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.