used for the purchase of a Pirates-themed school bus for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

The donation will be made during an on-field pre-game ceremony before the 1:05 p.m. start against the Reds. The bus will be on display outside the main gate during the game.

More than $19,000 was raised during the inaugural Pirates Charities Spring Training Golf Classic co-chaired by Gorzelanny at River Strand, with the remainder coming from a series of silent auctions at McKechnie.

"We are extremely pleased to reaffirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the Bradenton community," said Pirates president Frank Coonelly. "This donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs, through the work of Pirates Charities, allows us to show that commitment and make a true difference in the lives of so many area youths."

"For the past 40 years, the Pirates and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County have had a strong partnership," said Carl Weeks, Boys & Girls Clubs executive director. "We are blessed to have the Pirates and Pirates Charities take an interest in children and purchase this bus so we can get more kids into our facilities."

Snell rarin' to go

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

CLEARWATER -- Despite allowing three solo home runs in the Pirates' 3-0 loss against the Phillies at Bright House Field today, right-hander Ian Snell was pleased with his 5 2/3-inning performance.
Snell (1-3) worked largely on his fastball command, at the urging of pitching coach Jeff Andrews and manager John Russell.
"It was still a good outing, other than the three home runs," said Snell, who signed a five-year deal with the Pirates earlier this week. "I felt strong and I kept the ball down, but some of the balls stayed up and they got some hits."
The first of Philadelphia's three homers, an opposite-field blast by Ryan Howard in the second inning, came on a 3-1 fastball.
"I was throwing him all fastballs. I challenged him and the ball stayed over the plate," added Snell, who struck out three and walked two.
Geoff Jenkins and Pedro Feliz hit back-to-back homers in the fifth.
"I thought Ian threw the ball really well," Russell said. "He was right around the 80-pitch mark, so the next time we'll probably get him up to the 90-pitch range. Once they get to that point, they're pretty much ready (for the regular season).
"(Matt) Morris is still working on some things, but our other starters are doing a great job extending themselves and getting quality work," Russell added.

Sanchez unsure about opener

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- After playing the first five innings of Wednesday night's 12-9 loss against the Yankees at second base, Freddy Sanchez said he would be reluctant to start the season March 31 in Atlanta if his shoulder doesn't feel better.
"I wouldn't be doing the team any good out there," he said. "Taking a relay (throw) in the gap, a fast runner coming into second with the game on the line -- the way I was out there tonight, I couldn't really let it go, so I'd have to say no."
Before Wednesday, Sanchez had been used exclusively at the Pirates' designated hitter (the DH is not allowed in National League games when the season starts).
Besides going 1-for-3 at the plate and driving in a run, Sanchez handled two "official" chances, moving adeptly to his right to snare a line drive by Derek Jeter in the third and throwing out Hideki Matsui in the fourth. He also threw to first baseman Adam LaRoche in the third inning after a force play at second, which actually was the third out.
Sanchez has been feeling discomfort in his shoulder all spring, the aftermath of minor arthroscopic surgery in September.
"It's not where I'd like it to be," he said. "But it hasn't gotten worse. It (the discomfort) is mainly when I'm trying to throw hard."
Manager John Russell said Sanchez will not play Thursday against the Phillies, but should return to the lineup Friday at McKechnie against the Reds.
"We'll ease him back into it, give him a day to recover and keep monitoring him," Russell said.

Rivas may have leg up

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Luis Rivas may have moved ahead of the field in the competition for a back-up infield job with the Pirates.
The 28-year-old Venezuelan, who is playing third base and batting ninth for the Pirates against the Yankees in the first-ever night game at McKechnie Field, last played a full major-league season in 2003 with Minnesota. He spent 2006 with Durham in the Rays' organization before being signed by Cleveland as a minor-league free agent.
Rivas played under new Pirates manager John Russell in 1999 and 2000 when Russell managed New Britain, the Twins' Double-A Eastern League affiliate.
Last year, when Russell was managing the Phillies' Triple-A team in Ottawa, he watched Rivas play for Buffalo (Cleveland's International League team) and became intrigued when he saw how well Rivas was swinging the bat.
The middle infielder finished with a .263 average, 11 home runs and 17 doubles in 410 at-bats. The Pirates signed Rivas to a minor-league contract in December, a month after Russell's hiring.
This spring, Rivas -- who is contending for a job with Pittsburgh native Josh Wilson and veteran Chris Gomez -- is hitting .343 (12-for-35) with five doubles and a triple and has yet to make an error. He has reached base safely in the 13 games in which he has appeared but was 0-for-4 Tuesday against the Reds (reaching on a fielder's choice).
""Luis is a fierce competitor," Russell said. "He's in great shape, he's moving well and he plays the game the right way.
"He looks like he did when I saw him with the Twins," Russell added. "He's agile, athletic, quick and he's having fun, and his swing is there. I'm very pleased with what he's done so far."

Up next: The Pirates will have to recover quickly after playing the historic first night game in McKechnie Field history.
Manager John Russell's squad travels to Clearwater to face the Phillies at 1:05 p.m. on Thursday. Ian Snell (1-2, 4.15 ERA) is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Adam Eaton. Snell could work six innings, with Evan Meek, Jaret Wright and Franquelis Osoria getting the balance of the work.

Maholm, bullpen sharp in win

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

SARASOTA -- His final line might not show it -- three runs allowed, all earned, in five innings -- but left-hander Paul Maholm had another sharp outing in the Pirates' 8-4 victory today against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium.
Maholm's only rough inning was the fourth, when he gave up back-to-back singles to Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion, followed by a three-run home run to straightaway center field by first baseman Joey Votto.
As often is the case in spring training, Maholm didn't beat himself up over the homer. The Pirates already were ahead 6-0, and Maholm was doing a little experimenting.
"I was working on throwing first-pitch breaking balls for strikes, I threw one and he (Votto) hit it," said Maholm, who struck out three and walked one. "It's one of those things you get over real quick.
"The whole day was a positive," added Maholm (1-1), who allowed one hit and struck out three in Thursday's four-inning scoreless stint against the Yankees.
"Paulie did a great job today," said Pittsburgh manager John Russell, whose team (8-12) notched its first three-game winning streak of the exhibition season. "He was in good command of all his pitches."
The Pirates also received strong performances from relievers Jonah Bayliss, Hector Carrasco and Casey Fossum, who pitched scoreless innings.

