Pirates-Reds notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Ross Ohlendorf is anything but complacent.
Two days after the Pittsburgh Pirates gave him a spot in the starting rotation, Ohlendorf allowed a run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings during Monday’s 3-2 win over the Reds.
“I definitely wanted to pitch well again. I wanted to show them I felt that I deserved to be in the rotation,” he said, “and make their decision look good.”
Acquired last July from the Yankees, Ohlendorf is 1-0 with a 0.87 ERA in five appearances – four starts – this fall.
“We’ve got a long season to go, and I am real excited about what we can do this year,” he said, “and about what I can to do help us win, and what we can do as a team.”
Ohlendorf’s next start will be Saturday, when the Pirates close out their spring against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers.
THEY MAKE A DEAL: The Pirates acquired Shawn Nottingham, a left-handed pitcher, from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later.
Nottingham was 0-2 with a 7.09 ERA in 19 games with the Indians’ Double-A affiliate in Akron last year and 3-4 with a 4.58 ERA in 14 games with the organization’s Single-A advanced affiliate in Kinston.
THE HERO: Jason Jaramillo, awarded the backup catching job Saturday, knocked in the winning run Monday when his two-out single in the ninth plated Jeff Salazar.

Notes from GMS

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
TAMPA – The New York Yankees threw a close facsimile of their opening day roster at Pirates starter Zach Duke on Sunday.
With the exception of Alex Rodrigiuez and Mark Teixeira, the Yankees stars started during their 9-8 win over Duke and the Pirates.
“They battled every at-bat. There’s never a letdown,” said Duke, who allowed eight runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. “It seems like the ball always bounces their way for one reason or another.”
So deep is the Yankee lineup that Xavier Nady, who hit 25 home runs and drove in 97 with the Pirates and Yankees last year, batted seventh Sunday. And that’s without Rodriguez and Teixeira.
It was the first rough outing of the spring for Duke, who allowed three runs total in his previous five starts.
“The main thing is I get my work in, nothing’s hurt,” he said, “and you just kind of wipe this one out of the memory.”
PHILLIPS RETURNS: Andy Phillips played two innings Saturday in his first game since March 7. He had been sidelined bulging discs in his back.
Phillips, who played first base, hoped to make the roster as a backup infielder. Because of the injury, however, Phillips’ chances of making the club by Opening Day are slim.
“It’s going to be awfully tough,” said general manager Neal Huntington.
LOCKING IN: Ryan Doumit went 2-for-3 with a home run and a double, and is batting .434 in his last eight games.
It was Doumit’s third home run of the spring.
STREAKING: Nate McLouth went 1-for-3 and has reached base in 16 straight games. He is batting .326 in the spring.
ALMOST OVER: The Pirate have six games remaining in the spring and four at McKechnie Field – including the annual charity game with Manatee Community College on Thursday.

Notes from Pirates-Phillies

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – What did Ryan Howard’s home run sound like to Ian Snell?
“I thought it was like World War III or something,” Snell said. “It was a loud crack.”
The Pirates righty surrendered a monster home run to the Phillies first baseman Saturday during the Pirates’ 10-4 win at McKechnie Field. The blast, Howard’s eighth of the spring, went over the green batter’s eye in dead center field. The green wall stands nearly 20 feet passed the 400-foot sign.
“I think the wind helped it, too, but it still went far,” Snell said. “It probably hit somebody’s car back there.”
It was the lone blemish of the day for Snell, who limited the defending world champions to a run on two hits in six innings. He walked three and struck out five against a lineup that included Phillie regulars such as Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.
“I felt good,” Snell said. “More relaxed than my last time.”
Snell gave up six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Reds last week in his first start with the Pirates since returning from the World Baseball Classic.
He also said the blister on his right foot, which cut his last outing short, is becoming easier to deal with.
“It’s still red, it still bothers me. I have to wear a pad,” Snell said. “But it’s fine, as long as I have the pad in there.”
MAKING HIS CASE: Star prospect Andrew McCutchen had a banner day Saturday, going 5-for-5 with a home run, three doubles, three runs scored and two RBIs, raising his average to .308.
STRONG ARM: On the same day he made the team as a backup catcher, Jason Jaramillo threw out Jimmy Rollins trying to steal second and picked Marcus Giles off first base.
Jaramillo also drove in a run.
Jaramillo beat out Robinzon Diaz for the spot on the roster. Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Saturday’s game.
BIX IN THE MIX: Brian Bixler, looking to make the team as a reserve middle infielder, went 2-for-4 Saturuday to raise his average to .352 in 24 games this spring.
Bixlerd doubled and scored a run.
JOLTIN JONES: Garrett Jones stroked his fourth home run of the spring Saturday, a three-run shot in the eighth inning off Phillies closer Brad Lidge.
Jones is hitting .306 with four home runs and 11 RBIs with a team-high 16 runs scored in 26 games.

