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.