Bautista on track?

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

SARASOTA -- After extensive work this spring with first-year hitting coach Don Long, Pirates third baseman Jose Bautista may be finding his groove.
Bautista's line-drive, two-run home run off Josh Fogg was the big hit in a four-run third inning in Pittsburgh's 8-4 victory against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium. He went 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and three RBIs, raising his spring-training average to .212 (7-for-33).
"All you can really control when you go up there is having a good approach," Bautista said. "Results come and go, even if you are hitting the ball good.
"One of the things I have to work on this year is staying patient and sticking to my approach. Every now and then you miss your pitch or get a borderline call in favor of the pitcher, but those sort of things happen.
"Today I didn't miss my pitch and hit the ball hard. I'm just glad I could get those RBIs and get our team ahead," Bautista said.

Nady breaks out

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

SARASOTA -- Pirates right fielder Xavier Nady ended a 0-for-11 skid when he connected for a run-scoring single off Josh Fogg in the second inning of today's game against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium. It was Nady's first hit since March 9.
Nady added a double in the fifth, going 2-for-4 with a run scored to raise his spring-training average to .143 (5-for-35).

Sanchez's return to field delayed

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- After discussing it with the 2006 National League batting champion late Monday, Pirates manager John Russell decided to delay second baseman Freddy Sanchez's spring-training debut in the field to Wednesday night's game at McKechnie Field against the Yankees.
On Monday afternoon, Russell had told members of the media Sanchez would play second base today against the Reds in Sarasota.
"He's fine," Russell said this morning. "We talked after the day (Monday), and he wanted to get one more good day of work in. We're not really rushing it."
Sanchez did not travel to Sarasota today, staying behind to work on ground balls, back-hand plays and making double-play throws.
Sanchez's rehabilitation from minor arthroscopic shoulder surgery in September has gone slower than expected, keeping him off the field as he gets back to full strength.
It has not appeared to bother him at the plate. As a designated hitter this spring, Sanchez is batting .368 (14-for-38) with three doubles and nine RBIs.

Van Benschoten optioned to Triple-A

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates right-handed pitcher John Van Benschoten, the team's 2001 first-round draft pick, was optioned today to Triple-A Indianapolis.
The move leaves the Pirates with 39 players in camp, including 20 pitchers, four catchers, nine infielders and six outfielders.
The Pirates must trim the roster to 25 players before the March 31 regular-season opener in Atlanta.
The 27-year-old Van Benschoten had appeared in two spring training games, allowing five hits and five earned runs in five innings while striking out four and walking six.
Van Benschoten -- who missed all of the 2005 season recovering from right shoulder surgery -- started the 2007 season in Indianapolis, going 10-7 with a 2.56 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 109 innings.
His success did not translate upon being recalled in June and September to Pittsburgh, where he went 0-7 with a 10.15 ERA while making nine starts and appearing in 11 games.

Pirates-Blue Jays wrap-up

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- The Pirates travel to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota on Tuesday to play the Reds. Left-hander Paul Maholm is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Josh Fogg.
Pittsburgh manager John Russell said Freddy Sanchez, limited until now to designated-hitter duty because of a tender shoulder, will make his first start of the spring at second base.

Strong outing: Pirates left-hander Zach Duke had his best outing of the spring in Monday's 4-1 victory against Toronto, allowing three hits and no runs and striking out one while facing the minimum 15 batters in five innings.
Left-hander Sean Burnett also looked strong, retiring all six batters he faced in a two-inning stint and striking out Scott Rolen.
"I feel like I'm very close," Duke said. "I don't want to say I'm totally back, but I believe it's somewhere in me. I'm a lot closer than I've been the past couple of years."

News and notes: Russell said Ian Snell, who signed a multi-year contract Sunday for a reported $8-million over the next three years, will start the regular-season opener March 31 in Atlanta.
Left-hander Tom Gorzelanny will start the second game in Atlanta on April 2 and the Pirates' home opener against the Cubs on April 7.

Reaching out: Pirates players Matt Capps and Nate McLouth, along with team president Frank Coonelly, broadcaster Lanny Frattare and the Pirate Parrot mascot, will visit students at Wakeland Elementary School from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday.
The Pirates will serve a ballpark-style lunch to about 500 students. Three lucky children will be contestants in the Pirates' version of "Deal or No Deal," with Frattare as the host and Capps and McLouth as the bankers.

Pearce among Pirates camp cuts

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Watching players pack their equipment into totes this morning inside the McKechnie Field clubhouse served as a reminder of the businesslike nature of baseball.
The Pirates optioned four players to Triple-A Indianapolis and reassigned another six to their minor-league camp, reducing the number of players in major-league camp to 40 (21 pitchers, four catchers, nine infielders and six outfielders) with the March 31 regular-season opener in Atlanta two weeks away.
Among the players optioned to Triple-A was 24-year-old outfielder Steve Pearce, who was batting .263 in spring training with team-high totals of four home runs and 10 RBIs. He struck out nine times in 38 at-bats.
"Steve could probably hit in the big leagues right now and be serviceable," said general manager Neal Huntington, "but that's not what we're about. He can be a good major-league player right now, but we want to help him be a great major-league player.
"Steve can hit a fastball with the best of them, but there's a lot more to the game than just hitting a fastball. The book is going to get out on him pretty quickly in the big leagues, and he'll make that adjustment.
"We've put him in a tough situation -- taking a young man who has played first base his whole career and last September, we dropped him into the outfield. He did a nice job there, but we need him to do better than that."
Huntington said Pearce could see major-league action in the event of an injury to a regular such as outfielders Jason Bay and Xavier Nady or first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Other Pirates optioned to Indianapolis were pitcher Bryan Bullington, the organization's 2002 overall No. 1 draft pick; pitcher Ty Taubenheim; and shortstop Brian Bixler.
Reassigned to minor-league camp were third baseman Neil Walker; outfielder Andrew McCutchen; infielder Luis Cruz; and pitchers T.J. Beam, Brian Rogers and Marino Salas.
Walker and McCutchen are expected to join the likes of Pearce, Bixler, Bullington and Taubenheim at Indianapolis, making the Indians a favorite for the International League title.
"We're excited about what (Walker and McCutchen) have shown this spring," Huntington said. "Indianapolis is definitely going to be a fun team to watch.
"We've tried to give each player an idea what our expectations are for them when they go to Indianapolis and what we're trying to get them to work on. The harder they work, the sooner I think they'll be ready."
Huntington said no decision has been made regarding the status of center fielder Chris Duffy, who has yet to play in a spring-training game while rehabilitating his left shoulder.
"There is a progression where we can have him ready by the end of spring training with no bumps, but we'll just have to play it day by day," Huntington said.