Pirates-Jays notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Virgil Vasquez learned a lot by watching Friday.
First, he watched Atlanta’s Tom Glavine pitch on television. Then he sat in the dugout and watched Toronto’s Roy Halladay deal against his Pittsburgh Pirates.
Neither pitcher overthrows. And Vasquez took that into account when he tossed 5 2/3 innings during a 4-1 loss Friday night.
Vasquez allowed three earned runs and five hits, but said he felt real comfortable on the mound.
Watching a pair of aces can have that positive effect.
“I’m like, ‘I’m going to go out there, and I’m going to be really comfortable with myself and my body,’” Vasquez said. “I’m just going to try and mess their timing up, and have fun with it.”
In competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Vasquez is 1-2 with a 7.62 ERA.
But manager John Russell was pleased with what he saw Friday.
“I thought he threw well. He mixed his speeds better,” he said. “He kept us in the game, and I thought he did a nice job.”
Vasquez, Jeff Karstens and Ross Ohlendorf are the lead the candidates for the final two spots available in the starting rotation, though Ohlendorf (1-0, 0.59 ERA in four starts) has made himself the frontrunner for the fourth spot.
STRUGGLING IN THE DARK: The Pirates are now 0-3 in night games at McKechnie, losing to Toronto and Tampa Bay this spring, and the New York Yankees last year.
MR. CONSISTENCY: Nate McLouth singled in his first at-bat Friday and has reached base in 15 straight games. The centerfielder is hitting .326 this spring.
STILL ROLLING: Craig Hansen tossed a shutout inning Friday, and has given up a run in one of his 11 outings this spring. Acquired last summer from the Boston Red Sox, Hansen walked one and struck out one Friday.
FOUR TO GO: The Pirates have four more official spring training games left at McKechnie Field, not including the April 2 charity game against Manatee Community College. The Buccos round out their home schedule against the Phillies, Reds, Red Sox and Twins.
Their final home game of the spring is April 3 against Minnesota.

Pirates-Rays Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – First Paul Maholm.
Now Zach Duke.
Pittsburgh’s southpaw duo has been impressive this spring, and Duke furthered that string Monday, when he went five scoreless innings to pitch the Pirates to a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Duke allowed two hits, walked two and fanned four, lowering his ERA to 1.83.
“He has a very good grasp of what he’s doing this year. He had a very good offseason,” said manager John Russell. “He’s got a different outlook on what he’s doing, and the confidence is showing.”
Duke has walked four in 19 2/3 innings this season. Maholm (2-0, 0.46) has walked one in 19 2/3.
HAPPY JACK: Shorstop Jack Wilson, who is breaking in a new stance this spring, doubled twice against the Rays. He entered the game batting .091 this spring, and is now at .143. Wilson has five hits this spring, three of which are doubles.
BLEMISH FREE: Jesse Chavez pitched a perfect ninth to earn his first save of the spring, snapping a string of three straight appearances where he allowed at least one run. Chavez struck out one against the Rays on Monday.
MR. VERSATILITY: Eric Hinske started at third base for the first time this spring, assisting on a putout. Hinske also went 2-for-3 with a run scored against his former team, showing no ill effects from the rib injury that kept him out of spring games for about three weeks.
NIGHT TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME: The Pirates have three straight night games, beginning with Tuesday’s game in Orlando. They play the Rays on Wednesday night in Port Charlotte before hosting the Blue Jays on Friday night.
They are off Thursday.

