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.