Pirates, Snell reach accord

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates senior vice president and general manager Neal Huntington has announced the team has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Ian Snell on a five-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed. The first three years are guaranteed, with club options for 2011 and 2012.
The 26-year-old Snell led the Pirates in 2007 in ERA (3.76), strikeouts (177) and innings (208). He won 14 games in 2006 in his first full season in the majors.
Since the start of 2006, Snell ranks sixth among National League pitchers with 346 strikeouts, behind Jake Peavy, Aaron Harang, John Smoltz, Carlos Zambrano and Brandon Webb.
"We are pleased to have reached agreement on a contract that gives us the ability to keep Ian in a Pirates uniform at least through the 2012 season," Huntington said. "This is another example of the organization's commitment to build a championship-caliber club.
"Ian's performance over the past two seasons ranks him among the best young starting pitchers in the game and he will play a crucial role in our success. He wants to win, and it is a credit to him to get this contract."
Snell said he is eager to aid in the team's hoped-for turnaround after a streak of 15 consecutive losing seasons.
"The Pirates gave me my first opportunity, and I want to help bring them back to where they were," he said. "I can only go farther up the ladder from here.
"To me, it's not really about the money -- it's more about winning," he said. "It's a big accomplishment for my family and myself. I'm glad it's done, because I didn't want it to be a distraction for the guys on the team or myself."

Sanchez closing in on second

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- After taking throws at first base from Freddy Sanchez on McKechnie's half-field before Sunday's 6-3 victory against the Red Sox, Pirates manager John Russell said Sanchez should be ready to make his first start at second base Tuesday in Sarasota against the Reds or Wednesday night at McKechnie against the Yankees.
Sanchez has been limited to designated hitter duty because of discomfort in his right shoulder. He underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder Sept. 28.
After going 2-for-4 with a three-run double Sunday, Sanchez is batting .371 (13-for-35) with three doubles and eight RBIs.
"He had plenty on his throws. It's just a matter of him trusting that," Russell said. "He had a good workout today and should be able to get out there (in a game) Wednesday at the latest.
"We'll progress him into it to where he feels ready to go in the regular season," Russell added.
Sanchez has been throwing up to 120 feet during his recovery. "Obviously, it will feel good to get out there," he said. "That's what we've all been waiting for. I don't feel even close to where I should be, but that is part of the throwing program."
Sanchez has been working with hitting coach Don Long on being more under control at the plate and has struck out only three times.

Gorzelanny has strong outing

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Left-hander Tom Gorzelanny is on schedule to start the Pirates' regular-season opener March 31 in Atlanta.
But with two additional spring-training starts to come, the Bradenton resident is not getting overly excited about making the first Opening Day start of his career.
"When they say pitch, I'll pitch," Gorzelanny said after limiting the Red Sox to three hits and one run -- Dustin Pedroia's first-inning home run -- today at McKechnie Field.
"If I do get it, it will be awesome, and I'll be totally honored. But I'll be honored to pitch any other day," he said.
Gorzelanny (14-10 last season with a 3.88 ERA) had sharp control, walking one batter and striking out Manny Ramirez twice with fastballs. He needed only 49 pitches.
Gorzelanny had to throw up his glove quickly to spear Alex Cora's line drive in front of his face in the third inning, but that and Pedroia's homer were the only hard-hit balls.
"It was good to get my work in, face some hitters and work on my stuff," said Gorzelanny, who last pitched Tuesday in a simulated game. "It's an added bonus when you can face some really good hitters.
"I feel like I'm making strides to where I want to be. I felt good today, and I want to keep getting my pitches and my innings up and I'll be right where I want to be when the season starts."

Red Sox-Pirates pregame

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- The first three batters in the Pirates' lineup for today's game against the Red Sox at McKechnie Field -- Nate McLouth, Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez -- are batting a combined .367 (33-for-90) with eight doubles, two home runs and 16 RBIs.
The next four hitters -- Jason Bay, Adam LaRoche, Ryan Doumit and Jose Bautista -- are hitting a combined .212 (22-for-104) with six doubles, three homers and 15 RBIs.
The Pirates (5-12) have not scored a run off an opponent's starting pitcher since Wednesday's 4-1 loss against the Blue Jays and A.J. Burnett.
Since then, they've been shut out by Mike Mussina of the Yankees, Josh Fogg of the Reds, Boof Bonser of the Twins and Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays.
No. 9 hitter Luis Rivas, who is playing second base today, is making a strong bid to be part of the Pirates' Opening Day roster.
Rivas is batting .400 (10-for-25) with three doubles and a triple and has walked five times for an on-base percentage of .500.

Darn those Red Sox: Boston defeated the Reds 16-6 Saturday at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers. It was the most runs scored by the Red Sox in spring training since they scored 17 against Montreal in 2001. ... First baseman Sean Casey is hitting .438 (7-for-16) in his last six games with two doubles. ... Left fielder Manny Ramirez is on a 6-for-12 tear with three doubles and a home run in his last five games. ... Right fielder Bobby Kielty is 0-for-14.

Up next: The Pirates play host to the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. on Monday at McKechnie Field. Zach Duke is the expected Pittsburgh starter against A.J. Burnett. Sean Burnett, Evan Meek and Franquelis Osoria are also expected to pitch for the Pirates, who will wear green hats to commemorate St. Patrick's Day.
The Red Sox face the Yankees at Legends Field in Tampa. Bartolo Colon will start for Boston against Andy Pettitte.

Pirates-Jays Notes

RECAP: Steve Pearce hit his team-leading fourth home run of the spring, but the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 4-1 to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday at Knology Park in Dunedin. Pirate starter Ian Snell allowed two runs on five hits in four innings, and Josh Wilson singled twice for the Pittsburgh (5-12).