Notes from Pirates-Reds

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – The battle rages on to earn a spot in Pittsburgh’s bullpen.
Closer Matt Capps and set-up guys John Grabow and Tyler Yates are set. But everything else is up for grabs, said general manager Neal Huntington.
“There are guys that have pitched themselves into a lead at certain times,” Huntington said. “There are guys who have pitched out of that at other times.
“We’d rather have guys just go out and perform they way on to the club – whether it’s stuff, whether it’s performance, whether it’s a combination, to show that they belong on the major league level.”
Guys such as Chris Bootcheck, Sean Burnett, Donnie Veal and Craig Hansen have had up-and-down springs, while Evan Meek has posted a 3.48 ERA in a team-high 11 games. Huntington said Meek has a tired right shoulder and will be shut down for about a week.
“We need some guys to go out and show us why they should be on this major league team.”
Huntington isn’t ruling out an external solution – the Pirates acquired Yates in late March last year, and he became one of their most reliable relievers.
“As we do for every position – not just the bullpen,” Huntington said. “Maybe we come across another Tyler Yates…If not, than we need some guys to step forward.”
DAVIS HAVING A GOOD SPRING: Jason Davis threw two shutout innings Saturday, lowering his spring ERA to 0.82 in eight spring games.
Huntington said Davis has an outside chance of earning the fifth spot in the starting rotation, but could also land in the bullpen as a middle reliever.
“He’s doing some good things,” said manager John Russell said. “He’s progressing nicely, and he’s throwing the ball very well. We’ll keep giving him the opportunity to go out there.”

Pirates Notes 3/21

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
SARASOTA – It was yet another efficient outing for Paul Maholm.
The Pirates lefty needed just 72 pitches to coast through six innings Saturday at Ed Smith Stadium, where the Pirates beat the Reds 6-5.
Maholm has thrown 15 2/3 straight scoreless innings and is 2-0 with a 0.46 ERA in five starts this spring.
“He’s right on track,” said manager John Russell. “He’s on a good pace now. He’ll be ready to go over that 100-pitch mark by his last start.”
The only pitcher on the staff promised a spot in the rotation entering the spring, Maholm is considered the favorite to start Opening Day on April 6th in St. Louis.
“We haven’t officially told anybody yet, but when we do, we’ll let you know,” Russell said. “But obviously we’re probably leaning toward that way.”
PHILLIPS HURTING: An MRI on And y Phillips’ ailing back revealed a couple of bulging discs, Russell said.
“A lot of people have them,” Russell said. “We’re going to really try and quiet those down before he can get back to activity.”
Phillips hasn’t played in a game since March 7.
“He was doing some things and it just doesn’t feel right,” Russell said. “There’s not much you can do about it. Anybody who has had lower back problems knows it’s not fun. So we’re just going to see how he’s going to progress.”
RYAN IS ROLLING: Ryan Doumit went 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored Saturday and has six hits in his last 11 at-bats. He is batting .289 on the spring.
STREAK GOES ON: Nate McLouth homered Saturday, and has reached base in 12 straight games. It was McLouth’s third home run of the spring. He has seven RBIs and three home runs.

Walker sent to Triple-A

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Neil Walker, the Pirates’ first-round draft pick in 2004, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis following Wednesday’s 4-3 win over the Minnesota.
Drafted as a catcher and converted to a third baseman in ‘07, Walker went 1-for-3 Wednesday and hit .231 this spring – yet general manager Neal Huntington said the decision was made primarily for business purposes.
Rules state that any player on a major-league roster after March 20 who gets injured goes on the major-league disabled list whether the player had service at the major-league level or not.
A player earns service time every day he spends at the major-league level – Walker has none – and is eligible for free agency after six years of major-league service. A player with three years of time is eligible for arbitration.
“It seems like a small thing,” Huntington said, “but there are a couple of clubs who’ve had prospects lose entire seasons to an injury, and then collected major-league service and major-league salaries, so this becomes the ugly business side.
“This is the reality of the rules that we operate within, and this is where we have to make a logical decision that protects our business interests. This is not a fun thing because Neil’s worked hard.”
Walker said he knew the decision was coming. He just didn’t know when.
“They explained it to me. I didn’t realize the date was as close as it was,” he said. “That’s the business end of the deal. I think I made a lot of positive impacts up here, and I’m getting closer.”
The Pirates also optioned pitcher Dave Davidson to Triple-A Indianapolis and reassigned pitcher Brian Slocum to minor-league camp after the game.
Prior to the game, the Pirates optioned starting pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to Indianapolis and outfielder Jose Tabata to Double-A Altoona.
Friday’s moves leave 40 players in major-league camp.
CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH: Eric Hinske played in a major-league game for the first time since Feb. 26 Wednesday, starting in right field and going 0-for-1 with a walk.
Hinske had been sidelined after hurting his ribs slamming into a wall during the Grapefruit League opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“I don’t feel any pain when I’m running, throwing – anything,” he said. “Back to 100 percent.”
Hinske said got 12 at-bats playing while playing in two minor league games at Pirate City.
“Everybody was great to me – from the front office on down,” he said. “They said, ‘Take your time. It’s a long spring, and wait until it’s gone.’ That’s what we did.”
THEY’RE BACK: Ian Snell was back in Bradenton on Wednesday after Puerto Rico was bounced from the World Baseball Classic by Team USA on Tuesday.
Snell went 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts for Puerto Rico, striking out 10 and walking three in eight innings.
Pirates third baseman Ramon Vazquez will also return to the Pirates after playing for Puerto Rico in the WBC. Vazquez batted .158 with two home runs and six RBIs in six games for Puerto Rico.

