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.