HAPPY WITH THE WORK: Snell needed 75 pitches to get through four innings Saturday, but the righty didn’t seem to mind.
Facing a Blue Jay lineup that included Scott Rolen, Frank Thomas, Alex Rios and Vernon Wells, Snell allowed two runs on five hits and fanned four. He went out on a high note, needing just 12 pitches to pitch a perfect fourth.
“I’m glad they brought a lot of their big hitters out,” said Snell, now 1-2 with a 4.15 ERA in four starts this spring. “It’s just going to make me better for the season. To me, the American League is way different than the National League. (The hitters) don’t bite on some of the breaking balls, they don’t chase anything. It’s like you have to make them hit the ball to get them out.”
Snell made one mistake – an elevated chang- up that Matt Stairs hit for a two-out, two-run double during the third inning.
“I thought he threw the ball fine,” said Pirate manager John Russell. “He was working on controlling the running game, which he did a great job of. He accomplished a lot (Saturday).”

GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION: Pirate reliever Elmer Dessens, who hadn’t pitched in a game this spring because of back problems, threw his first inning of the season Saturday. He allowed one hit in one inning, and threw 10 of his 13 pitches for strikes.
“I was excited to be back out there,” said Dessens, who made his major-league debut with the Pirates in 1996. “I feel pretty good.”
Despite getting such a late start to the spring, Dessens feels he can be ready in time for Opening Day.
“We’ll see. He’s come back pretty nice,” Russell said. “We’ll keep running (him) out and see how he responds.”

STEVE KEEPS SWINGING: Pirate outfielder Steve Pearce made the most of his one at-bat Saturday, hitting a home run in the top of the eighth inning. Though his average has dipped to .265, Pearce leads Pittsburgh in home runs (four) and RBIs (10) this spring.

AUCTION: Pirates Charities is having a silent auction Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at McKechnie Field to help raise funds to buy a bus for the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County. Items up for bid include jerseys autographed by Jason Bay, Adam LaRoche, Evgeni Malkin, Ben Roethlisberger and Mel Blount, a bat autographed by Freddy Sanchez, which he used to win the 2006 National League batting title, a baseball signed by the 2006 American and National League All-Star teams, and a framed jersey autographed by Mario Lemieux. Last year’s auction raised over $7,000, according to the Pirates.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “They’re going to be good. They’re a sleeper.” Snell, referring to the Toronto Blue Jays.

UP NEXT: The Pirates host the defending world champions, the Boston Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. Sunday at McKechnie Field. Tom Gorzelanny will start for the Pirates, with John Grabow, Damaso Marte, Jaret Wright, Byung-Hyun Kim and Masumi Kuwata expected to relieve.
Kyle Snyder will start for the Red Sox.

Duffy: One day at a time

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Center fielder Chris Duffy admits to growing frustration at his gradual recovery process from surgery on his left shoulder last August.
Although he acknowledges the possibility of beginning the 2008 season in Bradenton on extended spring training, though, Duffy said he is confident his rehabilitation program is working.
"I really trust the training staff here, and I'm confident in what we're doing," said Duffy, who is unlikely to play in a spring training game any time soon, if at all. "I'm doing everything on my side, working as hard as I can.
"What the doctors tell me is every shoulder is different, and you can't speed up the healing process. I've done everything on my part, so now I have to wait for the human body to take its course and enable me to do the right things so I can get back."
Duffy's situation has opened up the center field job for either Nate McLouth or Nyjer Morgan. When he is ready to return to game action, Duffy is expected to go to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Duffy was given a 6-to-9 month window for full recovery, and it has been less than 7 months since his surgery. But pain and discomfort during his rehabilitation is a downer, even though he's been told it is a normal part of the process.
"I honestly felt I was going to be ready for spring training," said the 27-year-old Vermont native, who stole 26 bases in 27 attempts in 2006 but batted only .249 in 70 games before injuries (he spent time on the disabled list with a sprained left ankle) took their toll.
"I'm trying to take it one day at a time, thinking like today is the day I'm going to feel a lot better. But right now, I wouldn't say I'm knocking on the door to being in the outfield any time soon.
"It's not really a matter of how hard you work -- it's when your shoulder and body can take the pressure of 100 percent throwing," he said.
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said today the Pirates have not ruled out Duffy playing in spring training, but the important thing is progressing based on Duffy's ability to throw and recover.
"Chris is progressing OK. He's had some irritation in that shoulder that at times has slowed his throwing progression down," Huntington said.
"At this point, there is no definite time frame. He's a little bit behind where we had anticipated and hoped he would be, but we still have time to get him healthy and out to start the season if we don't have any setbacks.
"Whether he starts in Triple-A or extended spring, time will tell."
Duffy said his day-to-day work is based on him telling rehab coordinator Erwin Valencia and head trainer Brad Henderson how he feels, then devising the day's plans with their recommendations.
Currently, he is working on developing more strength by throwing hard at a range of up to 60 feet.
"I've been taking batting practice, and that's about the same," Duffy said. "Really, what is holding me back is being able to throw."

-30-

Don't give up the ship

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- At 1:02 p.m., the McKechnie Field grounds crew began removing the tarpaulin from the infield. Barring further delays, the Reds-Pirates game should start at 1:30.

Up next: On Saturday, the Pirates travel to Dunedin for their second meeting this week with the Blue Jays. Ian Snell (1-1, 4.00 ERA) is expected to start for Pittsburgh against Roy Halladay. Other scheduled Pittsburgh pitchers include Elmer Dessens, Matt Capps, Jonah Bayliss and Hector Carrasco.

Russell in Fort Myers

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates manager John Russell accompanied the team's split squad to Fort Myers this morning for the game against the Twins at Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex.
Triple-A Indianapolis Indians manager Trent Jewett will serve as acting manager for the game at McKechnie against the Reds.
Cincinnati also is playing two games, and Reds stars Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn remained in Sarasota to face the Yankees.
Reds coach Chris Speier is acting manager at McKechnie, with Dusty Baker back in Sarasota.

Reds' game in jeopardy

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- The start of today's game at McKechnie Field between the Reds and Pirates may be delayed by the possibility of rain in the area.
Although no precipitation was falling, the McKechnie grounds crew covered the infield with a tarpaulin at 12:40 p.m. -- a few minutes after watering it for the scheduled 1:05 p.m. start.
At 12:50, a light drizzle started and scattered umbrellas popped up through the stands.