Yankees-Pirates Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
TAMPA – Trades don’t come any jarring than the one Xavier Nady experienced last July.
He was standing on the on-deck circle at PNC Park when the Pittsburgh Pirates called him back to the dugout.
He had been traded. He had been traded to the New York Yankees.
His first game with his new team?
Against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.
“The whole day was so overwhelming,” he said. “I was so tired and so out of it, I didn’t have any time to build it up. Next thing you know, boom, you’re right in it.”
Nady started against the Pirates Tuesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, going 2-for-3 and scoring a run during the Yankees’ 9-2.
After the shock of last year’s deal worn off, Nady drove in 40 runs in 59 games with New York last year, batting .268 with 12 home runs.
The one blemish was that Nady – who was dealt to the Yankees with Damaso Marte in exchange for pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Daniel McCutchen and Jeff Karstens, along with outfielder Jose Tabata – couldn’t help the Yankees reach the postseason. New York missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 1993.
“It’s been a blast,” Nady said. “The last two months were a lot of fun. Obviously, we wanted to be playing in October. But I think that with the additions they made this year…it should be a lot of fun and hopefully we’ll find ourselves playing in October.
“From the coaching staff to the front office, it’s been very welcoming.”
Though Nady didn’t taste the postseason, he did get a chance to play in the final game at Yankee Stadium. And though he had been a Yankee for roughly two months, Nady managed to soak in the moment.
“That was very special,” he said. “It was a very emotional night for a lot of people. For me being only being there two months - I can only imagine what it was like for guys like (Derek) Jeter.”
Nady didn’t make the trip to Bradenton on Saturday, when the Yankees played the Pirates McKechnie Field. On Tuesday, he got a chance to get reacquainted with former teammates such as Nate McLouth, as well as Pirates hitting instructor Don Long and manager John Russell.
“They got a whole different vision, and I’m sure it’s a good one,” Nady said. “Hopefully, it works out.”
PLAYING THE FIELD: Eric Hinske (left rib contusion) will be back in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Originally slated to serve as a designated hitter, Hinske will start in right field, Russell said.
“He feels ready to go,” Russell said. “He’s played a couple of games in the minor leagues. He’s healthy, he feels great and he wanted to play in the outfield.”
BOUNCING BACK: After allowing eight runs in his last three innings, Sean Burnett worked a scoreless sixth Tuesday, allowing a hit and striking out two.
“He threw better,” Russell said. “He’s starting to trust his stuff a little more. With Sean, we know what he can do.
“He’s a competitor. He loves to get out there and pitch.”

Pirates-Rays notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Brandon Moss is making progress.
The Pirates outfielder, who suffered a sprained right thumb earlier this month in Fort Myers, could be in Pirate City as early as Thursday, playing in minor-league game.
Moss is expected to take swings in the batting cage Tuesday and Wednesday, and if all goes well, he will see game action Thursday.
Acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox last July, Moss is expected to be the Pirates’ right fielder on Opening Day.
“He’s coming really nice,” manager John Russell said. “He’s feeling a lot better, and I think he’s ahead of what we originally thought.”
MAHOLM ROLLING: Paul Maholm’s sparkling spring continued Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Maholm struck out four and allowed one hit in 4 2/3 innings. His lone blemish was a walk to Justin Ruggiano – the first free pass Maholm has issued this spring.
“It was good,” he said. “No complaints…I was happy – I was throwing everything, challenging guys…”
The Rays threw all right-handed bats at the lefty.
“I got work on some change-ups,” he said, “and get the stuff in I needed to do.”
Maholm, who went 9-9 last year, has allowed one earned run in 13 2/3 innings this spring.
HINSKE MAY BE BACK: Eric Hinske, who has been sidelined with a left rib injury, will get more swings in Pirate City on Tuesday, and is scheduled to serve as designated hitter during the Pirates game Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins.