Duke throws "routine" bullpen session

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates left-hander Zach Duke threw about 35 pitches this morning during a bullpen session at McKechnie Field before the 1:05 p.m. game against the Reds.
Duke, who allowed five hits and two runs in Wednesday's 4-1 loss against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, said it was part of his normal routine two days after a spring start.
"My focus today was to keep doing what I've been doing, keep my release point the same and keep refining my pitches," he said.
Duke is 0-1 in three games with a 6.00 ERA, three strikeouts and no walks in nine innings.

Yankees-Pirate notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

TAMPA - So, comedian Billy Crystal asked Pittsburgh Pirate starter Paul Maholm, were you nervous?
"Yes," Maholm said.
"Nervous about hitting me?" Crystal said.
"No," Maholm said, "I was nervous about giving up a hit to you."
That didn't happen. Maholm struck out Crystal, who signed a one-day contract with his beloved New York Yankees, during Crystal's lone at-bat of the Pirates' 5-3 win over the Yankees at Legends Field on Thursday.
Crystal, who turns 60 on Friday, and Maholm, who will turn 26 in June, chatted briefly after the game inside the Yankee dugout. They each autographed a ball for each other and posed for pictures together.
"I was trying to lay it in there for you," Maholm said. "I was hoping you were swinging."
"I was hoping you were going to go underhand," said Crystal, who also took a picture with home-plate umpire Mark Carlson.
Maholm had a better day than Crystal, limiting the Yankees to one hit in four innings in his first start of the spring. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter.

RECAP: After Yankee starter Mike Mussina threw five perfect innings, the Pirates rallied for a 5-3 win Thursday at Legends Field. Jorge Velandia's two-out, two-run single snapped a 3-3 tie in the eighth, and Steve Pearce, Jason Bay and Doug Mientkiewicz each knocked in a run for Pittsburgh. The Pirates are 5-9, while the Yankees fall to 6-6.

A WIN, BUT...: Pirate reliever Byung-Hyun Kim earned his first win of the spring, but struggled in doing so. He allowed three runs - all on home runs - in one inning, upping his spring ERA to 18.00.
"He struggled a little bit, and left some pitches over the plate," said Pirate manager John Russell. "The key to him is he's got keep the ball down."
Pittsburgh's five other pitchers Thursday - Maholm, Jaret Wright, Damaso Marte, John Grabow and Hector Carrasco - combined to give up no runs and four innings in eight innings.

PAY NO MIND: Outfielders Nyjer Morgan and Nate McLouth, who are fighting for the job in centerfield, both started Thursday, with Morgan in center and McLouth in right. But Russell said it was just a way to get both guys some more at-bats, and that it will happen again during the spring.
Each player had a hit Thursday. Morgan is hitting .258 on the spring, while McLouth - who has five doubles in his past three games and is 6 for his last 8 - is at .391.

HERE'S A SHOCKER: Legends Field drew a sold-out crowd Thursday, as 10,705 fans packed the 12-year-old park. Their biggest cheers were aimed at Crystal.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "You look like you're nine-years-old." Crystal, 60, upon meeting the 25-year-old Maholm.

UP NEXT: The Pirates will play a split-squad doubleheader Friday, with the Reds coming to Bradenton and the Twins hosting the Pirates in Fort Myers. Both games will begin at 1:05. Ty Taubenheim will start for the Pirates in Fort Myers, and Matt Morris will face the Reds at McKechnie Field. Evan Meek, Casey Fossum and Marino Salas are expected to pitch in Bradenton, and Bryan Bullington, John Van Benschoten and T.J. Beam are scheduled to go in Fort Myers.

Pirates-Yankees notes

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

TAMPA -- Although the Pirates and Yankees are traditional spring training opponents, the Bronx Bombers have not played in Pittsburgh since losing Game 7 of the 1960 World Series 10-9 at old Forbes Field on Bill Mazeroski's home run.
That will change June 24-26 when the Yankees and Pirates play a three-game night series at PNC Park.
The Yankees and Blue Jays are the only teams that have yet to play a regular-season game in Pittsburgh. Toronto comes in to PNC Park for a three-game series June 20-22.
The Yankees travel to Bradenton on Wednesday to face the Pirates in the first night game in McKechnie Field history. The history-making event was postponed when the scheduled March 7 night game against the Reds was rained out.

Up next: The Pirates play a split-squad doubleheader Friday, facing the Reds at McKechnie Field and the Twins in Fort Myers. Both games begin at 1:05 p.m.
Matt Morris (0-1) will start against Cincinnati's Josh Fogg at McKechnie. Also scheduled to pitch for the Pirates are Evan Meek, Casey Fossum and Marino Salas.
In Fort Myers, Ty Taubenheim (0-0) is scheduled to start against Minnesota's Boof Bonser. The Pirates also plan to pitch Bryan Bullington, John Van Benschoten and T.J. Beam.

Pirates look ahead

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

TAMPA -- The Pirates travel to Tampa on Thursday to face the Yankees at 1:05 p.m. Paul Maholm is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Mike Mussina.
Also slated to take the mound for the Pirates are Jaret Wright, Damaso Marte, Byung-Hyun Kim, John Grabow and Hector Carrasco.

Kuwata shoots 77

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates relief pitcher Masumi Kuwata, one of several Pittsburgh players to play golf on Tuesday's off day, shot a 77 at Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch. He had two birdies.
"Under 80 is good," said Kuwata, who made two birdies. "It was very relaxing."
First baseman Adam LaRoche and reliever Sean Burnett each shot 79. "It was a wonderful off day," LaRoche said. "I spent the first half with the kids at the pool and the second half on the course with my buddies."
Left fielder Jason Bay skipped the links for a trip to DisneyWorld with his wife Kristen and their 15-month-old daughter, Addison.
"It was the first time at DisneyWorld for me in about 20 years," said Bay, who took Addison on "It's a Small World."
"We were there for about four or five hours, which was just long enough for her and for me."

Kuwata shoots 77

Russell: No qualms about Crystal

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

DUNEDIN -- Pirates manager John Russell says he has no qualms about entertainer Billy Crystal playing for the Yankees in Thursday's game in Tampa.
"Baseball is a kid's game at heart, and he's loved it since he was a kid," Russell said before today's game against the Blue Jays at Knology Park. "He's been a big ambassador for baseball, and any time we can do something like that, it's a great plus.
"It's a light moment you don't always get in baseball, and it's a great opportunity for the players to see it and all of baseball to see that it is a kid's game at heart," Russell said.
Crystal signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees to appear in the game. He will wear No. 60 on the day before his 60th birthday.
Crystal, who directed and produced the movie "61*," batted .348 and was team captain at Long Beach High in New York during his senior year.

Pirates-Phillies notes

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON — The Pirates had their hitting shoes on against Phillies starter J.D. Durbin in today's 8-5 victory before 5,440 fans at McKechnie Field.
Line-drive doubles by Jack Wilson and Jason Bay and a double by Ryan Doumit gave starter and winner Ian Snell (1-1, 4.00 ERA) a 2-0 lead in the first. Nate McLouth — who had two doubles and two RBIs — drove in Neil Walker, who had doubled, in the second.
The Pirates added two runs in the fourth on a single by Luis Rivas, a double by McLouth and a single by Wilson. Seven of the Pirates' 11 hits were doubles.
Snell pitched four strong innings, his only mistake a home run by Pat Burrell in the second on a 3-1 pitch.
Byung-Hyun Kim made his first appearance for the Pirates in the sixth. After giving up an opposite-field home run to Ryan Howard on his first pitch, Kim retired three consecutive batters, striking out Geoff Jenkins.

Streaking, slumping: Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson is hitting .429 (9-for-21) after going 2-for-2 with a double, a run batted in and a run scored. Third baseman Jose Bautista (the designated hitter Monday) is hitting .118 (2-for-17) after going 0-for-3.

Pass the cigars

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates pitching prospect Ty Taubenheim and wife Anna welcomed their first child, a son named Charlie, into the world Sunday morning.
Taubenheim, who was claimed off waivers from Toronto in December, has pitched two hitless innings, facing the minimum six batters.

No game Tuesday

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- The Pirates will enjoy their only scheduled off-day of the spring Tuesday. Bradenton resident Tom Gorzelanny is scheduled to throw a bullpen session at McKechnie Field.
Gme action resumes at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday in Dunedin against the Blue Jays. Zach Duke is scheduled to start for the Pirates, with Jonah Bayliss, Sean Burnett, Masumi Kuwata, T.J. Beam and Matt Capps slated to pitch in relief.

Pearce settles in right

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- After going 0-for-5 in Sunday's 9-7, 10-inning loss against the Tigers, Pirates 24-year-old outfielder Steve Pearce feared the worst when he was summoned to manager John Russell's office this morning.
Instead of being one of 12 players cut from the major-league camp, however, Pearce was excited to learn the Pirates plan to use him exclusively in the outfield for the remainder of the spring.
Pearce, who lives in Lakeland, was being tried in both right field and at first base before today.
"Right now, they think my future is as an outfielder, so that's what I have to take seriously," said Pearce, who is batting .241 with seven strikeouts in 29 at-bats but leads the team with three home runs and eight RBIs.
"I know I have to go out and work my butt off as hard as I can, because that's the only way I'm going to be able to stay."
Pearce is one of Pittsburgh's top prospects, being named Minor League Player of the Year last season after combining to hit .333 with 31 home runs and 113 RBIs at Lynchburg, Altoona and Indianapolis.
"We wanted to make sure he understands we aren't expecting him to be a Gold Glove in right field, but what we expect (by making the move) is we are going to help him reach his potential, which is sizeable," said Pirates general manager Neal Huntington.
"We've asked too much of him as far as trying to develop at two positions and make the club. He's more accomplished at first base, and this allows him to put his focus on the outfield for the time being.
"He's in major-league camp, so he has a chance (to make the team). He's swung the bat well at times and been thwarted by good major-league pitchers at times, so there is still a work in progress."
Huntington said there currently are no discussions about trying to move one of the Pirates starting outfielders, such as right fielder Xavier Nady or left fielder Jason Bay, to make room for Pearce. Adam LaRoche is entrenched at first base.
Pearce was ecstatic when he learned he is staying in major league camp for a while. "I know what I can do, and they're trying to get the most out of my ability. I take that as a compliment," he said.

Pirates moves

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- The Pirates have cut 12 players from their major league spring training camp, bringing the number of players still in camp to 51.
Left-handed pitcher Dave Davidson and right-handers Luis Munoz and Romulo Sanchez were optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. A trio of right-handers were optioned to Double-A Altoona: Jimmy Barthmaier, Ronald Belisario and Yoslan Herrera.
Right-hander Olivo Astacio was optioned to Single-A Lynchburg.
The Pirates also reassigned five non-roster invitees to their minor-league camp at Pirate City: right-handed pitchers Adam Bernero and Jesse Chavez, left-hander Daniel Moskos, catcher Miguel Perez and infielder-outfielder Jose Macias.
Moskos, the team's first-round draft selection last summer (No. 4 overall) out of Clemson, had made only one appearance in spring training, allowing two earned runs in one inning. He said his experience was positive and he hopes to use it as a building block for long-term success.
"I kind of new my days were numbered, but I got a lot of experience and picked up a lot of knowledge," he said. "It's a huge advantage getting to work with big-league guys and the coaches.
"It makes you feel like you're wanted."
General manager Neal Huntington said the Pirates believe the 21-year-old Moskos has the potential to get to the major leagues as a starter.
"We're not ready to rule out that he can start at the major-league level," Huntington said. "He has shown the ability to have quality major-league stuff.
"Now, it is just a matter of getting him to a position to be able to repeat the delivery to allow that stuff to play consistently and to allow him to have enough command."
Huntington said Moskos could be ticketed to begin the season with Hickory (N.C.) of the South Atlantic League.
"We're not looking for the fastest track for our young players, we're looking for the best track," Huntington said.
The Pirates currently have 27 pitchers, four catchers, 12 infielders and eight outfielders in camp.

Pirates-Tigers Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

LAKELAND - Phil Dumatrait's spring has been one of progression.
Two innings in his first start. Then three.
Sunday at Joker Marchant Stadium, the Pittsburgh lefty threw one better, going the first four during the Pirates' 9-7, 10-inning loss to the Detroit Tigers.
"I felt really good, especially the first two innings," he said. "My legs are fine. I never really got tired."
In his first two starts of the spring, Dumatrait allowed one run in five innings. His stats took a bit of hit Sunday, when he allowed five runs - three earned - on five hits.
He cruised through the first two innings, when he held Detroit hitless and faced the minimum six batters.
And then?
"The first couple of innings, I was throwing the ball in there," he said. "In the the third and fourth, when I was trying to go inside, my head was flying open.
"Obviously against this lineup, there's no room for error."
Among Detriot's starters Sunday were Ivan Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen and Placido Polanco.
"Probably the best lineup in baseball," Dumatrait said.