Pirates-Yankee Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Freddy Sanchez grabbed his bag and jogged toward the clubhouse Saturday.
It was earlier than he had hoped.
Pittsburgh’s second baseman was ejected in the fifth inning of the Pirates’ 13-10 loss to the New York Yankees by home plate umpire Rob Healey.
Sanchez was thrown out after he struck out looking at a 1-2 pitch from New York’s Ian Kennedy.
“Obviously, it’s unfortunate. I don’t want to be thrown out of any game, let alone a spring training game,” he said. “At the same time, I’m trying to get up there and have some good at bats. It is what it is.”
Sanchez said he took exception with a 1-1 pitch that Healey called a strike. Sanchez thought it was high and inside.
“That was my opinion, and he saw it a different way,” Sanchez said. “I probably got a little frustrated after that third pitch.”
Sanchez had some company Saturday when John Russell was ejected during the same inning. Russell came out of the dugout after Sanchez was thrown out, and was booted out by umpire Jerry Crawford.
GETTING BETTER: Eric Hinske experienced no pain after taking live batting practice Saturday for the first time since suffering a left rib contusion earlier this spring.
“Felt good,” he said. “I’m close.”
Hinske plans to head back to Pirate City beginning Tuesday to get at-bats in some minor-league games.
“They have me on a road to recovery, step-by-step,” he said. “I’ve got plenty of time. I usually only need 50 or 60 ABs, so I’ll be all right.”
The Pirates will face his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays, Sunday in Port Charlotte and Monday night back in Bradenton.

Pirates-Phils Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
CLEARWATER – As well as Zach Duked pitched Friday, he was happier with the situations he had to pitch out of.
Duke allowed one hit and walked one in 3 2/3 innings in the Pirates’ 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field.
Though he coasted through the first and third innings, he had to pitch with guys on in the second and fourth, providing good prep work for the regular season.
He kept the Phillies off the scoreboard, thanks in part to Dave Davidson, who struck out John Mayberry Jr. with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth.
“You don’t want those situations to be alien to you at all,” Duke said. “You want the familiarity of knowing the pressures of baserunners and things when you have to execute pitches. Definitely going through situations like that is beneficial.”
Duke has allowed two earned runs in 9 2/3 innings this spring, and is looking to further the progress.
“Just keep heading in the direction I’m going,” he said, “because I feel way too good to go a different direction right now.”
HOMEWARD BOUND: Andrew McCutchen reached base twice and scored a run Friday, which has been his specialty this spring.
His average is at .222, but he’s scored nine runs in 14 games, and has reached base in 11 straight games.
MAKING THE MOST OF IT: Brian Bixler started at second base Friday, going 3-for-4 with an RBI to push his spring average to .391.
“Trusting his fundamentals just adds confidence,” manager John Russell said. “You really see a different guy.”
WELCOME BACK: Davidson's appearance was his first with Pirates since Feb. 27. He had been competing with Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

Pirates-Twins Notebook 3/12

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Eric Hinske spent the last two days taking swings off a hitting tee, his first semblance of baseball activity since suffering a left rib contusion early in the spring.
Manager John Russell is looking forward to getting the veteran outfielder back in the lineup.
“He’s coming around,” Russell said. “We still have time. Hopefully, we get him out there a little sooner rather than later now, because before you know it, you’re going to start running out of time. But I think he’s pretty close to getting some field activity and progressing a little further and get him in the games here hopefully, pretty soon.”
Hinske is hitless in three at-bats this spring.
Russell said utility infielder Andy Philips (back tightness) is day-to-day, while switch-hitting second basemen Shelby Ford (jammed wrist) will be shut down for a few days.
“It’s a little tender (Thursday) swinging left handed,” Russell said. “We’ll just monitor it.”
POWER UP: Craig Monroe wasn’t the only Pirate to go yard Thursday – Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit also homered for Pittsburgh.
It was the second of the spring for McLouth and first for Doumit. Both came in the third inning off Minnesota starter Scott Baker.
LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK: Reliever Sean Burnett has given up runs in two consecutive outings after allowing just one run over his first four games.
Burnett, who surrendered a home run Monday against the Boston Red Sox, was touched up for three runs on four hits Thursday against the Twins. His ERA is 6.43 on the spring.
HERE THEY COME: Thursday’s attendance was 5,215 – the third consecutive game the Pirates drew over 5,000 fans to McKechnie Field.
The next two home games should also pack them in: the Pirates host the New York Yankees on Saturday and will play the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in the first of McKechnie Field’s two night games this spring.
HE’S BACK: Dave Davidson has returned to the Pirates after Canada failed to make it out of pool play of the World Baseball Classic.
A reliever, Davidson is scheduled to pitch Friday against the Phillies. His last appearance for the Pirates was Feb. 27 against the Atlanta Braves.

Pirate Notes 3/9

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

BRADENTON – The results weren’t there, but the progress was.
Consequently, Pirates starter Tom Gorzelanny was pleased with his outing Monday against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field.
“I was trying to get a few things down, and felt I made some really good strides with that,” he said. “But working on stuff during the games doesn’t always go your way.”
Gorzelanny allowed a three-run home run to Josh Bard, the third batter of the game, after he hit Nick Green and walked Jed Lowrie. Two innings later, Gorzelanny allowed a solo shot to Green that bounced off the green batter’s eye in centerfield.
The lefty said he was working on basic things Monday, such as tightening up his mechanics.
“This is the time to do it,” he said. “I felt that I made some good strides. Now I’ll get to work more on it in the next bullpen and the next game.”
After winning 14 games in 2007 – the first Pirate lefty to win that many since Denny Neagle in 1996 – Gorzelanny went 6-9 last year with an ERA of 6.66.
“With everything that happened last season with me…it kind of affected me mentally, and I’m kind of using this spring to get over that,” he said. “Now I feel good, I can throw strikes and I can put the ball where I want it. We’re getting there and I’m excited. I feel real positive about what happened (Monday) and where I’m going in the next outing and next bullpen.”


WELCOME BACK: Outfielder Jose Tabata, who had been sidelined with a sore right shoulder, went 3-for-3 Monday with four RBIs, and tied the game with a two-run double in the 10th.
It was the first hit of the spring for Tabata, acquired for the New York Yankees last July.
“This kid has the potential to be a special player,” said manager John Russell. “He’s a good guy to have in the organization.”
PLEADING HIS CASE: Garrett Jones continues to surge as he fights for a spot on the Pirates’ Opening Day roster.
The outfielder/first baseman stroked two doubles, scored three runs and made a diving play on a grounder at first Monday. Jones is batting .409 and has scored nine runs in 10 games this spring.
LONG ONE: Monday’s game lasted four hours and 10 minutes and included 17 pitchers.
DRIVING ‘EM IN: Freddy Sanchez went 0-for-2 Monday, but drove in two runs, giving him six RBIs in eight games.
He’s also batting .389.

Pirates-Astros Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON — John Russell is always quick to point out spring training stats don’t appear on the back of bubble gum cards.
But the Pittsburgh Pirates manager is pleased with how his team is swinging the bats, especially with the way the Pirates’ approached Sunday’s 11-4 win over the Houston Astros at McKechnie Field.
The Pirates (8-3) hit three home runs — a solo shot by Freddy Sanchez, and a pair of two-run blasts from Craig Monroe and Garrett Jones — banged out 10 hits and drew nine walks, including three with bases loaded during a five-run eighth inning.
“They’ve worked really well all spring,” Russell said. “The nice thing about this spring is not only are our starters doing pretty well, but our bench guys — the guys who are trying to make the club or some of our minor league guys. We’re very happy with the depth that we have this year. Those guys are doing a good job when they come in the game, so it’s been a nice mix for us.”
Jones, a non-roster invitee, went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, pushing his spring average to .368. And Monroe, who is also trying to make the club, is now hitting .273 with two home runs and four RBIs on the spring.

GOOD START: Confirming that managers don’t just look at the linescore in the spring, Russell was happy with starting pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, who gave up six hits and two runs — one earned — in 3 1/3 innings.
“His change-up was better, and his sinker was really good (Sunday),” Russell said. “He worked both sides of the plate. His slider was a little bit more inconsistent, so it seems like we’re still in the process of tightening it up. But it was a good outing for him.”
Acquired from the New York Yankees last July, Ohlendorf is competing for a spot in Pittsburgh’s starting rotation.