RAUL'S RAKING: Pirate catcher Raul Chavez nearly played the role of hero Sunday when his 10th-inning home run snapped a 6-6 tie.
It's been a fine spring for Chavez, a nine-year veteran and a non-roster invitee. He went 2-for-2 Sunday, and is now 4-for-8 in the spring with two home runs and three RBIs.

ON THE RISE: Andrew McCutchen may be turning a corner. The young outfielder entered the game hitting .174, but went 2-for-5 with an RBI, upping his average to .214.

ON THE WEB: Can't make it out to McKechnie Field on Monday? No problem. The Pirates' game with the Philadelphia Phillies will be shown on MLB.com TV and MLB.TV.

UP NEXT: The Pirates host the Phillies at 1:05 p.m. Ian Snell, who held Philadelphia hitless for two innings on Feb. 29, will start for Pittsburgh. Byung-Hyun Kim, Evan Meek, Casey Fossum, Mike Thompson and Marino Salas are expected to throw for the Pirates. J.D. Durbin will start for the Phillies, who are 2-1 against Pittsburgh this spring.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Probably the best lineup in baseball, and (Gary) Sheffield's not in the lineup." Pirate starter Phil Dumatrait, on the powerful Detroit Tigers.

Pirates notes

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez is getting closer to starting a game in the field, but there is no definite date for his first appearance.
The 2006 National League batting champion, who underwent minor arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in September, is batting .391 (9-for-23) as a designated hitter.
"Hopefully it will be in another few days, but there is no timetable. It's just a matter of when it starts feeling better," said Sanchez, who is on a concentrated throwing program.
"I'd like to have a couple weeks before (the regular season), but that's not the main goal. I'd rather wait than rush it."

Wild day at McKechnie: Today's windy weather probably contributed to the five-homer total in the Twins' 8-4 victory against the Pirates.
Craig Monroe and Jason Kubel homered on back-to-back pitches off Matt Morris in the top of the third. Adam LaRoche and Ryan Doumit went back-to-back off Minnesota reliever Brian Duensing in the fourth.
Jon Knott hit a Twins homer off Jaret Wright in the seventh.

Up next: The Pirates travel to Lakeland on Sunday to play the Tigers in a 1:05 p.m. game. Phil Dumatrait is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Nate Robertson. Jesse Chavez, Damaso Marte, Mike Thompson, Dave Davidson and John Grabow are also expected to pitch for Pittsburgh.

Great show: Despite chilly, blustery weather, a few hundred fans participated in the third annual Champs Sports PirateFest in front of McKechnie Field.
Pirates players signed autographs and were available for photographs. The Crewe of Hernando DeSoto and Smokey the Bear were on hand, and the festivities included a classic Corvette display and prize drawings.
Author John McCollister was on hand to sign his new book The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Heart-Pounding, Jaw-Dropping and Gut-Wrenching Moments from Pittsburgh Pirates History. It is published by Triumph Books.

Streaking, slumping: Pirates left fielder Jason Bay is down to .176 (3-for-17) after going 0-for-2. First baseman Adam LaRoche blasted a two-run home run and is batting .400 (6-for-15) with two homers.

Pirates notebook

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Windy conditions and less-than-stellar pitching contributed to today's 13-8 marathon Pirates victory against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium.
Pittsburgh starter John Van Benschoten had a rocky outing, giving up four runs in three innings, including a three-run home run by Brandon Phillips, who drove in five runs.
The Pirates rallied with seven runs in the top of the fourth. Jack Wilson had two singles and two RBIs in the frame and Neil Walker had a two-run double, one of his two doubles in the game. Walker scored from second base in the ninth on a wild pitch.
Designated hitter Freddy Sanchez was 3-for-5 with two RBIs.
The Pirates got a scare in the sixth when Nate McLouth was hit by a pitch by Scott Sauerbeck while squaring to bunt. McLouth turned around quickly when he saw the pitch was inside and only took a glancing blow off his arm. Kevin Thompson replaced him as a pinch-runner, but McLouth was OK.

Quote of the day: "The wind was so bad, it was worse than playing in Candlestick Park." -- Pirates manager John Russell on the conditions during today's 13-8 victory against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium, comparing the 40-miles per hour-plus gusts to the former home of the San Francisco Giants.

Streaking, slumping: Pirates designated hitter Freddy Sanchez went 3-for-5 in this afternoon's game with two RBIs, raising his batting average to .391. Shortstop Brian Bixler, who is scheduled to start tonight, is batting .100 (1-for-10) after going 0-for-2.

Up next: The Twins visit McKechnie Field on Saturday for a 1:05 p.m. game against the Pirates. Matt Morris is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Scott Baker, with Yoslan Herrera, Evan Meek, Sean Burnett, Franquelis Osoria and Matt Capps in relief for the Pirates.

McCutchen looks to start new streak

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen believes his game-winning, two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning of today's 8-7 victory against the Blue Jays can put him on the right track.
The 21-year-old speedster was mired in an 0-for-13 slump with five strikeouts before lining a pitch from Jean Machi to left field with the bases loaded. The single raised his spring-training average to .182.
"Oh man, that's always a good feeling, regardless of when it happens," McCutchen said. "It can be a practice game, whatever. I was struggling a little bit, but that one thing can turn things around for you and boost your confidence."
Although he is nearly certain to start the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, manager John Russell knows McCutchen can have a bright future in Pittsburgh.
"He is going to be a great player," Russell said. "He's has to fight through some things, but he's been swinging the bat fine."

Pirates-Jays notes.

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

BRADENTON - Forget his line.
At the end of his second start of the spring, Pittsburgh Pirate lefty Tom Gorzelanny felt fine.
Gorzelanny allowed six runs in 1 1/3 innings during the Pirates' 8-7 win over Toronto on Thursday, though three of those runs came when David Eckstein hit a grand slam off Pirate reliever Jesse Chavez.
The good news? The performance wasn't the result of anything health related - a pleasant sound for the Pirates, especially after Gorzelany was scratched from a start earlier this spring because of minor shoulder irritation.
He pitched a scoreless inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, and looked impressive Thursday, when he needed seven pitches to retire the Blue Jays in the top of the first.
But Gorzelanny battled control problems in the second inning - he walked two and hit a batter -and was pulled after recording one out.
Manager John Russell said Gorzelanny was pulled because he reached his pitch count, and didn't worry too much about the result.
"Obviously, it was a little bit of a struggle. But you have those outings in spring training," Russell said. "Command, arm slot - but he feels good. And that's the main thing."
Gorzelanny couldn't pinpoint what happened after his efficient first inning of work.
"The second inning - I don't know," he said. "Just trying to throw too hard or do too much...It's something I look forward to working on."
His health a non-issue, the Pirates shouldn't be worried about Gorzelanny's spring line - he went 0-2 last March and wound up becoming the first Pittsburgh lefty to win 14 games in more than 10 years.