THINNING OUT: There are currently 57 players in major-league camp for the Pirates, but that number may change early this week.
“We’ll have a small number later this week, and we’re probably seven to 10 days away from a bigger send down,” said general manager Neal Huntington. “We’re still so early in camp that our numbers are manageable at this point in time. There will be a couple of guys who really don’t have a legitimate chance to make the club who may go down early, and the next group will be younger players who will now need to get some consistent work in minor-league games.”

WE WILL MEET AGAIN: Sunday’s game marked the last meeting between the Pirates and Astros this spring. But the National League Central foes play each other 15 times during the regular season, beginning with the Pirates’ home-opener April 13.

Pirates Notes 3/6

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Virgil Vasquez, who is recovering from biceps tendonitis, made his spring debut during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 8-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday at McKechnie Field.
Vasquez allowed three hits and two runs in two innings, but pitched well in the third, when he struck out two and made a nifty bare-handed grab of a combacker.
“I thought he threw the ball OK,” said Pirates manager John Russell. “He looks like he has an idea of what he’s doing. He looks like he likes to compete…It was a nice, good first look.”
Claimied off waivers from the San Diego Padres in January, Vasquez appeared in five games for the Detriot Tigers in 2007.
WALKER’S BIG DAY: Third baseman Neil Walker may have struck out to end the game, but he went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored, pushing his spring average up to .278.
BIG BLAST: Andrew McCutchen homered off the scoreboard in the fifth inning. It was his first of the spring.
Though he’s batting just .143 this spring, McCutchen is beginning to show signs of snapping free of his funk.
“He’s starting to feel more comfortable at the plate,” Russell said. “He’s been hitting the ball pretty well the last few games.
“He’s making progress, and we like the way he’s going about it.”
MEEK MOWING ‘EM DOWN: Evan Meek pitched a perfect eighth inning Friday, and hasn’t been scored upon in five innings this spring.
Meek has allowed one hit and has struck out five thus far this spring.
BREAKING THE STREAK: Reliever Jesse Chavez didn’t allow a run for the first time this spring, striking out the side in the seventh.
Prior to Friday’s performance, Chavez had allowed at least one run in each of his first three games, including two Feb. 28 against the Houston Astros.

Pirates-Reds Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com

BRADENTON - Eric Hinske hopes to get back into a ballgame soon.
"I'm bored," said Pittsburgh's newly-acquired outfielder.
That said, Hinske, who didn't make the trip to Sarasota on Thursday when the Pirates played the Reds, understands. The Pirates want to make sure his left hip contusion is completely healed, and don't see a need to rush him, given that it's only March.
"I still feet it when I cough a little bit," he said Tuesday morning at Pirate City. "It's getting better, but they don't want me to feel it at all before I start baseball activity again. Everything I do is right there, you know?"
That means Hinske won't play when the Pirates host his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays, 1:05 p.m. Friday at McKechnie Field.

PEARCE OUT: Steven Pearce is nursing a sore right calf, and manager John Russell doesn't know when he'll get back into a game.
"We'll just have to wait and see," he said. "He's still on hold until we get a little bit of the soreness out."
Pearce has been able to take batting practice, but that's been it.
"No game activity," Russell said.

SMOOTH RUNNING FORD: Second baseman Shelby Ford continues to impress. Ranked as one of the top 10 Pirate prospects by Baseball America, Ford went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored, and played all 10 innings Thursday. He is batting .385 on the spring.

Pirate Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Andy LaRoche put too much pressure on himself last year.
This according to Andy LaRoche, who hit .152 after the Pirates acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Last year I was lunging at the ball and trying to hit it as hard as I could,” he said, “instead of just letting the pitcher supply the power.”
LaRoche supplied his own Wednesday, hitting a two-run home run in the Pirates’ 2-1 win over Minnesota at McKechnie Field.
LaRoche, whose older brother, Adam, is the Pirates first baseman, is more relaxed this spring, not trying to impress anyone or do too much.
Consequently, he’s hitting .500.
“It’s nice to get home runs,” said manager John Russell, “but why I’ve been impressed with him is he’s using a big part of the field for the most part…Most of his have pretty much come up the middle, he’s staying off the ball. That’s what happens when you get that confidence when you’re staying on the ball.”
MEEK STRONG: Evan Meek recorded his third save of the spring Wednesday and hasn’t given up a run in four appearances. Meek has allowed one hit and struck out four in four innings thus far.
MLB IS ON THE WAY: The new MLB Network, channel 159 in Bradenton, will spend Thursday and Friday with the Pirates as part of their 30 Teams in 30 Days. Covering the Buccos will be Trenni Kusnierek, who used to work for FSN Pittsburgh.
BE BACK SOON: After Thursday’s trip to Sarasota to face the Reds, the Pirates return to Bradenton on Friday to host the Tampa Bay Rays for the first of five meetings between the two teams.

Pirates Notes - March 3

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Pittsburgh’s customary starters didn’t play during the Pirates’ 5-4 win over the Netherlands on Tuesday at McKechnie Field.
So guys such as Garrett Jones, Andy Phillips and Craig Monroe took advantage of the playing time, as the trio – all of whom are non-roster invitees – accounted for four of the team’s five RBIs.
Jones played the whole game in right field, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, looking like the guy manager John Russell remembered from his days as a minor-league manager.
“He’s a good bat with guys on base. Whether he was hitting .220 or .260, he always seemed to have his RBIs,” Russell said. “He has good at-bats with guys on base. It’s a nice trait to have.”
Phillips played the whole game at first base and doubled in a run, while Monroe went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a run scored.
GOOD PROGRESS: Bert Blyleven, the pitching coach for the Netherlands who spent 1978-80 pitching for the Pirates, approved the organization’s decision to pick up Russell’s option for 2010 season.
“I think John Russell will do a great job,” he said.
Blyleven plans on being in Pittsburgh when the Pirates celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1979 World Series champions. But he also still gets a kick out of visiting McKechnie Field and Pirate City, which is where the Netherlands trained in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
“They’ve done a great job with the field,” he said. “And the complex, Pirate City, is unbelievable.”
CONTRACTS: The Pirates gave one-year contracts to six players Tuesday: pitchers Jimmy Barthmaier ($400,500), Sean Burnett ($408,500), Craig Hansen ($850,000) and Donnie Veal ($400,000); catcher Steve Lerud ($400,000), and infielder Neil Walker ($400,000).
SNELL UPDATE: Pirate pitcher Ian Snell, playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, gave up a hit in three innings Tuesday during Puerto Rico’s exhibition game with the Minnesota Twins.
Snell struck out the side in the first inning.

Pirates Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
BRADENTON – Nate McLouth’s diving catch saved two runs in the second.
Andrew McCutchen gunned down a runner trying to tag up from the third.
A trio of infielders nearly turned a triple play.
Defense was the name of game for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, who defeated the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 in front of 2,841 fans at McKechnie Field.
“What’s going to be a big key for us is defense, as well as pitching,” said manager John Russell. “But they go hand in hand.”
The score was tied at 1 before McCutchen threw out the Reds’ Paul Janish trying to tag up in the eighth inning. In the bottom half, McCutchen scored the game-winning run on Andy Phillips’ single.
It was a sacrifice bunt by Luis Cruz that put McCutchen into scoring position.
“Especially in the spring for us, it stresses how much the little things help win games,” Russell said. “We concentrate on good throws from the outfield, we throw a guy out at the plate…Things like that really help you.”
The Pirates (5-1) nearly turned a triple play in the third, when with two on and none out, third baseman Neil Walker fielded a grounder, tagged Wes Bankston going from second to third and forced Chris Dickerson at second.
Second baseman Freddy Sanchez made a solid throw to first – but the batter, Jeff Keppinger, just beat it out.
Walker, who was playing in the baseline, was surprised to see Bankston in front of him. The runner from second usually stops if the ball is hit to the third baseman, in turn forcing the fielder to tag the bag.
Instead, Walker just tapped Bankston and fired to Sanchez.
“It was close,” Russell said.
FAMILILAR FACE: Former Tampa Bay Ray Jonny Gomes started at first base for the Reds on Monday, and received a nice ovation from the fans. Gomes went 1-for-1 with an RBI, and is batting .375 on the spring.
SEE YOU SOON: Pirate pitchers Ian Snell (Puerto Rico) and Dave Davidson (Canada), along with infielder Ramon Vazquez (Puerto Rico), will be playing in the World Baseball Classic and joined their teams Sunday. Pirate’s athletic trainer Mike Sandoval is working as the Mexican team’s trainer, while Luis Dorante, Pittsburgh’s bullpen coach, is helping coach the Venezuelan team.
PART ONE OF SIX: Monday’s game was the first of six scheduled meetings this spring between the Reds and Pirates, and the fans should get their fill of the rivalry now – this is the Reds’ final spring in Sarasota. The two teams meet for real when the Pirates head to Cincinnati during the first weekend of the regular season.