HEAD COUNT
Thursday's attendance was 3,854 - McKechnie's smallest crowed in the early goings of the spring. The Pirates entered the day averaging 5,220 fans per home game.

POWERFUL PEARCE
Steven Pearce blasted his third home run of the spring Thursday - a two-run shot in the first inning. Pearce is batting .333 this spring, and paces the Pirates in home runs and RBIs (six). Also homering for the Pirates was Xavier Nady, who hadn't had an RBI in his first 11 at-bats entering the game.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I would've taken me out." Pirate starter Tom Gorzelanny, who was pulled in the second inning.

Pirates-Blue Jays notes

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Kevin Thompson, a long-time member of the New York Yankees organization claimed off waivers by the Pirates from Oakland in December, is in the starting lineup in left field for today's game against the Blue Jays at McKechnie Field.
The 28-year-old Thompson has been a bright spot in the Pirates' 1-6 start, batting .500 (7-for-14) with two doubles and four RBIs.
"I feel pretty good," said Thompson, who spent the majority of the 2007 season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he hit .281 for the Yankees' Triple-A team with 18 doubles and a team-high 24 stolen bases in 77 games.
"I am not going to sit here and worry about what they (Pirates management) are thinking or what might happen in the future. All I can control is how hard I play," Thompson said.
Thompson said his time with the Yankees helped him realize what he needs to do to be on a big-league roster. "When it comes to guys like Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, what I learned from them is helping me do what I'm doing here," Thompson said.
"I have the utmost confidence in my ability. I know I can play all facets of the game," he said. "I know I'm going to be rewarded, whether it's the big leagues or something else, because I have the temperament to be successful."

Then there were 63: The Pirates have reassigned pitcher Josh Sharpless and catcher Carlos Maldonado to their minor-league camp. That leaves 63 players in the big-league camp, including 37 pitchers, five catchers, 13 infielders and eight outfielders.

Up next: The long-awaited first night game in McKechnie Field history is at 7:05 p.m. on Friday against the Reds. Paul Maholm has drawn the starting pitching assignment against Bronson Arroyo.
The National League Central rivals also play a split-squad game at 1:05 p.m. on Friday at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. John Van Benschoten starts for Pittsburgh against Johnny Cueto.

Pirates notes

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates manager John Russell isn't sweating Ian Snell's performance in today's 4-1 loss against the Tigers at McKechnie Field.
The right-hander allowed three runs in three innings, two on a third-inning home run by Marcus Thames, as the Pirates dropped their sixth in a row.
"He wasn't as sharp today. He got some balls up and went deeper in the count, but I thought the ball came out of his hand well. There was some crispness to his breaking ball," Russell said. "His location probably wasn't what he would have liked."
Relievers Sean Burnett, Matt Capps and Masumi Kuwata each pitched a 1-2-3 inning for the Pirates, with Kuwata striking out two, but the bats were quiet against a Tigers split-squad. The only run came in the third against 19-year-old first-round draft choice Rick Porcello on singles by Luis Rivas and Nate McLouth and a Jack Wilson force out, coupled with a throwing error.
Rivas was 2-for-3 with a triple and Chris Gomez had two hits against one of his former teams.

LaRoche wows with glove
Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche continues to show why he is regarded as one of the game's top defensive players.
In the top of the fourth, LaRoche reached three rows into the stands to catch Mike Hessman's foul pop. For a big man, LaRoche's hand-eye coordination is exceptional. He's also hitting .375 after going 1-for-2.

Pirates notebook

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Pirates center fielder Nate McLouth is back in the lineup today after missing four games with tightness in his right hamstring.
McLouth, who is competing with Nyjer Morgan for the starting job, is batting leadoff against a Tigers split-squad at McKechnie Field. McLouth was 1-for-5 in his first two games, with a three-run home run in Thursday's 11-6 victory against the Phillies.
As if to show he is 100 percent, McLouth stole second base after leading off the bottom of the first with a walk.

Slim pickings: The Tigers are short on star power for today's game against the Pirates. Many of the team's starters remained in Lakeland for a split-squad game against the Phillies, and nine minor leaguers were summoned for the Pirates game. Center fielder Curtis Granderson, designated hitter Gary Sheffield, first baseman Marcus Thames and left fielder Jacque Jones were among the few recognizable Detroit players to make the trip.
Manager Jim Leyland, who skippered the Pirates from 1986-96, also stayed in Lakeland. But the Tigers were not lacking for former Pittsburgh managers, with hitting coach Lloyd McClendon (2001-05 at the Pirates' helm) and third-base coach Gene Lamont (1997-2000) at McKechnie.
Pirates senior advisor Chuck Tanner and spring training instructor Bill Virdon rounded out a quartet of ex-Pirates skippers at the game.

Up next: The Pirates play host to the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. on Thursday at McKechnie Field. Left-hander Tom Gorzelanny is scheduled to start against Toronto's Dustin McGowan. Also expected to pitch for the Pirates are Zach Duke, Jimmy Barthmaier, Casey Fossum and John Grabow.

Quote of the day: "People ask me if I'm anxious for the season to start. Yeah -- but not yet, because I believe there are things we need to accomplish as a team before we're ready to play. Wins and losses at this point are not my concern. My concern is that when we go to Atlanta (for the March 31 regular-season opener), we're going to go out there with a great chance to win that game." -- Pirates manager John Russell, whose team is trying to snap a five-game losing streak today against the Tigers

Ninth Street party: The Pirates will play host to their third annual Champs Sports Festival on 9th Street West in front of McKechnie Field from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday before the exhibition game against the Twins.
Fans of all ages are invited to participate. Festivities include free autograph sessions with players, an inflatable bounce house, personalized postcards, prizes and other fun activities.